Michael Dean Perry and Larry Penley will be inducted into Clemson’s Ring of Honor for their outstanding athletic and coaching legacies.

In a ceremony rich with emotion and reflection, Clemson University announced that two of its most iconic sports figures—Michael Dean Perry and Larry Penley—will be inducted into the prestigious Clemson Ring of Honor. This highest athletic recognition offered by the university celebrates individuals whose impact transcends stats and accolades and embodies the spirit, excellence, and tradition of Clemson.

For decades, Michael Dean Perry and Larry Penley each shaped their respective programs—football and men’s golf—with distinction, character, and excellence. Their upcoming induction into the Ring of Honor is not just a celebration of individual achievements, but a recognition of their transformative legacies and enduring influence on Clemson athletics.

Michael Dean Perry: Dominance and Leadership on the Gridiron

Michael Dean Perry is synonymous with dominance on the defensive line. From 1984 to 1987, Perry left an indelible mark on Clemson Football, not merely through his powerful play but through his leadership and example. A native of Aiken, South Carolina, and the younger brother of William “The Refrigerator” Perry, Michael Dean quickly carved out his own identity at Clemson—one built on strength, discipline, and unmatched football IQ.

By the end of his Clemson career, Perry had recorded 28 sacks and 61 tackles for loss—both school records at the time. In his senior season, he posted 24 tackles for loss and 10 sacks, anchoring a defensive unit that ranked among the nation’s best. His efforts earned him first-team All-America honors and the title of 1987 ACC Player of the Year—the first defensive player from Clemson to receive that distinction.

But Perry’s impact wasn’t limited to numbers. His intensity, work ethic, and team-first attitude inspired teammates and intimidated opponents. “Michael Dean wasn’t just our best defensive player—he was our emotional anchor,” said a former Clemson teammate. “He made us believe we could stop anyone.”

His NFL career further cemented his legacy. Drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the second round of the 1988 NFL Draft, Perry became a six-time Pro Bowl selection and a staple of dominant Browns and Broncos defenses throughout the 1990s. Over 10 seasons, he amassed 61 career sacks and countless pressures, earning praise for his consistency and technique.

Perry’s post-football life has also embodied Clemson values. He has remained active in mentoring young athletes, supporting community causes, and representing the university with pride. His 2020 reception of the Brian Dawkins Lifetime Achievement Award symbolized not just past greatness, but a continued commitment to excellence and character.

To see his name etched alongside Clemson’s all-time greats is not only fitting—it’s overdue.

Larry Penley: The Architect of Clemson Golf’s Rise to National Power

When Larry Penley took over Clemson’s men’s golf program in 1983, few could have predicted the dynasty that would follow. Over nearly four decades, Penley transformed a regional contender into a national powerhouse, compiling a legacy of consistency, championship pedigree, and personal mentorship that will never be duplicated.

Penley coached the Tigers to 83 tournament wins, including 10 Atlantic Coast Conference championships and one NCAA National Championship in 2003—the crowning jewel in a career filled with hardware. That historic 2003 season remains one of the most dominant ever in collegiate golf. Clemson not only won the national title, but also captured the ACC and NCAA regional championships, becoming the first team in history to sweep all three in one season.

But Penley’s impact went beyond wins and trophies. He molded generations of golfers—more than 50 of whom turned professional—with a balance of competitive rigor and personal investment. Alumni under his watch include PGA Tour stars like Lucas Glover, Jonathan Byrd, and Kyle Stanley.

“Coach Penley was more than a golf coach—he was a life coach,” said Lucas Glover, 2009 U.S. Open Champion and former Clemson All-American. “He taught us how to prepare, how to compete, and how to carry ourselves. Clemson Golf wouldn’t be what it is today without him.”

Penley’s resume is staggering: multiple Coach of the Year awards, induction into the Golf Coaches Association of America Hall of Fame in 2004, and a consistent presence in the NCAA Championships. He retired in 2021 as the winningest coach in ACC golf history, having shaped not only Clemson’s trajectory but the landscape of college golf nationwide.

In 2013, his role expanded when he was named Director of Golf, overseeing both the men’s and newly established women’s programs. True to form, the women’s program found success quickly under his guidance, earning multiple NCAA appearances in its first years.

Penley’s induction into the Ring of Honor is a tribute not only to his coaching brilliance but also to his enduring legacy as a builder, mentor, and ambassador for Clemson athletics.

The Significance of the Ring of Honor

Clemson’s Ring of Honor is reserved for those whose impact on the university’s athletics is lasting and profound. Fewer than 15 individuals have received the distinction across all sports since its inception. Honorees must be members of the Clemson Athletic Hall of Fame and are recognized not only for athletic excellence but for embodying the values of integrity, leadership, and service.

For Michael Dean Perry and Larry Penley, induction into the Ring of Honor is not just the capstone of legendary careers—it’s an institutional acknowledgment of the way they changed Clemson forever.

“Michael Dean Perry and Larry Penley are cornerstones of what Clemson Athletics represents,” said Clemson athletic director Graham Neff. “They were standard-bearers for excellence, and they poured themselves into this university. Their induction into the Ring of Honor reminds us all what it means to be a Tiger.”

A Moment of Celebration for Clemson Nation

The announcement of their induction has sparked joy and nostalgia across Clemson’s community. Former players, coaches, students, and fans have all voiced support and admiration, reflecting on moments and milestones that defined eras.

For Perry, many recall the 1986 win over Georgia Tech, where he recorded multiple sacks and led a defense that held Tech to just three points. For Penley, alumni fondly recall long afternoons at Walker Course and the quiet wisdom shared over putting drills and practice rounds.

Their stories are different, but their journeys converge in one powerful truth: both men represented Clemson with honor, intensity, and selflessness. They uplifted teammates, shaped traditions, and left legacies that current and future Tigers will follow.

Looking Forward

In honoring Michael Dean Perry and Larry Penley with Ring of Honor induction, Clemson University sends a message about the kind of excellence it values—excellence not only in performance, but in purpose. These men didn’t just win games or earn accolades—they built foundations, inspired others, and left things better than they found them.

As their names are permanently enshrined in the stadiums and halls where they once made history, new generations of Clemson athletes will walk beneath their banners—reminded of the standard, challenged to rise to it, and inspired to carry the torch forward.

This honor is richly deserved. And for Clemson Nation, it is a moment of pride and gratitude—celebrating two of the finest to ever wear the orange and purple.