QB Bryce Perkins to transfer from ASU to Arizona Western
Jun 7, 2017, 8:03 PM | Updated: 8:56 pm
Arizona State quarterback Bryce Perkins (3) hands the ball off to running back Demario Richard (4) during a spring NCAA college football game Saturday, April 16, 2016, in Tempe, Ariz. All offensive players wore jerseys with "Tillman" on the back, honoring the late Arizona State player Pat Tillman. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
The ASU Sun Devils’ crowded quarterback room got a bit roomier when Bryce Perkins was granted a release from the school in late May, as Arizona Sports‘ John Gambadoro reported.
On Wednesday, it was learned that Perkins will transfer to Arizona Western Junior College, where he will be able to play immediately before transferring to a Division I school, reports 12 News’ Bruce Cooper.
Former ASU qb Bryce Perkins will transfer & play @ Arizona Western JC in Yuma. Will sign w/D-1 school for spring w/2 years of eligibility
— Bruce Cooper (@12newscoop) June 8, 2017
Perkins’ decision to leave Tempe does not come as a total shock, as Todd Graham’s team is loaded at the QB position. Last year’s starter, Manny Wilkins, has returned, as have Brady White and Dillon Sterling-Cole. ASU also brought in highly-touted freshman Ryan Kelley and Alabama transfer Blake Barnett.
In early April, the former four-star recruit out of Chandler High School talked about the neck injury that cost him the 2016 season and explained how excited he was to be back on the field participating in a wide-open QB competition.
“The reps you get when you get in, make the plays, make the most of it and with the mistakes you make, get in the film room, correct them, come out the next day and practice, practice, practice,” he said then. “I’m not worrying about what others do. Just focus on me, focus on the plays get, the opportunities I get and capitalize on it.”
With spring ball in the rearview mirror, it appears playing time would not have been readily available. In that regard, his decision to transfer makes a lot of sense. As Arizona Sports’ Craig Morgan reported, Perkins considered the option last year after coaches considered a position change for him. However, Perkins decided to focus on rehabilitation and Arizona State.
“I’ve got a family, it’s a brotherhood around here,” he said in April. “The relationships I establish with the people around here are going to last. It’s bigger than me, it’s bigger than football, it’s going to last forever. Seeing both sides, the grass is not always greener on the other side.”
