Denzel Perryman got his first verbal scholarship offer when he was just a freshman at Coral Gables High -- and It came from his beloved Hurricanes, delivered by linebackers coach Micheal Barrow.
After waiting four years for an answer, the three-time All Dade First team middle linebacker finally told the Canes Saturday to count him in their next recruiting class. Perryman (5-11, 215) was so anxious to deliver the news he told UM coaches before his official visit this weekend was even over.
"My heart has always been here," said Perryman, who racked up 134 tackles and eight sacks in 10 games his senior season. "Basically, I didn't want to lose my scholarship or whatever. I knew I wanted to be here."
Perryman, considered one of the nation's top 20 inside linebackers by ESPN, said he probably would have committed to UM earlier in the process. But he said he just wanted to make sure Barrow was going to be on Al Golden's staff and that UM's new coach also wanted him here.
"When I heard Coach Shannon was fired I got real nervous," Perryman said. "Coach Barrow and I grew real close. The fact he stayed was a huge plus for me."
Also a plus: the fact new defensive coordinator Mark D'Onofrio coached Perryman's older brother, Quintero Frierson at Rutgers.
"My brother played for him his freshman year, told me he was a great coach," Perryman said. "I never met him when he was coaching my brother. But I like what his plan is for the defense. I met him two weeks ago. He's a real good guy."
Perryman, one of nearly a dozen recruits at UM this weekend, became the 12th commitment for the Canes leading up to National Signing Day (Feb. 2). UM has at least three more available scholarships -- if not more.
Perryman said he expects UM's top recruit, defensive end Anthony Chickillo, to reaffirm his commitment to UM on Sunday. Chickillo, the MVP of the Under Armour All-American game, had been wavering since former coach Randy Shannon was fired.
"I think we both were just waiting to see how this new ataff was going to be," said Perryman, who is rooming with Chickillo on the visit to UM. "But now that we know what they are about, you feel good about The U."
Perryman said he and Chickillo have turned their focus to trying to get Miami Booker T. Washington defensive tackle Elkino Watson to commit to UM, too. Watson is a surprise visitor this weekend.
> Miami Belen linebacker Nick Menocal switched his commitment late tonight from UM to Georgia Tech. Menocal, who committed to the program when Shannon was still coach, had been asked by Golden to play offense. He felt he was a better fit at Georgia Tech.
He is the second former Shannon recruit Golden has parted ways with over the last two weeks. Cornerback Jeremy Davis was encouraged to look elsewhere.
Awesome! Welcome to the U!
Posted by: SFCane | January 22, 2011 at 06:43 PM
Welcome to THE U.
Posted by: Cindy | January 22, 2011 at 06:44 PM
He and Chickillo are trying to sway others. Including Chickillo in that sentence is great! What a weekend.
Manny, we're to 13 recruits and we have 16 if not more to give. But assuming it's only 16 and we want 2 QB's, that leaves one left. Who are we rooting for there?
And any word on those QB's? One is on campus this weekend right?
Go Canes!
Posted by: ChicagoCane | January 22, 2011 at 06:44 PM
Mandingo! Kamustas. You wanted to get the canes scoop so fast that the typos can wait for later. LOL.
DP! Welcome aboard. I don't care what the stars system say but this current class is rockin! Hope some leaders are in this group.
Posted by: Pinoycane | January 22, 2011 at 06:45 PM
Any audio link to the interview? No more plans for the Manny and Blustein HS recruitment show?
Posted by: Pinoycane | January 22, 2011 at 06:47 PM
5' 10" 180 lbs. Manny might want to check your notes on this kid or get an updated one. Maybe when he was a freshman and Barrow gave him the scholarship he was 180
Posted by: Cuse Cane | January 22, 2011 at 06:57 PM
You mean Welcome to the (THE NEW "U"). If we could get a couple more that would be huge!!!
I have to say Golden is impresive.
Posted by: Georgia Cane | January 22, 2011 at 07:01 PM
Keep 'em comin! Looking forward to next season!
Posted by: cawyst | January 22, 2011 at 07:05 PM
Congrats Denzel, welcome to the U! Ekino would be stellar, i still hope for Brissett. We wouldnt need 2 then, just one good one. Can always take a transfer like Savage and greyshirt him. Dont forget AJ highsmith still there in emergency.
Posted by: canemutiny | January 22, 2011 at 07:08 PM
It doesnt get much better than this perryman and chickillo talking everything out and working on elkino watson. Great news and great future for the U. Welcome to the U Mr. Perryman!!!! Great job Golden and coaching staff for being so passionate and not letting up for a second.
Posted by: CANESfaninSC | January 22, 2011 at 07:14 PM
5-10 180 to small for college mlb sounds familar all dade 3 years sounds like / / / ! ! V
Posted by: nate webster | January 22, 2011 at 07:20 PM
Welcome to the family! We are glad to have you!
Go Canes!
