FCS Preseason All-American DT Roderick Perry transferring to Illinois

Lovie Smith is no stranger to the transfer portal, and now he’s picking up one of the top defensive lineman in the FCS.

Preseason All-American defensive tackle Roderick Perry committed to Illinois on Thursday morning in a Twitter video and note.

The 6-foot-2, 300-pound native of North Carolina played his college ball at South Carolina State and will be immediately eligible as a graduate transfer.

According to 247’s Jeremy Werner, Perry had several other Power Five offers, including Florida, Duke and Virginia.

Last season Perry had 34 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. It’s a different level, for sure, but those are eye-popping numbers.

And Perry beefs up a defensive tackle group that lost three players to graduation after last season.

Perry is the second graduate transfer in less than a day for Illinois after Josh Imatorbhebhe’s older brother Daniel committed to Illinois last night.