Shortly before reaching his sixteenth birthday, Thomas Perry made an unexpected request for a birthday gift that left his parents intrigued. While most teens typically wish for flashy cars or the latest gadgets, Perry had his eyes set on something quite different—a massive tractor tire.
When asked why he wanted the tire, the young offensive lineman explained, “So I can flip it up and down the road.” This hefty tire, weighing several hundred pounds and reaching up to Perry’s chest, quickly became a key part of his workout routine. Perry would start by flipping it around his cul-de-sac, then graduated to the main road, eventually putting in the effort to carry it a mile and a half to and from the center of his small town in rural Connecticut.
His mother, Karen Perry, remarked on her son’s determination, saying he pushed himself to the limit. This dedication helps clarify how Perry, at just 21 years old, stands on the brink of an admirable achievement: becoming a genuine NFL prospect while attending Middlebury College, a liberal arts college in Vermont not typically known for producing football stars.
Middlebury College is part of a division that does not allow its teams to compete in NCAA Division III postseason play, hindering the chances for players to catch the eye of NFL scouts. Coaches have limited opportunities to hold offseason practices, relying on athletes to self-motivate to improve their skills. Traditionally, the college is recognized more for fostering world-class ski racers than football players, with only one former player, place kicker Stephen Hauschka, making it to an NFL roster.
Nevertheless, Perry’s talent caught the attention of NFL scouts, with 25 teams sending representatives to watch him play in central Vermont. The 6-foot-3, 317-pound offensive lineman is projected to be drafted on Day 3 after impressing at the East-West Shrine Bowl, where he showcased his skills against top-tier competition.
If things don’t work out for Perry in the NFL, he has a solid backup plan. His academic achievements mirror his athletic prowess; he maintains a 3.92 GPA as a major in molecular biology and biochemistry, with a minor in mathematics. After his football journey, he will likely have options from numerous medical schools.
Duke Manyweather, a prominent offensive line trainer who has worked with Perry, described him as “a rare human being.” Having coached a variety of talented athletes, Manyweather noted that Perry stands out due to his unique blend of discipline and drive.
Perry’s path to becoming a draft-worthy offensive lineman can be traced back to the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted his high school athletic career and affected his recruitment. A two-sport athlete at Haddam-Killingworth High School in Connecticut, he had earned accolades as a junior. Unfortunately, when the pandemic struck, it canceled his final football season, leaving him with only junior highlights to share with potential colleges.
“If it weren’t for COVID, he probably would have been off to an Ivy League school or maybe UConn,” his father, Scott Perry, noted. Instead, after being overlooked by many programs—including Brown, where several family members played—Perry turned to academically prestigious Division III schools. Middlebury appealed to him due to its academic reputation and outdoor activities.
When Perry arrived at Middlebury, the coaching staff quickly recognized his potential. He had gained height and muscle since his last visit, establishing himself as the strongest member of the team almost immediately. Despite receiving little training in pass protection during high school, Perry dedicated himself to overcoming that gap. Many mornings, he could be seen practicing drills on his own, often while others were still sleeping.
Perry’s strict diet reflects his commitment to self-improvement. Since his junior year of high school, he has followed a regimen that includes consuming a dozen eggs for breakfast and drinking a gallon of milk daily to ensure maximum protein intake for muscle growth.
Additionally, Perry embraces challenging activities, putting his body to the test with long hikes or extensive biking on mountainous trails. The Middlebury coaching staff has recorded his impressive strength feats, such as bench pressing 380 pounds multiple times and deadlifting 725 pounds.
As Perry progressed through his college career, it became clear that he was not just a physically gifted player but also learned how to maximize his abilities on the field. After entering Middlebury’s starting lineup halfway through his freshman year, he earned first-team all-league honors three years in a row. His senior highlight reel showcases his dominance over opposing defenders, solidifying his reputation.
Much of Perry’s development can be attributed to the mentorship of Manyweather. In response to Manyweather’s encouragement, NFL scouts began to take notice of Perry, leading to an opportunity to showcase his talent in high-profile all-star games, including his standout performance in the East-West Shrine Bowl. He proved he was capable of competing against players from larger programs.
As NFL draft day approaches, uncertainty surrounds Perry’s selection; expectations range from being drafted in the fifth to seventh rounds. However, as interest continues to grow, Perry’s story serves as a reminder that dedication and hard work can pave the way for success against all odds. If Perry does indeed secure a place in the NFL, it will be a testament to his resilience, discipline, and talent, marking him as one of the few to make such a leap from Division III sports to the pros.
