Paul Perkins Explained

Paul Perkins
Number:28, 26
Position:Running back
Birth Date:16 November 1994
Birth Place:Mesa, Arizona, U.S.
Height Ft:5
Height In:11
Weight Lbs:208
High School:Chandler (Chandler, Arizona)
College:UCLA (2012–2015)
Draftyear:2016
Draftround:5
Draftpick:149
Pastteams:
Highlights:
Statlabel1:Rushing yards
Statvalue1:575
Statlabel2:Rushing average
Statvalue2:3.5
Statlabel3:Rushing touchdowns
Statlabel4:Receptions
Statvalue4:24
Statlabel5:Receiving yards
Statvalue5:217
Statlabel6:Receiving touchdowns
Pfr:PerkPa00

Paul Kerry Perkins II (born November 16, 1994) is an American former professional football player who was a running back in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the UCLA Bruins, leading the Pac-12 Conference in rushing as a sophomore in 2014. He earned second-team All-Pac-12 honors the following year. He was selected by the New York Giants in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL draft, and was also a member of the Detroit Lions, Jacksonville Jaguars, Baltimore Ravens, and Indianapolis Colts.

Early life

Perkins attended Chandler High School in Chandler, Arizona, where he played high school football with his childhood friend and future college teammate Brett Hundley.[1] As a senior, Perkins was named first-team all-state after rushing for 1,297 yards and 20 touchdowns.[2] He was also the most valuable player (MVP) of the track team, which won the state title.[3]

Considered a three-star recruit by Rivals.com, he was rated as the 40th-best athlete prospect of his class.[4] On December 4, 2011, he committed to UCLA over offers from Fresno State and Northwestern.[5]

College career

Perkins redshirted as a true freshman in 2012. In 2013, he became the Bruins' primary rusher after starter Jordon James sprained his ankle.[6] Perkins started four games, and rushed for 573 yards on 134 carries (4.3 avg) and six touchdowns. He also caught 24 passes for 296 yards.[7] In 2014, he worked his way into a pivotal role in the offense.[8] [9] As a backup to James in the season opener, Perkins ran for 80 yards against Virginia.[10] He later became the team's starter. With starting quarterback Hundley exiting in the first quarter after an injury, Perkins gained 195 all-purpose yards in a 20–17 win over Texas.[8] [11] In the Alamo Bowl, he was named the game's offensive MVP after running for a then-career-high 194 yards and scoring two touchdowns in a 40–35 win over Kansas State.[12] [13] [14] He finished the season as the Pac-12 leader with 1,575 yards rushing, the second-highest in UCLA history behind Johnathan Franklin (1,734 in 2012).[15] [12]

In 2015, Perkins ran for a career-high 219 yards against BYU.[16] He finished his junior year with 1,343 yards and 14 touchdowns, and was named second-team All-Pac-12.[17] After the season, he decided to forgo his senior season and declared for the 2016 NFL draft.[18] [19]

Statistics

YearTeamGamesRushing Receiving Scrimmage
Att Yds Avg TDs Rec Yds Avg Tds Tch Yds Avg Tds
UCLA13 134 573 4.3 6 24 296 12.3 0 158 869 5.5 6
UCLA13 250 1572 6.3 9 26 201 7.7 2 276 1773 6.4 11
UCLA13 237 1343 5.7 14 30 242 8.1 1 267 1585 5.9 15
Total 39 621 3488 5.6 29 80 739 9.2 3 701 4227 6.0 32

Professional career

Pre-draft

Coming out of UCLA, Perkins was projected to be a third to fourth-round draft pick by various draft analysts. He was rated as the seventh-best running back by NFLDraftScout.com.[20] Perkins was invited to the NFL Combine but was unable to finish all the drills after suffering an injury to his hamstring while running his 40-yard dash. Scouts and analysts gave mostly positive reviews focused on his one-cut ability, quality vision, reliable hands, decisive gap selection, and willingness to pick up blitzes. He was also criticized for his lack of consistent play speed, limited route options, and smallish frame.

New York Giants

Perkins was selected by the New York Giants in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL draft with the 149th overall pick.[21] He signed a four-year, $2.59 million contract that included a signing bonus of $252,548.[22] [23] Perkins entered the 2016 season as the Giants' fourth running back on the depth chart, behind veterans Rashad Jennings, Bobby Rainey, and Orleans Darkwa.[24] Late in the year, Perkins was being used as the primary back, in front of Jennings.[25] In the regular season finale against the Washington Redskins, he had 21 carries for 102 rushing yards.[26] The Giants lost in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs to the Green Bay Packers.[27]

In May 2017, Giants head coach Ben McAdoo named Perkins the starting running back.[28] Perkins played in 11 games in 2017 season and finished with 41 carries for 90 rushing yards and eight receptions for 46 yards.[29] On May 10, 2018, he was waived by the Giants with a non-football injury designation after suffering a pectoral injury in the offseason,[30] and then placed on their reserve/non-football injury list.[31] [32] On September 16, 2019, Perkins was waived by the Giants.[33]

