The Wisconsin Badgers previously landed a three-star transfer prospect to serve as a role player on the defensive line, but could find a star.
Charles Perkins, a former standout for UT-Martin, spent the past three seasons with the program including a redshirt year. On the field, however, Perkins proved to be a productive player once developed and finished last season with 40 tackles, 19 pressures, 2.5 sacks, and nine tackles for loss against an array of competition.
The program went 9-5 a season ago with games against FBS schools Kansas State, Kennesaw State, and Missouri State. Perkins was a valuable part of the team, contributing to a win over Kennesaw State and establishing himself as one of the top defenders on the team.
The Wisconsin Badgers had a great need for defensive line talent of all shapes and size, and Perkins stood out to the staff due to his combination of size, strength, and an aggressive mindset. The defender is consistently looking to make a big play happen, and that mentality could be exactly what Wisconsin needs.
Perkins comes with strengths and weaknesses like any other athlete but the strengths fit so well into what Wisconsin is aiming to achieve on defense that the weaknesses may go unnoticed. The talented defensive lineman has been known as a physical and powerful defender who pushes the tempo of play, which could be seen in his Instagram stories and at practice.
On the field, Perkins is a talented and tenacious defender that constantly moves forward which makes for a difficult man to stop. Combined with his drive to move and make a play, Perkins also holds a massive 316-pound frame that turns the defender into a 6-foot-2-inch bowling ball.
Perkins excelled at blowing up the run and stuffing read options in particular during his time with UT-Martin and that success is what Wisconsin needs out of the defensive lineman. The talented defender also possesses a great burst of speed for someone his size and opposing offenses are typically caught off-guard.
Perkins is notably not the most accomplished pass rusher, with lower production and sub-par grades, but still secured 2.5 sacks a season ago. The Wisconsin Badgers need defensive lineman who can get to the quarterback, but given his power and success as a run-stopper, Perkins could provide a boost to the defense. As mentioned, pass rushing is not the strong suit of Perkins but one that could come naturally given his size, play-style, and fit within the Wisconsin defense.
All eyes will be on the defensive line during the upcoming season after plenty of issues arose a season ago involving pressure, sacks, and rush yard totals. Wisconsin is going to rely heavily upon Perkins to make an impact and disrupt opposing offenses during a very difficult upcoming season.
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