Jerry signed with Ole Miss in the 2004 recruiting class, but decided to attend Hargrave Military Academy.

He played in eight games at Hargrave during the 2004 season and was credited with 30 tackles, including five quarterback sacks.

In 2006, Jerry battled through injuries to play in eight games, making six starts along the defensive line.

Jerry was rated an "Emerging Star" at Ole Miss by Lindy's magazine.

Drawing comparisons to Vonnie Holliday and Cory Redding,[1][2] Jerry was commonly ranked as the second-best defensive tackle available in the 2009 NFL draft, behind only Boston College's B. J.

[9] He competed with Trey Lewis to replace Grady Jackson, who was not re-signed by the Falcons, at defensive tackle.

[10] Peria Jerry suffered a major knee injury on September 20, 2009, which caused him to miss the remainder of the 2009 season.