Detroit Lions

On September 17, 2019, Perkins was claimed off waivers by the Detroit Lions.[34] He was released on October 17 and re-signed to the practice squad.[35] He was promoted to the active roster on October 23.[36] He was released on October 30 and re-signed to the practice squad.[37] He was promoted back to the active roster on November 2.[38] He was waived on November 16.[39] In four games with the Lions, he recorded 12 carries for 29 rushing yards.[40]

Jacksonville Jaguars

On December 3, 2019, Perkins was signed to the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad.[41] His practice squad contract with the team expired after the Jaguars' season on January 6, 2020.[42]

Baltimore Ravens

On January 7, 2020, Perkins was signed to the Baltimore Ravens practice squad.[43] His practice squad contract with the team expired on January 20, 2020.[44]

Indianapolis Colts

On November 19, 2020, Perkins was signed to the Indianapolis Colts practice squad.[45] On January 10, 2021, Perkins signed a reserve/futures contract with the Colts.[46] He was released on May 3, 2021.[47]

Personal life

His father, Bruce Perkins, played fullback at Arizona State and briefly in the NFL.[48] His uncle, Don Perkins, played eight seasons as a running back with the Dallas Cowboys.[49] His younger brother, Bryce Perkins, plays quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams.[50]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Foster . Chris . October 11, 2013 . UCLA's Paul Perkins', Brett Hundley's connection dates to childhood . July 26, 2017 . Los Angeles Times.
  2. Web site: Paul Perkins Biography . January 5, 2015 . UCLABruins.com.
  3. Web site: Foster . Chris . December 17, 2014 . Low-key persona serves UCLA's Paul Perkins well . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20150106040743/http://www.latimes.com/sports/ucla/la-sp-ucla-paul-perkins-20141218-story.html . January 6, 2015 . June 14, 2023 . Los Angeles Times.
  4. Web site: Paul Perkins, 2012 Athlete, UCLA . June 14, 2023 . Rivals.com . en-US.
  5. Web site: Foster . Chris . December 4, 2011 . UCLA football: Running back Paul Perkins commits to Bruins . July 26, 2017 . Los Angeles Times.
  6. Web site: 2013 UCLA Bruins Stats . March 20, 2018 . College Football at Sports-Reference.com . en.
  7. Web site: Paul Perkins 2013 Game Log . March 20, 2018 . College Football at Sports-Reference.com . en.
  8. News: Wang . Jack . September 23, 2014 . Paul Perkins' career at running back has been long in the making . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20141229005529/http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20140923/paul-perkins-career-at-running-back-has-been-long-in-the-making . December 29, 2014 . Los Angeles Daily News.
  9. Web site: Lee . Jordan . October 31, 2014 . After high school career in Hundley's shadow, Perkins shines at UCLA . July 26, 2017 . DailyBruin.com.
  10. Web site: UCLA at Virginia Box Score, August 30, 2014 . March 20, 2018 . College Football at Sports-Reference.com . en.
  11. Web site: UCLA vs Texas Box Score, September 13, 2014 . March 20, 2018 . College Football at Sports-Reference.com . en.
  12. News: Whisler . John . January 2, 2015 . UCLA running back has career game . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20150103233847/http://www.expressnews.com/sports/colleges/article/UCLA-running-back-has-career-game-5991593.php . January 3, 2015 . San Antonio Express-News.
  13. Web site: #11 KANSAS STATE VS. #14 UCLA GAME NOTES . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20150103235307/http://alamobowl.com/11-kansas-state-vs-14-ucla-game-notes/ . January 3, 2015 . AlamoBowl.com. January 3, 2015 .
  14. Web site: Alamo Bowl – Kansas State vs UCLA Box Score, January 2, 2015 . March 20, 2018 . College Football at Sports-Reference.com . en.
  15. News: Wang . Jack . November 30, 2014 . UCLA's Paul Perkins leads Pac-12 in rushing, but race isn't officially over . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20141229010409/http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20141130/uclas-paul-perkins-leads-pac-12-in-rushing-but-race-isnt-officially-over . December 29, 2014 . Los Angeles Daily News.
  16. Web site: Kaufman . Joey . September 21, 2015 . Bruins' Paul Perkins consistent in his explosiveness . July 26, 2017 . OCRegister.com.
  17. News: Kaufman . Joey . December 1, 2015 . UCLA DT Kenny Clark on All-Pac-12 first team; eight Bruins on second team . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20151205013615/http://www.ocregister.com/ucla/team-694358-ucla-tackle.html . December 5, 2015 . The Orange County Register.
