The West Virginia football program continues to bolster its secondary, securing a commitment from Jacksonville State safety Fred Perry following his official visit to Morgantown.
Perry, a 5-foot-11, 200-pound safety, brings significant experience and production from his three seasons with the Gamecocks. Across 36 games, the Georgia native recorded an impressive 257 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 10 passes defended, 6 forced fumbles, 3 sacks, and 2 interceptions. His standout performances include a 110-tackle season in 2024, where he also added 10 tackles for loss and 3 sacks.
Perry’s familiarity with West Virginia’s defensive system stems from his time playing under head coach Rich Rodriguezat Jacksonville State, giving him a seamless transition into the Mountaineers’ scheme. Pro Football Focus graded Perry at 64.5 for his 2024 campaign, with strong marks in run defense, showcasing his ability to disrupt plays in the backfield.
Perry has logged 1,941 snaps in his collegiate career and earned freshman All-American honors in 2022 after posting 72 tackles and an interception. His leadership and experience make him a valuable addition to the Mountaineers’ secondary as the team looks to strengthen its defense for the 2025 season.
Perry becomes the third defensive back to join West Virginia this offseason, alongside South Alabama cornerback Jordan Scruggs and UT Chattanooga safety Jordan Walker. He is also the fourth player from Jacksonville State to follow Rodriguez to Morgantown, joining wide receivers Cam Vaughn and Jarod Bowie, as well as tight end Jacob Barrick.
With one season of eligibility remaining, Perry is poised to make an immediate impact in the Mountaineers’ secondary, adding depth and versatility to a unit aiming to elevate its performance in the upcoming season.