Inside Ohio State Football with David Perkins

Hailing from the South Bend, Ind. area, David Perkins was a highly sought after linebacker recruit during the 2012 season. He may be the fastest linebacker recruit the Buckeyes have ever had. Once a Notre Dame commit, Perkins gives us the inside on why he withdrew his commitment, why he committed to OSU and also compared Urban Meyer to Brian Kelly.

Tell me what sold you on Ohio State?

DP: Some say it is Urban Meyer, but I must be honest—Urban had almost nothing to do with it. When I de-committed from Notre Dame, I wanted to go to a school that I felt comfortable at. As soon as I got on campus, something just felt right, and I fell in love with OSU.

Why did you de-commit from Notre Dame?

DP: ND was the home school, and I really wanted to see other places. They did not want me to visit other schools, so I de-committed.

What have been your 40 times?

DP: During my sophomore season, there was an electronic clock at the Under Armor game.  It measured me at 4.43.  My fastest recorded time is 4.22.

With that type of speed, has the coaching staff discussed defensive back, either corner or safety?

DP: We have talked about defensive back as an option if LB does not work out. It does not matter where I play; I just want to play as fast as I can as well as to reach my potential. I am not sure if I were to play DB where I would play? Corner or safety—in high school, I felt comfortable at both positions.

What is Brian Kelly like?

DP: He is about business and is a coach about his business. He knows what he wants to do and what he does not want to do. He and I are cool.

Compare Kelly with Urban Meyer.

DP: Coach Meyer is my coach and I love him. He is fiery, passionate, down to earth and a competitor.  He can sense the competitive fire in you early on.

What do you think are the needs of the 2013 class?

DP: I have to say we need wide outs—explosive play-makers at wide out positions.

Have you talked to Jaylon Smith? Do you think he ends up a Buckeye?

DP: I have talked to him a few times. I think he is interested in Ohio State, but I think he will go to either ND or another school. I think having Rod here is a minus because he does not want to be in the shadow of his big brother.

Which player impresses you the most in your class?

DP: Noah Spence! The guy is a monster. He is everything you want in a DE. He is good against the run, an amazing pass rusher, good hands and has all the moves. All you hope is that he works hard and puts on any weight the coaches want. He is big—he is a dog, and he is a monster.

Have you heard much about Mickey Marotti’s workouts?

DP: My high school coach actually had him as a trainer, and he says what everyone at OSU is saying—he is psycho.  I hear it is going to be hard.

Thank you David for taking time to talk to us and offer your thoughts and opinions.  Your passion for Ohio State already oozes, and we look forward to following your career.

Michael Chung is a Correspondent for Bleacher Report, Sports-at-Work and Silver Bullet Unless otherwise noted, all quotes were obtained first-hand or from official interview materials.