Posted by: dbc | January 22, 2011 at 07:27 PM
Perryman is 5'11, 217 lbs. That kid is big - he probably drops turds that weigh 180.
Posted by: Thugga | January 22, 2011 at 07:38 PM
I noticed 11 of 13 verbals on D
Posted by: arjuna77 | January 22, 2011 at 07:40 PM
Welcome to The U. You will be a part of greatness.
Posted by: The Brother of Sarasota Cane | January 22, 2011 at 07:41 PM
Mannie you only get 1typo per story max. Thanks for getting the new out but dayum I can tell you went to DCPS' lol jk
Posted by: Hassan | January 22, 2011 at 07:42 PM
Manny - use spellcheck
Posted by: cjgeyer | January 22, 2011 at 07:43 PM
watch his highlights he looks good on film hope he can be like jon vilma
Posted by: made n dade | January 22, 2011 at 07:44 PM
CHICKILLO will be a bust where ever he goes watch
Posted by: backspace | January 22, 2011 at 07:46 PM
Is USC TE transfer Ayles a commit or not? If so, why isn't he included anywhere? If included, wouldn't that make it 14 commits?
Posted by: canesss | January 22, 2011 at 07:48 PM
Somhow I doubt Chickillo will be a bust
Posted by: sidcane | January 22, 2011 at 07:50 PM
Ayles is not a commit he is a transfer therefor he will not be included
Posted by: sidcane | January 22, 2011 at 07:52 PM
I love to hear comments from people that have no clue about the sport or have any evidence to prove &/or backup their personal assertion/assessment!!!
A. Chickillo has the potential to be one of the best DEs in UM history, just like his father!!
This fact is based on genes!
Posted by: UM Fan | January 22, 2011 at 08:08 PM
Lol at Chickillo being a bust. 3rd generation football player that dominated VS his peers in the UA game. Idiot.
Posted by: sickofthefans | January 22, 2011 at 08:08 PM
Thank you sidcane. That's good to know.
Posted by: canesss | January 22, 2011 at 08:09 PM
CHickillo is a stud, and Perryman will be awesome. More than anything, I like that they really want to be Canes. GIve it up for Coach Golden---things are looking up at the U!
A good QB, one more DL, one more LB and possibly a top WR-- that will be a great class, considering the HC is about 4 weeks on the job.
Posted by: ATL Cane | January 22, 2011 at 08:12 PM
A. Chickillo,
If you read this blog please do not listen to the ignorant comments presented by some of the authors in this blog.
Your ability & talents are most wanted and welcomed by the true Canes fans!!!
You will be a GREAT addition to our beloved UM Hurricanes!!!!!!
Posted by: UM Fan | January 22, 2011 at 08:16 PM
mvp at the all american game is a bust? better performance than the #1 recruit equals a bust?
Posted by: UM is a better SCHOOL than UF | January 22, 2011 at 08:25 PM
CHICKILLO WILL BE A BUST OVERATED UA GM WAS AGAINST ALL HIGHSCOOL PLAYERS HE NOT THAT GOOD WE DONT NEED HIM JUST LIKE BRIDGEWATER AND ALL THE OTHER PREMADONNAS BUST BUST BUST BUST YOU WILL SEE REMEMBER WHERE YOU HEARD IT FIRST TO MUCH HYPE SEAN TAYLOR MY FAVORITE CANE WAS NEVER THIS HYPE UP NOT EVEN RAY LEWIS ED REED GET OVER CHICKOLLO CANES FANS HES NOT THAT GOOD BECAUSE HIS FAMILY SEAN TAYOLR NEVER PLAYED IN A ALLSTAR GM LOOK HOW HE TURN OUT ROSCOE PARRISH THE LIST GOES ON NO CANE IN THE NFL HAS BEEN THIS HYPED UP LIKE CHICKOLLO
Posted by: backspace | January 22, 2011 at 08:27 PM
backspace is a frustrated FU fan that is trying everything to sway Chikillo (which won't work)......try harder dude....
Posted by: Category 5 | January 22, 2011 at 08:43 PM
Yeah those high school players he was going up against are the best in the country must be a gator or Nole upset because he's not goin to those schools
Posted by: demcanes57 | January 22, 2011 at 08:43 PM
thats whats up Canes to the WurrrrrrrrLLLLLLLLLL
Posted by: flexx | January 22, 2011 at 09:02 PM
Chickie Fresh is going to kill it for The U!
What about this right here:
http://www.tampabay.com/hometeam/blog/alonsos-chickillo-earns-defensive-mvp-under-armour-game/7915/
So, Clowney wants to play opposite of Chickie Fresh, huh? What an epic tandem that would be.
