The Unlikely Rise of Thomas "The Tank" Perry
When Thomas Perry turned 16, he shocked his parents with an unconventional birthday request: a single, oversized truck tire. While most teenagers might have asked for a car or video games, Thomas had a clear vision—he wanted the tire to flip it and push it up and down the road. This peculiar request was just the beginning of a journey that would define him as one of the most unique and dedicated athletes in the 2025 NFL Draft. The son of two lawyers and a self-proclaimed nature lover, Thomas Perry defies trends and expectations at every turn. His story is one of hard work, resilience, and an unrelenting passion for football, all while balancing a 3.92 GPA in molecular biology and mathematics at Middlebury College.
A Family of Achievers and the Making of a Gridiron Giant
Thomas Perry comes from a family of high achievers. His parents, Scott and Karen Perry, were college athletes, and his uncle, Bill Perry, was an All-American defensive lineman and member of Brown University’s Hall of Fame. His grandmother, a former professional dancer, was known for her athleticism and pitching skills. This lineage of talent and drive set the stage for Thomas to excel in sports and academics. In high school, he was a standout wrestler and football player, earning a reputation for his strength and work ethic. However, his senior year was derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which wiped out his athletic season and left him off the recruiting radars of top college programs.
Despite the setbacks, Thomas never wavered. When gyms closed, he turned to mountain biking and solo hikes, sometimes covering nearly 30 miles in a single day. His determination to stay active and train paid off when Middlebury College, a small Division III school in Vermont, offered him a spot on their football team. For Thomas, Middlebury was more than just a football program—it was a place where he could merge his love for academics and athletics while enjoying the beauty of the Green Mountains. He committed to the school the day after they offered him a scholarship, a decision he now views as one of the best of his life.
The Student-Athlete with a 600-Pound Squat
At Middlebury, Thomas Perry became a phenom. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 311 pounds, he earned the nickname "The Tank" for his incredible strength and dominance on the field. His lift numbers are the stuff of legend: a 715-pound deadlift, a 600-pound squat, and 28 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press. Yet, despite his size, he possesses the flexibility of someone half his weight, even doing the splits with ease. On the field, Thomas was a force to be reckoned with, earning multiple All-America honors and becoming the first Middlebury player to be invited to the Shrine Bowl, a prestigious postseason all-star game.
Off the field, Thomas is just as impressive. A molecular biology and biochemistry major with a math minor, he maintained a 3.92 GPA while balancing the demands of football. His coaches and teammates admire him not only for his physical prowess but also for his intellectual curiosity and work ethic. Middlebury offensive line coach Dave Caputi called him the most unique player he’s encountered in his 40-year coaching career. Thomas’s impact on the program extends beyond his performance on the field; he has inspired his teammates to raise their standards as students and athletes.
From Division III to the NFL Draft Radar
Thomas Perry’s journey to the NFL Draft is anything but conventional. A product of a small Division III program with limited resources, he has had to work harder than most to gain recognition. After dominating at Middlebury, he caught the attention of Duke Manyweather, a renowned offensive line coach who runs the "OL Masterminds" program in Texas. Manyweather was so impressed with Thomas’s strength and dedication that he invited him to train with some of the top linemen in the country.
During his time with OL Masterminds, Thomas continued to defy expectations. He learned to play center in just three weeks, a position he had never played in college, and became one of the top performers during the Shrine Bowl practices. His ability to absorb information and adapt to new challenges has drawn comparisons to Quinn Meinerz, a former Division III standout who became an All-Pro guard in the NFL. Despite his impressive performance, Thomas faces an uncertain future as a small-school prospect in a league dominated by Power Five talent. However, his physical gifts and relentless work ethic make him a compelling candidate for teams looking for a diamonds-in-the-rough prospect.
A Life of Purpose and Perspective
Thomas Perry’s story is not just about football—it’s about perspective. While many prospects stress over the drafting process, Thomas remains grateful and focused. He wakes up every morning at 4 a.m., writing a single question on a piece of paper: "How are you going to get better today?" This mindset has carried him through the challenges of the pandemic, the limitations of Division III football, and the uncertainty of his future. Whether he becomes a doctor or an NFL player, Thomas Perry is determined to attack his goals with the same passion and dedication he has always shown. His journey is a testament to the power of hard work, resilience, and staying on the sunny side of the bus.
