Former USC star Nick Perry adjusts to switch to LB with Packers

Former USC defensive standout Nick Perry is not only a rookie trying to make the grade with the Green Bay Packers, but he’s learning a new position.

Dan Pompei of the Chicago Tribune profiled Perry (registration required), who moves from defensive end to outside linebacker.

Of note, Perry told Pompei that the playbook of defensive coordinator Dom Capers has nearly three times more information than that used by the Trojans.

“The hardest thing is seeing the bigger picture,” said Perry, who spent two injury-plagued seasons at USC before becoming an All-Pac-12 performer last fall. “You have to know where everyone is on the field. You have to learn our plays. That’s one of the hardest things — make sure you don’t get calls mixed up.”

Added Perry: “It’s an overload.”

One that Capers believes Perry is capable of undertaking.

“That’s always a challenge and it takes time,” Capers said of Perry’s ability to learn. “We have to figure out how much he’ll be able to do early in the season.

“He has all the qualities we look for in this position,. He’s very strong. He can bend. He can get under people. You don’t see anybody knock him off the ball. I think he’s going to be an excellent run player for us. Once he gets that power and speed working for him in terms of rushing, I think he’ll be a good rusher.”

Perry understands he has a lot to learn but he also has confidence that he can play in the NFL.

“I feel like I can bring a lot to the table,” he said. “As time goes, we’ll see. I feel I will have a presence on the field as far as getting to the quarterback, stopping the run and even dropping into coverage.“

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