All-ACC LB Denzel Perryman returning to Miami for 2014
Miami linebacker Denzel Perryman will bypass an opportunity to enter the 2014 NFL Draft and return to Miami for his senior season.
•
1 min read
Miami linebacker Denzel Perryman will return for his senior season, saving the Hurricanes from a potentially major loss in its defensive unit for 2014.
Perryman made an immediate impact for the Hurricanes, finishing second on the team in tackles his freshman and sophomore season. The junior led Miami with 108 stops in 2013, earning first-team All-ACC honors from the league's coaches and media.
"I decided to stay because it is the best decision for me and my family," Perryman said in an official release. "Ever since Coach Golden got here, I feel like this program is moving forward and will continue to rise under his direction.
"This coaching staff is dedicated to player development and getting us better. I’ve grown as a player and person each year thanks to them."
According to Perryman, the opportunity to continue rebuilding Miami under Al Golden lured him back.
"Before this season, we hadn’t had a 9-win season in a long time," Perryman said. "For those of us in my class who had never been to a bowl game because of the sanctions, it was a great feeling and I want to be a part of the next step forward."
The Hurricanes will have seven or eight defensive starters returning from this year's unit, hoping to improve on an inconsistent 2013. Miami's defense ranked No. 12 in the ACC and No. 80 nationally in yards per play allowed (5.75).
