Writing Illini
Fansided

Illinois Football: Roderick Perry brings depth to the Illini defensive line

By Rees Woodcock

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 5: Detail view of Big Ten logo on the end zone pylon during the Big Ten Championship between the Iowa Hawkeyes and Michigan State Spartans at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 5, 2015 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Michigan State defeated Iowa 16-13. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 5: Detail view of Big Ten logo on the end zone pylon during the Big Ten Championship between the Iowa Hawkeyes and Michigan State Spartans at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 5, 2015 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Michigan State defeated Iowa 16-13. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The hot streak continued for the Illinois football team on Thursday with another big commitment.

One of the worries for most Illini fans is the depth at defensive tackle for the upcoming campaign. We lost a lot of talent in Jamal Milan, Kenyon Jackson and Tymir Oliver. Replacing these three talented pass rushers is a tough task. But Illinois managed to snag transfer Roderick Perry to help fill that void.

Coming out of Cary High School in North Carolina, Perry wasn’t being recruited by any of the big programs. So, the eventual landing spot for the 6-foot-2, 300-pound defensive tackle was South Carolina State.


Perry would eventually blossom after taking a redshirt year at South Carolina State. This past season, he finished with 34 tackles, 4.5 sacks and a forced fumble. This great season had Perry poised for a fantastic finish to his career. But the MEAC canceled the fall season due to the worldwide pandemic, so he decided to look for a new home for his final year.

On Thursday, Perry announced that he has decided to transfer to Illinois for his final season. This isn’t just an ordinary pick up for the Illini, though. Perry has All-American type talent. According to Phil Steele, Perry was a preseason All-FCS Third Team player. That means we are getting one of the best of the best from that level of football.

Where will Perry fit in on the Illinois roster?

I believe Perry will come in and be a part of a timeshare. Jamal Woods is the most solid defensive tackle starter we have on the team. I see him starting every game for the Illini if he is healthy.

Alongside Woods, I have Calvin Avery. Avery and Perry should form a solid timeshare. These two rotating in and out is going to give Illinois fresh legs when the opposing team is driving. That will help the defense tremendously.

Do I think there is a chance Perry starts with Woods in 2020? Sure, but I think he will see about even snaps with Avery. Let’s not forget about Anthony Shipton too. All four of these defensive tackles should help the Illini win games.

Next. Illini make top 4 for Maurice Freeman. dark

Adding Perry is a big deal. Illinois now has more depth at one of the most important areas on the football field. If we can win the line of scrimmage, we can win games. Perry will help us accomplish this goal.

Home/Illinois Football