Colorado University Athletics
Freshman Perry Delivers Big Defensive Plays For Buffs
November 24, 2019 | Football
BOULDER — The Colorado Buffaloes' defense had a very strong performance Saturday night in a 20-14 win over the Washington Huskies at Folsom Field.
One specific player on the defense that came up with some big plays was defensive back Mark Perry. The true freshman had two sacks on third down Saturday, both forcing punts.
Perry's first sack pushed the Huskies back to their own 15-yard line in the second quarter, leading to a punt and a Colorado field goal drive for a 6-0 lead.
The second sack came on Washington's last possession of the night, pushing Washington back 13 yards and out of field goal range with Colorado leading 20-14. That led to a UW punt and the CU offense then took over and ran out the clock for the win.
The sacks were the first of Perry's career, and he was also credited with three tackles (all solo).
The Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., prep product has progressed significantly throughout the season. He did not play a single snap in the first three games but since then his playing time and his production has increased.
Asked about what has helped his progression so far Perry said, "(CU linebacker) Davion Taylor has helped me a lot … He'll tell me things that he's been through since he's been here and having a guy like that in my life helping me along the way has helped a lot for sure. When your older guys have confidence in you it makes you feel like you can compete with anybody in the country."
Perry has not only gained the trust of his teammates but head coach Mel Tucker as well.
"Mark Perry has tremendous upside," Tucker said. "He's a young player that is very diligent and very coachable. He has gotten better and better as the season has gone on and when he has gotten the opportunities he has played well."
NEXT UP — The Buffs will hit the road next weekend for the regular season finale to take on Utah in Salt Lake City. Kickoff time will be announced Sunday.
