For the second consecutive day, the USC Trojans have lost another junior to the professional ranks. On Saturday, defensive end Nick Perry decided to skip his senior season and enter the 2012 NFL Draft. Perry joins offensive lineman Matt Kalil, who declared for the draft on Friday.
Perry helped the Trojans defense immensely in his junior season, leading the team with 13 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks. In the latest mock NFL draft by SB Nation, Perry was not listed as a potential first round pick though both Kalil and quarterback Matt Barkley stand to be picked in the top 10. Barkley has yet to announce his decision.
As he was with Kalil, head coach Lane Kiffin was supportive of Perry in his decision to go pro. "We counseled Nick throughout his decision-making process and we stand behind him on this decision. His career progression at USC continued climbing to a point where he was ready to make the jump to the NFL," Kiffin said in a statement on Saturday. "He was an awesome pass rushing 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."
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