Miami Hurricanes LB Charles Perry out for the season
After sustaining an injury to his “lower left extremity” Miami Hurricanes backup linebacker Charles Perry has been lost for the season. Perry sustained the injury on a kickoff return and had to be helped from the field after being unable to put pressure on his left leg.
The official Miami Hurricanes release per the Palm Beach Post reported that Perry sustained an injury to his lower left extremity. Perry exited the game early in the third quarter. Perry was on the turf for an extended period of time following the injury.
The injury appears as though it could be serious. Miami Head Coach Mark Richt said he doesn’t know if Perry will be healthy enough to return for spring practice.
Perry has been a standout on special teams this season. He has recorded 15 tackles and interception on the season. Perry had been backing up Zach McCloud at the sam linebacker position.
Freshman DeAndre Wilder had been third string behind Perry and McCloud. He’s next in line for more playing time. Backup linebackers Derrion Owens, Mike Smith and Freshman Bradley Jennings should all see some snaps with Perry out for the season.
Richt spoke about how Miami will replace the Junior linebacker.
"“It’s always a trickle-down situation…It pushes one more guy into the role.”"
Perry’s loss comes after losing backup defensive end Demetrius Jackson last week. Every team suffers attrition at this time of year. Jackson had led Miami in tackles for loss with seven and a half at the time of his injury. He has also three and a half sacks on the season.
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Owens has been a playmaker this season in a limited role. He has 17 tackles and three tackles for loss. Jennings and Wilder have not been nearly as productive.
Most of Wilder’s play this season has been on special teams. Owens is listed as the backup at weakside linebacker behind Michael Pinckney.
According to the Palm Beach Post defensive back, Sheldrick Redwine and defensive tackle Anthony Moten were also injured. Matt Porter of the Palm Beach Post reported.
"“Midway through the fourth quarter, starting safety Sheldrick Redwine landed awkwardly on his right side while defending a pass, and needed some assistance before jogging off.Midway through the first quarter, backup defensive tackle Anthony Moten limped off, favoring his lower left leg.” Richt said about Redwine and Moten: “Those guys are fine”"
If Miami can get up big like they have the last two weeks, Richt and defensive coordinator Manny Diaz should be able to get playing time for the backups before they play Clemson in the ACC Championship game.
Next: Miami Hurricanes Recreating Home Mystique
Richt and Diaz like to rotate their players to get the reserves playing time as much as three deep. That pays big dividends as the season goes on. Particularly when a team suffers injuries.