Denzel Perryman

Voted first-team All-ACC by the coaches and a third-team All-American following a senior season with a career-high 110 tackles. Perryman's impact has been felt seemingly since day one in Coral Gables, as he saw action in 12 games and was the team's second-leading tackler as a true freshman in 2011, then earned All-ACC Honorable Mention accolades as a sophomore after playing in nine games with six starts at middle linebacker. Moved outside as a junior (108 tackles, five for loss, 1.5 sacks) and earned All-ACC honors before switching back inside as a senior to record career-highs in tackles (110), tackles for loss (9.5), forced fumbles (three) and sacks (two). His skill set and physical makeup suggest he'd be best suited to play inside at the next level, but Perryman is not just an in-the-box defender. He has the athleticism and awareness to remain on the field on passing downs.

comparison

London Fletcher, retired

strengths

Lacks desirable height but has the look of a prototypical inside 'backer with a stout, thick frame. Instinctive and tough. Showed improved closing speed and explosiveness as a tackler in 2014. Strong, active hands, agile feet and good use of leverage free him from blocks. Good burst and lower-body flexibility. Picks up routes quickly. Smooth hips to hitch himself to a crossing route and maintain stride-for-stride coverage on slot receivers. Durable. Voted team captain.

perryman has a long ways to go to warrant comparison to fletcher, a four-time pro bowler who never missed a game to injury in 16 seasons in the nfl. like the 5-10, 242 pound fletcher, perryman is a compact, instinctive defender whose open-field tackling and awareness could result in a long and distinguished pro career.

--Derek Stephens, Rob Rang

weaknesses

Short, squatty frame that leave him overmatched at the line of scrimmage and best suited to remaining inside at the next level. Highly aggressive. Will occasionally takes false steps towards the line of scrimmage and leave himself trailing and vulnerable in play-action.

Rated as three-star prospect according to ESPNU and Rivals.com

Ranked 25th and 28th at position by Rivals.com and ESPNU, respectively

Described as punishing tackler

Recorded 137 tackles, seven for losses, four sacks and one interception return for touchdown as senior

Area Defensive Player of the Year as junior, registering 126 solo tackles

Racked up 105 tackles, four sacks and two interceptions as sophomore

Also considered Florida State, LSU, Notre Dame and Florida.