2027 defensive lineman Xavier Perkins spent plenty of time around the Hurricanes program this past week, watching multiple practices as well as Saturday’s scrimmage/recruit party. A versatile lineman who can slot in as a 3-tech or edge rusher, Perkins seems to have narrowed his interests between Miami and Virginia Tech — emphasising the culture and connection he has to both coaching staffs.
I caught up to the North Carolina native on Saturday for his second interview with CanesInSight, where he spoke candidly about his recruitment process as he nears a decision.
On how he fits into Miami’s defensive scheme:
“So we are still trying to go through where I am fitting in.”
“The message is I may play defensive tackle and defensive end. We are just trying to make sure I am in the right position to do the best I can on and off the field.”
Mentioned Virginia Tech sees him as a defensive end
On what more he saw during the scrimmage:
“I feel like what I saw today is the same thing I saw on Tuesday.”
“Everybody’s in a really high intensity practice, violent, get off the ball, and everything I like pretty much.”
On conversations with players on the team:
“Malachi Toney.”
“Mali, he is one of my favorite players right now from the Miami football team. He took a picture with my little brother on Tuesday, and I really appreciate that.”
On what stands out about the top schools in his recruitment (Miami & Virginia Tech):
“Family culture, how I am around the coaches, and how I feel around them. If I get a good feeling around them, I’ll rock with them if that makes sense.”
“Right now they are even.”
On his recruitment timeline:
“I see myself making a decision before the official visits. I am not trying to go on all my official visits, and I was not planning on going on them.”
“I may make a decision next week, may make a decision tomorrow, but I am trying to figure out where the process leads me so I can make the best decision I possibly can to make sure I have a good future.”
“It is all God’s plan … We just have to stay humble, keep grinding and see another day.”
I caught up to the North Carolina native on Saturday for his second interview with CanesInSight, where he spoke candidly about his recruitment process as he nears a decision.
On how he fits into Miami’s defensive scheme:
“So we are still trying to go through where I am fitting in.”
“The message is I may play defensive tackle and defensive end. We are just trying to make sure I am in the right position to do the best I can on and off the field.”
Mentioned Virginia Tech sees him as a defensive end
On what more he saw during the scrimmage:
“I feel like what I saw today is the same thing I saw on Tuesday.”
“Everybody’s in a really high intensity practice, violent, get off the ball, and everything I like pretty much.”
On conversations with players on the team:
“Malachi Toney.”
“Mali, he is one of my favorite players right now from the Miami football team. He took a picture with my little brother on Tuesday, and I really appreciate that.”
On what stands out about the top schools in his recruitment (Miami & Virginia Tech):
“Family culture, how I am around the coaches, and how I feel around them. If I get a good feeling around them, I’ll rock with them if that makes sense.”
“Right now they are even.”
On his recruitment timeline:
“I see myself making a decision before the official visits. I am not trying to go on all my official visits, and I was not planning on going on them.”
“I may make a decision next week, may make a decision tomorrow, but I am trying to figure out where the process leads me so I can make the best decision I possibly can to make sure I have a good future.”
“It is all God’s plan … We just have to stay humble, keep grinding and see another day.”