Posted by: Thugga | January 22, 2011 at 09:03 PM
NO IM A DIE HARD CANE FAN JUST STATING THE FACTS I WISH WE COULD GO BACK AND SEE WHERE EVERY CANE RANKED FROM 96 -2001 IN THESE RIVALS AND ALL THE OTHER SITES ITS JUST OVER RATED SANTANA MOSS CAME TO THE U ON A TRACK SCOLARSHIP LOOK HOW HE TURNED OUT WAS NOT IN THE TOP 150 OR EVEN A TOP 150 WR ITS ABOUT HARDWORK NOT RANKINGS I BET HE HAD A BETTER CAREER THAN THE NUMBER 1 WR THAT YEAR AND THAT WAS 98 BY THE WAY IM JUST SAYING THOUGH KEEP ON BELIEVING THESE RANKINGS CANES HAD THE #1 CLASS IN 08 BUT TURNS OUT IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN ALABAMA JONES AND INGRAM MCLEROY AND JUCO MT CODY LOOK IT UP RANKINGS MEAN NOTHING CHICKOLLO IS NOT ALL THAT IF YOUR CANE THEN YOUR A CANE SIMPLE
Posted by: backspace | January 22, 2011 at 09:05 PM
BY THE WAY IM ENTITLED TO MY OPINION THAT DOES NOT MAKE ME A GATOR NOLE OR ANYTHING ELSE
Posted by: backspace | January 22, 2011 at 09:09 PM
An informed opinion gives you respect. Trashing someone without basis in fact makes you a moron open to insult and abuse.
Posted by: Details | January 22, 2011 at 09:13 PM
majority of the "verbals" are defense. you win championships with defense. I believe the new staff is going about the return of Miami to the forefront of the football world. Give this new staff the time needed and you will see the results in the very near future.
Posted by: bevilandcanes | January 22, 2011 at 09:14 PM
DP Welcome to the U, you will make both our alma maters proud.
Posted by: Bea | January 22, 2011 at 09:34 PM
The news just keeps getting better and better! Just a hunch, but the best is still to come.
Posted by: DaaaU | January 22, 2011 at 10:03 PM
Hey Backspace, can you please turn off your caps lock, your post is a little tough to read.
Hats off to Golden- he is putting together a strong class with only a few days to recruit.
Posted by: cornmeister | January 22, 2011 at 10:03 PM
Now that's a positive recruit who you want in your locker room Welcome to the U!
Posted by: Storm Debris | January 22, 2011 at 10:04 PM
great news - chick will come and will shine - Golden is Gold
Posted by: BG | January 22, 2011 at 10:26 PM
What a goof. backspace outta here. Canes fans be happy. Golden is putting it on and I cannot wait until he has a whole year of recruiting these players. I love the last four recruits we signed. Speed and toughness is what we need. Gator fans and FSU fans watch out...The canes are back, and if not why are all these fans coming onto our sites, because they are scared, that is the plain truth. I have never been on a gator or FSU site and don't want to.
Posted by: david | January 22, 2011 at 10:30 PM
Miami was losing ground with perryman when shannon was hc. this is amazing how he is building up the depth. I'm ready for a full season of recruiting by Golden and his staff. If he lands Ray Drew this could the beginning of a Golden era. No pun intended.
Posted by: Andy | January 22, 2011 at 10:32 PM
back-a&&space: You dumb-aa. back in the day there was no Tom Luginbill. No rivasls.com. No ESPN.com. No widespread internet. No texting, barley emails. Hype is now a product of the widespread dissemination of media and information.
His chance to prove himself came in the allstar game. he outplayed Jadeveon Clowney, who indeed has been hyped by espn.
By the way thugga- You think 5-11 217 is big? we got a nother MLB coming in who is 6+ 227-235. Maybe not as fast as Perryman, but between the two there will be h-- to pay in the middle!
Posted by: The Golden Age is here | January 22, 2011 at 10:32 PM
welcome Perryman. You bleed green and orange son, so does chik filet. Two true canes coming in. baby. No more Bryce Browns No more overhyped primadonnas. time to get down to business baby. Time to get thuggish. yeah.
Posted by: The Golden Age is here | January 22, 2011 at 10:34 PM
TIME FOR THE THE SWAGGA TO SHINE AGAIN,LETS GET TWO QUATER BACKS,ANOTHER WIDE RECIEVER,MARLIN LANE RB.AND OLEARY THE TE. AND WILL WILL HAVE A GREAT START TO NEXT YEAR.THE GOLDEN AGE HAS STARTED.CANE SINCE 1970
Posted by: hotrodrunner57 | January 22, 2011 at 10:51 PM
I FORGOT ONE OTHER THE CHICK MAN YOU WILL BRING US FULL CIRCLE.CANE SINCE 1970
Posted by: hotrodrunner57 | January 22, 2011 at 10:54 PM
chickillo = arthur and bryce brown
Posted by: backspace | January 22, 2011 at 10:59 PM
we will see oh yeah golden age if clowney was a verbal here at the u you would be praising him lol ive had the net since 98 and countdown to signing day was my favorite show lol chickillo 5 stars mean nothing what he does at the u (if he comes) means everything!!!!
Posted by: backspace | January 22, 2011 at 11:04 PM