Immediately after Rayshawn Jenkins got the call he was going to be a Los Angeles Charger, his phone buzzed from a very special person.
Denzel Perryman.
The pair played together at the University of Miami, so Perryman FaceTimed Jenkins right after the Bolts selected the safety in the fourth round.
"He is one of my good buddies," Jenkins said. "We played together for two years (at Miami). That friendship we made is going to last a lifetime. I'm glad I am going to be back again with my 'U' brother!"
"Yeah, I FaceTimed him and saw the excitement on his face!" added Denzel. "He was with family and I just said welcome aboard. I told him how I can't wait to start working with him again. He told me that he's really excited. I just told him to enjoy his time right now because I know how he feels."
The pair played for two years together at the University of Miami. With a playing relationship built on brotherhood, Perryman said he could always rely on the safety to shore up the defense. That's something Perryman believes will translate to the Chargers.
"I knew that if anything got by me, Rayshawn would be back there to clean it up. If it was a deep ball, you better get ready for the show. The Chargers are getting another hitter and another ball-hawk. He's another Miami guy, I'll put it that way. Just watch out."
Since Perryman has been in the league, he said the pair has kept in touch. Mainly, the communication picked up as of late when Perryman knew Jenkins declared for the draft. At the time, number 52 shared some sage advice with the incoming rookie.
"We kept in touch since I left. With him coming out with the whole draft process, I just told him to do what he does and show them why he should be drafted and picked. When I talk to him again when he gets here, I'm going to tell him the exact same thing."
Having been in Jenkins' shoes before, Perryman knows what the transition to the NFL is like. The third year linebacker is ready to take on more of a leadership role on defense, and despite the different positions, is ready and willing to take Jenkins under his wing.
"When I got drafted, Corey Liuget and Manti Te'o were like the first two to reach out to me. They both took me under their wings, showed me the ropes, how to do things and how to be a pro. With that knowledge on top of me having my third year of experience, I will be more than welcome to share that with a fellow brother of mine."
