USC football: Lane Kiffin wishes Nick Perry well in NFL draft

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USC Coach Lane Kiffin is making a habit of wishing departing juniors well in the NFL draft.

First it was All-American tackle Matt Kalil. Now it’s defensive end Nick Perry.

The Times reported Friday that Perry had told coaches he would declare for the draft.

‘We counseled Nick throughout his decision-making process and we stand behind him on this decision,’ Kiffin said Saturday in a statement. ‘His career progression at USC continued climbing to a point where he was ready to make the jump to the NFL.

‘He was an awesome pass rusher for us and he created havoc throughout the Pac-12 this year in a league that featured many of the nation’s most dangerous passing offenses. He will be a valued addition to any NFL team and should be an attractive choice in the upcoming draft.

‘We value Nick’s time and efforts at USC and appreciate the standard he set for the defensive linemen who will follow him here. We wish him much future success and know he’ll be another great Trojan in the NFL.’

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-- Gary Klein