Scarlet Sunrise: Former Buckeyes LB Joshua Perry hired as NBC analyst

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Former Buckeyes LB Joshua Perry hired as NBC analyst

Former Ohio State linebacker and 2014 national champion Joshua Perry has been hired by NBC as an analyst for Big Ten football coverage, according to Awful Announcing.

Perry currently serves as a Big Ten Network analyst, in addition to co-hosting “The Rally” on Bally Sports.

Awful Announcing reported that Perry will be part of a studio production that is expected to be hosted by Maria Taylor and will hit the road for pivotal games, like ESPN’s “College GameDay” and FOX’s “Big Noon Kickoff.” NBC is also targeting former Wisconsin star defensive lineman and future NFL Hall of Famer J.J. Watt as well as former Penn State quarterback Michael Robinson as potential analysts to join the show, according to Awful Announcing.

NBC is broadcasting its first season of Big Ten football this season and will provide coverage of weekly Saturday night games, including a Nov. 11, 7:30 p.m. showdown between Ohio State and Michigan State in the Horseshoe. NBC announced in February that “Big Ten Saturday Night” will feature a broadcast team of Noah Eagle (play-by-play), Todd Blackledge (analyst) and Kathryn Tappen (sideline reporter).

But back to Perry. This is a big break for the former Ohio State defensive standout and fourth-round NFL Draft pick. Perry, a product of Olentangy High School in Lewis Center, compiled 296 total tackles, 18 TFLs and 7.5 sacks during his Buckeyes career.

Perry’s best season coincided with Ohio State’s national title run. He registered a career-high 124 total tackles — the second most in the Big Ten that year — 8.5 TFLs, 3.0 sacks, two pass deflections, one interception and one forced fumble in 2014.

Perry was one of 12 Ohio State players drafted in 2016. He spent his rookie season with then-San Diego Chargers, appearing in 15 games with 22 total tackles, and his second year in the league with the Indianapolis Colts in a more limited role.

Perry retired from pro football in 2018 because of concussion concerns.

Seven Buckeyes players ranked in On3 Top 100 for 2023 season

On3 released its list of the top 100 current players in college football Thursday.

Ohio State, Georgia and Michigan — all part of last season’s College Football Playoff — have seven players on the list. Alabama, Florida State and USC each have five representatives.

Lettermen Row has a rundown of where the Buckeyes’ ranked players clocked in. Check it out here.

But, first, here’s a look at On3’s top 10 players in the sport this season:

1. Caleb Williams, QB, USC
2. Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
3. Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
4. Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
5. Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
6. Harold Perkins, LB, LSU
7. Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
8. Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
9. Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
10. Kalen King, CB, Penn State

Comparing Ohio State roster, title chances to other top programs

On3’s Jesse Simonton released his post-spring position rankings, noting the top-10 teams nationally at every position. Lettermen Row beat reporter Spencer Holbrook highlighted where the Buckeyes ranked in those lists and if some Ohio State position groups were being overlooked.

Then Spencer and Jesse fleshed out that discourse in video form this week.

Jesse gives his reasoning behind leaving Ohio State out of some of his rankings, in addition to also explaining why the Buckeyes did place where they did in others.

You can watch the conversation unfold below.

Counting down

Buckeyes vs. Indiana: 108 days

Buckeyes vs. Michigan: 192 days

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