Interview: 5-Star 2022 DL Khurtiss Perry Dominated 6A Alabama Offenses in 2019
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
There was little surprise per se to what Khurtiss Perry did on the gridiron during his sophomore season, yet it was still awe inspiring. The 6-3, 250-pound, defensive lineman absolutely dominated opposing 6A Alabama offenses. He improved upon his freshman season with 22 tackles for loss and three sacks tallying 151 tackles, 64 solo, with 24 tackles for a loss, 11 sacks, 24 QB hurries, a pick, two passes batted down, forced two fumbles, picked one up, and blocked two field goals. His performance with Park Crossing High School earned All-Conference, All-State, and MaxPreps All-American honors and left the opposition terrorized of the Montgomery area talent.
Off the field, 18 offers have been dropped by top programs throughout the SEC, Big Ten, ACC, and Big 12 with more ready to add to his impressive list. Covering his amazing season and rapidly expanding recruiting process, Perry and I sat down for another in-depth football conversation.
*Click link for Sept. 2019 RNG interview with Khurtiss Perry
Interview
Khurtiss, if anyone had any doubts about your play on the field you more than answered it during the 2019 season. After ending up with over 150 tackles off the defensive line. Did you produce the type of season you had envisioned for yourself during the preseason?
“No, sir. I want my numbers to be higher.”
Based on your response, what will you do differently during the 2020 season?
“The goal is to get better each and every day. I will put in more work to play each snap through all four quarters to have more stats. This was only the beginning.”
You lined up at D-tackle and end within the schemes, but regardless of where you played linemen could not block you. What was working for you allowing you to shred offensive linemen all season?
“If I am getting off the ball before the offensive lineman I am winning. I time my get off and I watch the ball; If I am getting off first, I am winning all night. If I am in the backfield in 1.5 seconds, I know I have made the play.”
How did your overall game improve in the trenches last season?
“It improved a lot. I can say that I used my hands more this year and I learned new things and technique. I had a faster get off.”
Of all the games played, which was your best personal performance?
“The Stanhope (Elmore) game.”
What did you do well to make that your top performance?
“I went for seven tackles for a loss, three sacks, I had a fumble recovery, and 12 QB hurries.”
Wow. That qualifies. Will you be taking on any new roles in 2020?
“I will play the 3, some at end, outside linebacker, nose guard – wherever they put me, I will go get it.”
What are you working on this offseason?
“This offseason I am working on my balance and I want to jump higher to get more PBUs (pass breakups). I am working on my get off, losing weight and gaining back the right weight. I am going for at least 20 sacks this year with 200 tackles.”
When we last spoke you were putting up monster numbers in the weight room, current maxes?
“My bench is 325 and my squat is 525.”
Going into recruiting. Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
“Ohio State, Clemson, Notre Dame, and FSU are showing interest.”
How many offers are you holding?
“18.”
Perry’s Offer Sheet: Alabama, Auburn, Central Michigan, Florida Atlantic, Georgia, Kansas, LSU, Mississippi State, Nebraska, Penn State, Tennessee, Troy, Vanderbilt, Virginia Tech, and West Virginia
Have you taken any recent visits?
“Over the last two weekends, I went to Auburn and Tennessee.”
How did the Auburn trip go?
“It went really well. I talked to Coach (Gus) Malzahn (head coach).”
And the Tennessee visit, how did that go?
“That went well too. They showed love. I talked to Coach (Jeremy) Pruitt (head coach). They are building things there.”
Are there any planned visits ahead?
“I plan on visiting Ohio State this spring, LSU, Kentucky, FSU, and Alabama.”
Being a highly sought-after recruit, what were some of the things you learned during National Signing Day on Wednesday? Was there anything that caught your eye?
“What caught my eye was being confident about the school you are going to. You want to make sure you have a great relationship with the coaching staff and they will be there for you. Your mom and dad are not around, you need to make sure the coaches are there to help take care of you if needed.”
Khurtiss, it was great catching up with you today covering your sophomore season and recruiting. Thanks for your time and good luck with all your upcoming visits.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Khurtiss Perry