Kalib Perry's prior experience at DB helps him reach full potential at LB

Before attending Tennessee for his freshman season, Vols linebacker Kalib Perry was a standout for Great Crossing High School in Georgetown, Kentucky.

After posting an 8-3 record his senior year and racking up a team-high 85 tackles with 9.5 tackles for loss, Perry was given a three-star rating by Rivals making him the No. 6 player in his state.

One attribute that helped Perry get looks from colleges across the SEC before landing with Tennessee was his ability to play multiple positions on the field. While many linebackers only played one spot at the prep level, Vols head coach Josh Heupel said Perry might have saw time at 10 of the 11 positions before joining the program.

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Despite the experience at a myriad of spots, Perry has specifically played as the will linebacker behind Aaron Beasley since arriving on campus.

He says this freedom at the position lends itself to his skillset.

"I believe that because coach (Brian Jean-Mary) sees me as a fast and athletic guy that can cover," said Perry on why the position fits him. "I can make plays on the weak side or I can go all the way to the field if need be. So I think he sees me as a guy that can move. Long and tall and can use my speed to my advantage."

Credit must be given to Perry's background for his current athleticism and speed, though. Some of the positions he played in high school outside of linebacker included defensive back.

While in this role, he was forced to drop into coverage and see how formations led to certain plays. Now, he takes these same principles into his mindset when playing linebacker.

This specifically has translated to the man coverage he is currently being tasked with.

"Whenever I see certain formations and seeing them as a broad perspective, but also just covering," said Perry on how playing as a back helps him now. "I have kind of had a transition with covering guys in man defense with vertical hooks and stuff like that, so I think that was a big part of it. Being able to play man coverage has helped me a lot, and I am transitioning that to linebacker now."

In his freshman season, these principles were on display.

In 12 appearances, Perry racked up 14 tackles and two QB hurries. He also managed to block a punt on special teams.

Now, Perry is attempting to gain additional comfort at his new spot. Since the end of last season, he has put his attention to fully changing his mindset to one of a linebacker.

"I think just getting more comfortable with it and seeing things differently as a linebacker," said Perry. "You are going to approach more contact as a linebacker because you are right there by the linemen. Just seeing things, recognizing formations and knowing where to be at. As a defensive back in high school, you are sitting back and seeing everything, but when you are down and depending on the linemen, that can take away from a play. So, not taking myself out of a play and being efficient with what I'm doing."

Perry will have a little less than a month to fully prepare himself for his sophomore year. He currently is projected to provide depth at the linebacker position but will almost certainly be called upon in big moments throughout the season.

With his versatility, it'll be hard to keep him off the field.

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