La’Mical Perine has plenty of patience. That is, after all, a requirement for running backs.
The successful running backs are the usually the ones who can see a hole in the defense and wait just enough to exploit it. Then… boom!
They’re able to allow their offensive line just enough time to make a key block and then… boom!
No one will need to tell this to La’ Mical Perine. He gets it.
The Jets, with the 120th overall selection in the 2020 NFL Draft, grabbed Perine. General manager Joe Douglas used one of two fourth round picks acquired from New England, for pick No. 101.
The 4th round is a long time to wait, but Perine doesn’t come off as being impatient. Everything about his profile indicates he’s worked his butt off for this opportunity and displayed patience along the way.
The 5-foot-11, 216 pound running back scored 30 touchdowns in his four-year career with the Florida Gators. His 2,845 rushing yards ranks him for the eighth-most in program history.
In an ideal situation, Perine will be the “2” in a 1-2 punch with Le’Veon Bell. He brings versatility, much like Bell, from the backfield.
At 216 pounds, the 22-year old has the skill-set to play a key role in short-yard situations. 30 career touchdowns, in the tough SEC, shouldn’t be overlooked. Perine has a nose for the end zone, this makes him an intriguing option inside the red zone. He has the hands to be utilized as a pass-catcher, also like Bell.
With patience comes greatness
Jets’ head coach Adam Gase couldn’t tap into his offensive playbook last season the way he’d hoped. Injuries played a large role in that. But, with a full season of working with Bell and quarterback Sam Darnold under his belt, the expectations are for better results in 2020. Perine’s versatility can help bring that to fruition.
He caught 40 passes for 262 yards and five touchdowns in his senior season with the Gators. Those were all career highs for him while in Gainseville.
“I felt me being more versatile would help me out in this draft process, Perine said. “Teams just don’t want no big bruiser. They want guys who can catch out the backfield and just be an asset on third down and be a weapon and be able to contribute.”
Perine can be the running back that plays ground-and-pound, if that’s what Gase wants to do. But he’s also aware of what today’s NFL game has evolved into, he put the work in to meet those expectations.
On the morning Perine was drafted, he tweeted one word to his followers. One word to his fans, one word to those who have supported him along the way.
“Patience…”
Perine has an opportunity to work alongside one of the top NFL running backs in the league. He’ll learn from Bell and help take the load off him.
And then, of course, there’s the business side of this. Bell’s contract isn’t guaranteed after this season. Perine will have an opportunity to show he can be a valued apprentice.
But that’s down the road, and, before we start speculating on that — and you know we will — let’s be patient.
Because we already know La’Mical Perine will be.
