Denzel Perryman Steps Up on Sunday

With four days of camp and two days in pads under his belt, training camp is becoming a smoother ride for inside linebacker Denzel Perryman. 

Having shown some flashes in shorts, Sunday’s second padded practice proved beneficial for the rookie.

Even Head Coach Mike McCoy was impressed with the rookie’s performance today.

“(Practice) was outstanding,” McCoy said.  “You saw 52 step up there and make some big collisions on lead blockers whether there was a running back, fullback or a guard at the second level.”

Perryman, who was grateful for his coach’s comments, said he feels like he’s getting more comfortable as each day passes.

“I feel like I did pretty good today and that means a lot,” Perryman said.  “It means I’m progressing as the days go on and camp goes on which is what every player wants to do.  The day was pretty intense.  We did a half-line drill today and in college that was the drill to get practice started.  It brought a lot of energy to the front seven because right after that we went to team drills so it was a pretty physical day.”

At 5-11, 240-pounds, Perryman is a thumper who enjoys playing downhill football.  He’s currently one of four rookies on the inside linebacking corps but said he’s been enjoying soaking up as much knowledge as he can from his veteran peers.

“You just learn from those guys,” Perryman added.  “Even when I’m not in, I just sit back and watch and ask questions while I’m on the sideline.  You just get a lot of knowledge overall and add things to your game based on what (the veterans are) doing.”

Although Perryman’s a new addition, his position coach is as well.  Linebackers coach Mike Nolan joined the team this offseason and his familiarity with players from Perryman’s alma mater has helped the former Miami Hurricane.

“Coach Nolan had the opportunity to coach guys who came from UM so he’s given me stories on how they did it and how they became pros.  With him being in the league for so many years, he’s sharing his knowledge with me.”

While rookies have to prove themselves in order to carve out their own roles on the team, Perryman’s sights are set high.  He’s taken the training camp mindset of competition to heart and is willing to do whatever he can to contribute game in and game out.

“I want to execute my role on special teams and hopefully take a starting job.  It’s all about competition on this level and it’s all a business.  If I don’t get the job done, I’m pretty sure then next year they’ll bring someone else in to get the job done.  I just want to get in and help this team win.”


(chargers.com)