UCLA Football: RB Paul Perkins’ Workhorse Attitude Is A Key Component to the Bruins
By Matt Wagner
The secret to a good team, no matter the sport, is to have players who are eager to put work it.
Paul Perkins is easily one that fits that description.
When starting quarterback Brett Hundley went down with an injury in the first quarter against Texas, Perkins shouldered the running load nicely for UCLA, accounting for 126 yards on 24 carries.
His contributions eventually led to UCLA offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone opening up the offense late in the third quarter and the fourth, and we all know what happened from there.
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Quarterback Jerry Neuheisel threw a perfect pass to Jordan Payton for the game-winning touchdown, improving the #11 Bruins’ record to 3-0 as they head into Sun Devil Stadium to face Arizona State.
A game like the one he had a couple weeks ago is commonplace for the redshirt sophomore, and he continues to establish himself as one of the more underrated running backs in the Pac-12 and nationally. Through all the Bruins’ inconsistencies this season — whether it be an out-of-sync offense vs. Virginia, a defense giving up yards in bunches vs. Memphis, or offensive line troubles partially due to an earlier injury to center Jake Brendel, — Perkins has been a true mainstay this season.
It is that “workhorse” attitude that defines Perkins‘ game. He is always willing to be the 20-carry guy like he was against the Longhorms, a key option out of the backfield, even a blocker, Perkins is ready and able to do it all.
Perkins has been an extremely valuable Bruin during his time here, and look for him to remain being just that for the rest of his time at UCLA. Hundley, Perkins, Myles Jack, and the rest of the Bruins will lead us to big things, without a doubt, both this season and beyond.
While there are struggles so far, the Bruins are still undefeated, and get ready to enjoy what the future holds.