Perry has a new look but still same great player

INDIANAPOLIS – Ohio State linebacker Joshua Perry was a four-star prospect coming out of high school but was not one of the more talked about names in his recruiting class of 2012. The Olentangy high school star was one of five linebackers in that class but is the only one who is left standing at the NFL Scouting Combine today (Darron Lee was part of the next class).

Perry will not only leave a legacy from his play on the field but also for his involvement off the field. Perry formed a deep friendship with a young local cancer survivor, Joshua Chambers, and his "Be Brave Josh" campaign. Perry along with the University of Georgia's Malcolm Mitchell will be raising money for the Eagle Fund during the vertical jump testing event. Click here for more information on how to participate.

But don't think for a moment that Perry's charitable impact takes anything away from his impact on the field. Teams are very interested in the Ohio State leader, especially in a 3-4 system on run downs, but that all remains to be seen. Perry cannot control what may happen in the draft but will be focused on controlling what he does and says at the combine this week.

Perry should thrive in this interview setting, a setting where he will meet with multiple teams and be asked the full gambit of questions. Perry should also do well in the physical testing that has become a big part of the Scouting Combine. Then Perry will have an opportunity to build on that at Ohio State's Pro Day in March before the draft takes place at the end of April.