The Lumberjack

Issue date: 11/28/07 Section: Sports

There's an old saying that says it is not what you say, but it is what you do.

Humboldt State football player Richard Perkins, a senior wide receiver known as "Perk," lives by that.

"He is not a vocal leader. Perkins sets a good example by what he does, not by what he says," said former teammate and current assistant tight ends coach Milton White.

The 23-year-old Gardena, Calif. native was born on Aug. 8, 1984 to Robert and Patty Perkins.

Perkins has been playing football for about 16 years. At the early of age of seven, Perkins realized that he wanted to follow in the footsteps of his older brother and play football. Perkins wanted to play with his brother, but due to the two-year age difference between the two, Perkins was held behind playing Pop-Warner football until he was of age to play in an older football league.

After playing three years of high school football at Gardena High School, Perkins would go on to play in just five games for the East Los Angeles College Huskies in 2002 after getting injured early in the season.

Perkins played for one year at El Camino Community College. He was then recruited to play football at Humboldt State in 2005.

The three-year Humboldt State veteran has shown significant hard work, dedication, and leadership skills throughout his entire career as a 'Jack.

"Perkins works hard," White said. "He is a good football player."

Perkins is a quiet, driven, family-oriented student athlete who started this season off slow, overcoming an injury from last season. His injuries and surgeries date all the way back to the time during his years as a Panther at Gardena High School.

He suffered his second injury in 2002 while playing for the East L.A. Huskies, which resulted in another surgery.

This would be a career key turning point in Perkins' life after undergoing the second surgery. "I didn't want to play football anymore," Perkins said. "I didn't want to go through anymore surgeries. I didn't think football was for me."

But with the encouragement from his family, Perkins decided to continue playing football.

Last season, Perkins was hit from behind, injuring his knee on an attempt to recover a fumble during a game against Southern Oregon University. This injury forced Perkins to undergo a third surgery.

The most memorable moment of Perkins' career at HSU was when he caught 15 passes against the Southern Oregon Raiders, tying the school's all-time record for most catches in a game.

Perkins' most memorable moment on the team was the game against Dixie College where the 'Jacks won the game in triple overtime after trailing 16-0 in the fourth quarter.

Perkins finished out his last season at HSU strong, catching 45 passes for 559 yards and scoring one touchdown. Including kickoff and punt returns, Perkins had 869 all-purpose yards.

When Perkins is not playing football, he enjoys playing the piano, video games, watching movies and hanging out with friends.

After finishing up his degree in journalism, Perkins plans to continue playing football at the next level. During this time Perkins plans to work out and get his film together.

Senior Offensive Lineman Duane Manyweather said Perkins definitely has a shot to showcase his talent in the NFL, AFL, and CFL. Perkins is a guy that came in, worked hard at practice and translated onto the field during games. "He led by example," said Manyweather.

This is the last season that Perkins will be spending with his former teammates. He said he will miss the players and the different bonds that they shared. Perkins went on to say that he would miss making new friends and meeting new people.

Perkins leaves behind a team of dedicated and self-driven players who will make a difference in the team's organization in the years to come.

"If there is something you really want, don't let no one tell you that you can't have it or can't do it," Perkins said. "I wish the guys luck in next season. Thanks for all the support from students, the community, and fans."


Tatina Cummings can be reached at trc21@humboldt.edu

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