Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/638727
2016 RECRUITING ISSUE sion was a huge part of my decision. "It was tough to decommit from Florida; the coaches there are great. But Notre Dame was a very special place. It spoke for itself." With his college decision out of the way for certain in the summer, Perry used his move to IMG Academy to pre- pare himself for the rigors of the day- to-day schedule a Notre Dame football player experiences. The boarding school attracts student-athletes from across the country like Perry, who hold high aspi- rations for the next level. "The experience was great, living there on your own," Perry said. "It was a college-like environment, including study hall and academics. "You combine that with all the talent we practice against on the football team, and I think it prepared me for college well." Unfortunately for Perry, he wasn't able to see the field much his final high school season. He suffered a partial tear in his left shoulder labrum, which he had successful surgery on in September and has been rehabbing since. That injury was one of a few reasons he decided to be an early enrollee. Perry felt he could get a head start on aca- demics while taking advantage of Notre Dame's therapy program. "I thought enrolling early was a great opportunity," he said. "I can take advan- tage of some things both academically and athletically. "I'm really looking forward to par- ticipating in spring ball and getting into the playbook. It's a chance for me to go ahead and learn what it feels like to be a part of something great." ✦