Rumored last week to be cannonballing into the April draft pool, USC defensive lineman Nick Perry has made it official.
Head coach Lane Kiffin confirmed late Saturday that the defensive end is indeed foregoing his another season of eligibility and making himself available for the NFL draft. Perry becomes the second Trojan in the past couple of days to make that decision; on Thursday, offensive tackle Matt Kalil confirmed he would be leaving USC early as well.
“We counseled Nick throughout his decision-making process, and we stand behind him on this decision,” Coach Lane Kiffin said Saturday. “His career progression at USC continued climbing to a point where he was ready to make the jump to the NFL. ...
“He was an awesome pass rusher for us and he created havoc throughout the Pac-12 this year in a league that featured many of the nation’s most dangerous passing offenses. He will be a valued addition to any NFL team and should be an attractive choice in the upcoming draft.”
Perry, a four-star member of the Trojans’ 2008 recruiting class, led the Pac-12 in sacks with 9.5 in 2011.