Remembering the Paul Perkins era at running back in 2014 and 2015

Paul Perkins became a standout in the UCLA Bruins backfield his sophomore and junior seasons. Totaling over 2,900 yards on the ground in 2014 and 2015, with 23 touchdowns to go along with it. He also added 443 yards receiving and three touchdowns. Capping off a great two year run that ended with him being selected in the 5th round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Going to the New York Giants at pick 149. He had a decent rookie season with 112 carries for 456 yards, but not much after before his career ended after 2019.

Perkins broke onto the scene in 2014 when he was the leader of the Pac-12 in rushing. A feat that a Bruin had not accomplished, since Deshaun Foster did it in the Pac-10 era in 2001. Perkins had six games of over 100 rushing yards in 2013, and all 13 games he had at least 78 rushing yards. Providing a consistent option on offense for Jim Mora. The Bruins went 10-3 that season, capped off by a 40-35 win in the Alamo Bowl over Kansas State. A game in which Perkins had 20 carries for 194 yards and two touchdowns.

His junior season in 2015 his yards per carry would dip from 6.3 to 5.7, but more added pressure was on him. He was now a player that directly needed attention after his sophomore season. But he still put up 14 touchdowns and a 5.7 yards per carry is still a good amount to tote on 237 carries. That season he had five games of over 100 rushing yards. Led by a 24-23 win over BYU in which he had 26 carries for 219 yards and a touchdown.

Perkins ranks third on the UCLA all-time rushing list because of these two seasons. He totaled 3,611 rushing yards in his UCLA career. His scrimmage yards are also good for second with 4,230 in his career. At 5’10 and 208 pounds, he didn’t have breakaway speed with a 4.54 40-yard dash. But he was always a very smart runner and one of the best UCLA has ever had. Thank you for the memories Paul!