  18. News: Helfand . Zach . December 29, 2015 . UCLA running back Paul Perkins declares for NFL draft . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20160106072807/http://www.latimes.com/sports/ucla/uclanow/la-sp-sn-ucla-paul-perkins-declares-nfl-draft-20151229-story.html . January 6, 2016 . Los Angeles Times.
  19. Web site: Paul Perkins College Stats . March 20, 2018 . College Football at Sports-Reference.com . en.
  20. Web site: *Paul Perkins, DS #7 RB, UCLA: 2016 NFL Draft . December 8, 2016 . NFLDraftScout.com.
  21. Web site: 2016 NFL Draft Listing . March 20, 2018 . Pro-Football-Reference.com . en.
  22. Web site: Sportrac.com: Paul Perkins . December 8, 2016 . Sportrac.com.
  23. Web site: Eisen . Michael . May 6, 2016 . Giants sign four draft picks & 14 undrafted free agents . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20160708034857/http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Giants-sign-four-draft-picks--14-undrafted-free-agents/bce88848-ed81-4d6a-8e99-26f19049be9d . July 8, 2016 . August 4, 2016 . Giants.com.
  24. Web site: 2016 New York Giants Statistics & Players . March 20, 2018 . Pro-Football-Reference.com . en.
  25. Web site: Paul Perkins 2016 Game Log . March 20, 2018 . Pro-Football-Reference.com . en.
  26. Web site: New York Giants at Washington Redskins – January 1st, 2017 . March 20, 2018 . Pro-Football-Reference.com . en.
  27. Web site: Wild Card – New York Giants at Green Bay Packers – January 8th, 2017 . March 20, 2018 . Pro-Football-Reference.com . en.
  28. News: Smith . David . May 1, 2017 . Ben McAdoo says Paul Perkins is the Giants' starting running back . August 17, 2020 . Pro Football Talk.
  29. Web site: 2017 New York Giants Statistics & Players . March 20, 2018 . Pro-Football-Reference.com . en.
  30. Web site: Eisen . Michael . May 10, 2018 . Giants waive running back Paul Perkins . May 10, 2018 . Giants.com . May 11, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180511013555/http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Giants-waive-running-back-Paul-Perkins/30427d9b-345c-4903-809f-790703b7ec77 . dead .
  31. Web site: Leach . Jason . May 14, 2018 . Paul Perkins Career As A Giant And In The NFL Is In Serious Doubt . June 14, 2023 . Elite Sports NY . en-US.
  32. Web site: May 11, 2018 . Giants' Paul Perkins: Reverts to NFI list . June 14, 2023 . CBSSports.com . en.
  33. Web site: September 17, 2019 . Giants get TE Kaden Smith on waivers, waive RB Paul Perkins . September 17, 2019 . Fox Sports . Associated Press.
  34. Web site: September 17, 2019 . Lions awarded RB Paul Perkins via waivers from New York Giants . May 16, 2023 . DetroitLions.com.
  35. Web site: October 18, 2019 . Lions awarded Carson via waivers from Green Bay . May 16, 2023 . AP NEWS . en.
  36. Web site: October 23, 2019 . Lions sign RB Paul Perkins to active roster . May 16, 2023 . DetroitLions.com.
  37. Web site: October 30, 2019 . Lions sign CB Michael Jackson to active roster from Cowboys' practice squad . May 16, 2023 . DetroitLions.com.
  38. Web site: November 2, 2019 . Lions sign RB Paul Perkins to active roster . May 16, 2023 . DetroitLions.com.
  39. Web site: November 16, 2019 . Lions sign Scarbrough to active roster, release Perkins . May 16, 2023 . AP NEWS . en.
  40. Web site: Paul Perkins 2019 Game Log . January 28, 2020 . Pro-Football-Reference.com . en.
  41. Web site: December 3, 2019 . Paul Perkins: Hits Jaguars' practice squad . May 16, 2023 . CBSSports.com . en.
  42. 1214637588767821830 . HBalzer721 . Jaguars practice-squad contracts expired Monday: LB Joe Dineen; WR Terry Godwin; DE Dewayne Hendrix; RB Paul Perkins. . January 7, 2020 . January 9, 2020.
  43. Web site: January 7, 2020 . Paul Perkins: Signs with practice squad . May 16, 2023 . CBSSports.com.
  44. 1219772751801737221 . HBalzer721 . Ravens practice-squad contracts expired Monday: T Marcus Applefield; FB Christopher Ezeala; RBs Byron Marshall, Paul Perkins; CB Denzel Rice. . January 21, 2020 . January 21, 2020.
  45. Web site: November 19, 2020 . Practice Squad Moves: Colts Sign RB Paul Perkins . May 16, 2023 . Colts.com.
  46. Web site: January 10, 2021 . Colts Announce Two Extensions, 16 Reserve/Future Contracts . May 16, 2023 . Colts.com.
  47. Web site: May 3, 2021 . Colts Release RB Paul Perkins . May 3, 2021 . Colts.com.
  48. Web site: Bruce Perkins Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College . May 16, 2023 . Pro-Football-Reference.com . en.
  49. Web site: Don Perkins Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College . May 16, 2023 . Pro-Football-Reference.com . en.
  50. Web site: Bryce Perkins Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College . May 16, 2023 . Pro-Football-Reference.com . en.

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