C.J. Perry talks decision

C.J. Perry, outside linebacker from Bessemer (Ala.) Academy, needed two trips to Hattiesburg, Miss. to know it was the right place for his college career. Perry committed to the Golden Eagles Tuesday evening. Andrew Bone has the latest news with the new verbal pledge.

"I committed to Southern Miss," said C.J. Perry. "I committed not too long ago. The first time my father, cousin and I went to their Junior Day it felt right to me. I felt like I was at home."

"I loved the place when I went to Junior Day. My father said whenever I go next time and it feels like home to go ahead and pull the trigger. My team and I were down there today for a 7-on-7 tournament. It felt like home to me.

"I called coach Fedora and coach Kap [Kapilovic]. I told them I was wanted to commit. They loved it. Coach Kap put me on the phone with everyone. I really felt the love there."

Perry talked more of the Golden Eagles.

"I liked all the coaches," he said. "All the coaches are real nice and cool. All the defensive coaches are cool. I have a good relationship with coach Kap and coach Duggan. I really like coach Duggan a lot. Coach Fedora is a real nice guy and standup man.

"They said they need players to come in and help them win. When I went down for Junior Day and today I loved the place. I got to talk to all the players at Junior Day. I felt the love there."

The 6-foot-2.5, 215-pound athlete was recruited to play on the defensive side of the ball.

"They recruited me as either a Hybrid defensive end/linebacker or play inside linebacker," said Perry. "I love defense. Defense hasn't always been my main thing, but I have grown to love it more than offense. That's a good thing. I like flying around hitting people and sacking the quarterback."