Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Watch List RB enjoys second OU visit
By Bob Przybylo
Nobody is pressuring ESPN Watch List running back Samaje Perine (Pflugerville, Texas/Hendrickson) to make a decision, but Perine might be close to making one.
He said a couple of weeks ago it was down to Oklahoma, Alabama and TCU, and things have become even clearer following an unofficial visit to OU on Tuesday. It was his second trip to Norman, Okla., in as many months.
ESPN Watch List tailback Samaje Perine said he might announce his decision soon.
Perine got home around 1:15 a.m. but he said the trip was well worth it.
“This trip was about going down to and observe the players and coaches,” Perine said. “The relationship between the players and coaches is a big deal to me, and it looked like they have a great relationship at OU.”
Perine was the only running back at OU’s first junior day last month, and he was the only running back making a visit Tuesday. He said he wanted to watch OU practice and he spent the entire day with running backs coach Cale Gundy.
Since his first visit to OU, he picked up offers from the Crimson Tide and Horned Frogs and had made visits to both campuses. Growing up in Alabama, it was clear the Tide offer meant a lot to Perine.
But it’s not about childhood dreams anymore. It's about what can help him in the future. And right now, he’s not sure if he sees that at Alabama.
“Alabama hasn’t really been talking to me as much as OU has,” Perine said. “Honestly, they don’t need me. They’re running back-heavy right now. There’s no need for another one. I see better opportunities at OU and TCU.”
The Crimson Tide are rolling already at running back with the commitment of Watch List back Bo Scarbrough (Tuscaloosa, Ala./Northridge) so that plays a role, too, Perine said.
Perine said right now he doesn’t see the point in taking another trip to Alabama, and he also said he doesn’t have any more spring practice visits planned. For once, he said, he would like to just stay home for a weekend and relax.
Perine wanted to see if he still felt as strong about OU this time around as he did last month. There should be no worries for Sooners fans.
“They’re a great school,” Perine said. “I like them a lot. I don’t know right now. It was great to talk with Coach Gundy and Coach [Bob] Stoops again.”
Perine said he wants to talk to his mother about everything and might be ready to make a decision soon. She has accompanied him on every visit he has taken so far.
“She has stayed neutral because she just wants me to do what I feel is best for me,” Perine said. “We have a lot to talk about.”
