Bryce Perkins says it’s easy for him to think back on his successful journey that took him from Arizona Western Community College to being anointed the most important player in the UVA offense before even playing his first Division 1 game.
“It’s easy to remember when my journey began,” said Perkins. “I signed on Dec. 20th – my birthday.”
Since then the junior college product, who led the Matadors to the NJCAA national championship game, has almost single-handedly led the Cavaliers from the shadows of FBS football to national attention again.
Augusta Free Press coverage of the 2018 Belk Bowl is presented by Bear Creek.
OK, maybe national attention is a bit of a stretch, but make no mistake: Virginia football is feeling better these days, mainly due to the arm and legs of Perkins as he leads the Cavaliers into the 2018 Belk Bowl here in Charlotte against SEC foe South Carolina.
Accounting for over 3,300 yards of total offense, a single-season UVA record and ranked second in that category in the Atlantic Coast Conference, Perkins presented nightmares for opposing defenses on a weekly basis.
“It’s been a great year, everything I hoped it would be,” noted Perkins. The biggest adjustment he had to make when arriving on Grounds? “Wow, it was the trees, they were like green, and everywhere you looked,” proclaimed Perkins.
He’s from Arizona. Not many trees there, apparently.
Now the most significant adjustments being made are by opponents’ defensive coordinators, who face the daunting task of stopping the dual-threat signal-caller.
“I try to be creative, but not too much. It’s always better when the play works without improvising,” said Perkins.
Virginia fans hope that on Saturday Perkins again sees a lot of green, the green in the South Carolina end zone.
Column and interview by Scott German
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