Maybe the title of this article is premature, but with Imani Davis slated to graduate next semester, Michael Perkins is definitely a 2021 back to look out for during the 2020 season. I know, I know, the 2019 season is not even over with, and Chapel Hills biggest game of the season looms this Friday against Cedartown with playoff implications on the line. But we are in the business of projecting, and for Perkins, it is easy to see the class of 2021 running back having a big senior season.

Projections aside, Perkins believes that his junior season has played out well after getting over an injury speed bump.

“Besides a few minor injuries, my junior season has been great! I missed two games due to an injury to my knee but came back like I never left. I currently have 556 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns.”

One of those touchdowns being the #3 play on our weekly top 10 play video. Perkins took a hand-off almost smacked-dab in the middle of the field, and before he knew it, the backfield was leaking defenders. The fleet-footed junior did a quick jump-cut around one defender, then accelerated thru the b gap where he found daylight on the sideline. Perkins stiff armed a few more defenders and eventually raced down the sideline into the endzone.

There was a lot to digest on the play. First, the 2021 recruit showed some legit quickness that is absolutely D1 quality, but also the reactions and vision to find a narrow hole then accelerate away from the original line of defense. Perkins has all-purpose back qualities for sure, and those are attributes that he has worked on over the last year.

“I believe I’ve improved most on my speed, it seems like I get faster every year. Another thing is my vision. I’ve became great at taking advantage of my blocks, reading them and executing the play to the best of my ability.”

Perkins models his game after Devonta Freeman, citing, “his speed and elusiveness out the backfield,” as qualities that he tries to emulate.

So far, his recruitment has been relatively quiet, but it is still extremely early in his recruiting process to fret over lack of attention by any measure. Perkins has been reached out by a few schools to camp next summer but also noted, “I’m just continuing to play the game I love and trying to put myself out there to get exposure.”

Go ahead, watch the film above at the top of this article and notice how the 2021 back finds creases in the line of scrimmage. He has a strong core too, and doesn’t go down easy on contact despite have a more slender frame. Perkins a tough back to get down, and his quick change of direction is like catching a greased jack-rabbit.

With another season to play, there is obviously plenty of football left to play for Perkins, but we still wanted to know what he enjoys most from playing on Friday nights. His response, was great.

“My favorite part about playing on Friday nights is playing the game I love with the people who love it just as much as I do. Playing on Friday’s has always been a dream of mine coming up through elementary and middle school and to finally accomplish it is just the best feeling ever.”

Expect Perkins to be a name to follow over the next year on both the recruiting circuit and on the gridiron next fall too, where he is definitely a candidate for +1000 yard season. At 5’10” and 165 lbs., the 2021 recruit has some work ahead of him in the weight room, but considering his explosiveness changing direction, there should be some legit interest among D1 programs over the next year, so be sure to follow @RecruitGeorgia on Twitter to hear more about Perkins and other athletes across the Peach State.

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