North Carolina A&T

Pernell committed to Virginia Tech during the early signing period of 2021 … Stepped away from his commitment in May of 2022 to reopen the recruiting process, which landed him at Liberty … Did not see action at Liberty, giving him four years of eligibility at North Carolina A&T … Displays an amazing ability to rush the passer and brings outstanding quickness to the defense … Enters the 2023 season on the depth chart as a defensive end … Out of high school, received offers from Liberty, Virginia Tech, Boston College, Buffalo, Coastal Carolina, East Carolina, Louisville, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Old Dominion, Penn State, Pitt, Virginia, and Wake Forest among others.

High School: Played high school football at Highland Springs … 247Sports rated Pernell as the 17^th-ranked prospect coming out of the Commonwealth of Virginia … Ranked as a three-star athlete, he earned first-team All-Region 5C after posting 58 tackles (40 unassisted), 11 sacks and 21 tackles for loss.