Chargers News: Denzel Perryman Provides Leadership
The San Diego Chargers have struck gold in the line backer department. The current group of linebackers led by Donald Butler, Manti Te’o and Melvin Ingram now have an influence of youth. Both Denzel Perryman and Kyle Emanuel have looked stellar in camp and each could easily push the veterans for playing time.
The Chargers now have a great problem, too many bodies in a position that had been traditionally weak for the team. Teo has struggled with injuries and Butler has struggled with consistency. Perryman seems poised to be very useful this upcoming season for the team. The Chargers could not be happier.
Perryman shows the knowledge and fire you don’t typically see from a young linebacker. He is only 21 years old and to say he has a bright future, is a huge understatement. The #52 jersey Perryman wears now and through his college years speaks volumes to the player he is. That same #52 jersey was worn by Ray Lewis at the University of Miami. With the intensity and leadership Lewis brought daily, it shows great character that he decided to wear that number in college. He is not afraid to put weight on his shoulders and carry the load if need be.
Perryman is described as “Very Instinctive” and with a high motor. He likes contact and is not afraid to put his helmet down and make a tackle. The Chargers needed a thumper like that in their linebacking corp. Perryman will help lead this team with his intensity and keep the defense fired up. Youth will do that to a team.
In the past few years the defense has seemed rather stoic and bland. The defense has performed but the lack of fire was really evident to the fans. Both Emanuel and Perryman bring youth and fire to the defense and both look as though they will perform despite being first year pros. To play defense in the NFL you have to get riled up and play with intensity. The Chargers should be much better on defense at home this year and should be better around the goal line too.
At the University of Miami, Perryman had 351 total tackles. He was a Freshman All-American in 2011 for the school. Last season Perryman led the defense with 110 tackles, one interception, 1.5 sacks, five pass defenses, and three forced fumbles. He was a 3rd team All-American and 1st team All-ACC linebacker last year. Perryman was also a Butkus Award finalist for the last two college seasons. His leadership and performance abilities are easily recognized.
In his professional debut last week against the Dallas Cowboys, Perryman was very impressive. He seemed like he was all over the field. He finished the games with five tackles and a pass defend. Even though it was his first game, Perryman seemed in charge if the defense. He has great leadership abilities and Mike McCoy is witnessing it first hand.
Charges fans are eager and ready for some football. The team seems poised to make a run at the playoffs. It is easy to say this years squad might be the most talented Chargers team in the last 3-5 years. Lets just see if all that talent can equal wins on game day. A very exciting time to be a Chargers fan, are you ready San Diego?
James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.