As Lake Highlands senior Kent Perkins prepares to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl Saturday, he realizes he’s enjoying a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
“Going against solid athletes makes you better,” he told me by telephone between practices in San Antonio. “These guys are the top recruits in the country. A certain percentage are going to make it to the pros.”
Kent’s prospects are as good as any. Dallas Morning News calls him the number one recruit in the area, and USA Today named him to their All-Star Team. He’ll play on the offensive line at the University of Texas in the fall.
The Army had a week-full of special events planned for the guys, including a press conference, player combine, awards dinner and coaches clinic. Kent’s favorite part of the week?
“Eating!”
“The food has been great,” he said. “They served us dinner at the Alamo. I’d never been.”
Kent roomed with Jake Oliver, a wide receiver from Jesuit Prep in Dallas. Jake will also play at UT.
“It’s been great getting to know all the other guys,” said Kent. “They’re funny. They goof around all the time – except on the field.”
On game day, Kent is expecting big crowds at the Alamodome, but he’s not worried. “I focus on what I’m doing on the field.”
Besides, he says, it should be good preparation for the hordes that show up to watch the Longhorns play.
Kent did have one admission – he’s been a little homesick. He’s looking forward to spending some time back in Lake Highlands with his mom – and her home cooking.
The U.S. Army All-American Bowl will be broadcast on NBC at 12 noon on Saturday, January 5. Kent will be playing for the West wearing jersey #76. Go Kent!
