Fan after fan approached him following Saturday’s UCLA
football scrimmage, even though he didn’t participate in one
play.
People spoke fondly of the things he’s done before, even
though those stale memories are now over a year old.
Alumni congratulated him on persevering and overcoming
adversity, even though the adversity was arguably self-imposed.
Despite all of that, it’s clear that the UCLA football
world appears oh so ready to welcome senior receiver Tab Perry back
with open arms. And if Saturday is any indication, he’s
awfully happy with the reception thus far.
“It makes me feel really good,” the 6-foot-3,
220-pound Perry said.
“It just shows that a lot of fans have given me a lot of
love, and I appreciate that.”
Perry will begin practicing in full pads today after dealing
with the NCAA-mandated five-day working-in period last week.
UCLA announced last Tuesday that Perry, who missed all last
season because of academic ineligibility, had been readmitted to
the university after fulfilling academic requirements
elsewhere.
UCLA officials will forward Perry’s paperwork to the NCAA
early this week to establish that Perry has met all NCAA
requirements for eligibility.
Once that process is complete, he will be cleared to participate
in all of UCLA’s games this season.
The news is certainly welcome among Bruin coaches and Bruin
fans, as the big and athletic Perry will give the team another
legitimate threat to complement Craig Bragg at receiver. While also
catching passes, Perry will also give the Bruins another vaunted
kick returner.
In his three seasons with the Bruins, Perry had tallied 62
catches for 1,172 yards and three touchdowns. He has also racked up
1,262 yards in 56 kickoff returns.
And despite the long hiatus from competitive football, Perry
feels like he’s coming back a stronger player than when he
left.
“I’ve been working out real hard,” Perry said.
“I’ve had a whole year to try to be a more complete
player, a more complete receiver. I think it’s really paying
off right now.”
Perry said he’s been working hard on his route-running,
conditioning, and mental game in order to get prepared for the
coming season, so he can put himself in a position to help the team
any way he can.
“I want to just give our offense that extra
intensity,” Perry said. “These guys are already
intense, but I just want to add a little bit more.”
It remains to be seen exactly what Perry will be able to do at
full speed with full pads, but he’s certainly optimistic
about his abilities, and he’s definitely encouraged by what
he’s seen in camp so far.
“This is probably the best fall camp I’ve seen since
I’ve been here,” Perry said. “Everybody is doing
what they’re supposed to do. The offense is doing good, the
defense is doing good, everything is going really well.”
And now the open arms should grow wider for Perry as he takes
the field today, a Bruin once again.