UPDATE- Fred Perry RETURNING Would CHANGE Everything for WVU’s Defense!

Could Fred Perry run it back with West Virginia in 2026? Perry was one of WVU’s most productive defenders in 2025, leading the Mountaineers with 78 tackles and 10 tackles for loss while adding three sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. More importantly, he already understands Zac Alley’s defense and brings the physicality, versatility and leadership that this rebuilt unit desperately needs. Without Perry, Jordan Scruggs and Eddie Kelly Jr., WVU returns only 1,121 defensive snaps from last season. Add those three back, and that number explodes to 2,572—a 129.4% increase. Perry, Scruggs and Kelly alone played 330 more snaps than every current WVU defensive returner combined. We break down Perry’s complete résumé, his ideal role in Alley’s defense and why bringing these veterans back could completely change West Virginia’s defensive outlook.