Bishop's Perez playing with the best in THSCA all-star football game
By Javier Becerra (Contact) Originally published 12:00 a.m., July 31, 2007 Updated 03:33 a.m., July 31, 2007
FORT WORTH -- Lazaro Perez doesn't know if he'll have time for football while studying biomedical science at Texas A&M-Kingsville.
The recent Bishop graduate is getting a taste of what college football might be like as a member of the South team in the 2007 Texas High School Coaches Association all-star football game. Perez is one of 74 former prep standouts in town for tonight's game at TCU's Amon Carter Stadium.
"I'm out here with some big time college recruits so, it's a lot different than what I'm used to," the 6-foot-3, 281-pound Perez said. "It's quicker and much faster. It's a big difference, but I've been getting after it."
The Defensive MVP in District 32-2A last season, Perez finished his career with 63 tackles. Tonight, however, Perez will be playing on the offensive line along with Beeville's Jaren Shears.
Players arrived in Fort Worth on Friday and have practiced twice a day since Saturday. The teams get one more practice today and a walk-through before the game, but Perez wouldn't mind a little more time to prepare.
"It's been a challenge to get everything down," he said. "The offense is running plays I've never seen before. It's a lot to memorize in such a short time, but it looks like we got it down."
Although Perez is thankful to be a part of the event, he didn't expect to be selected.
"(Bishop coach Barry Wolf) told me he had nominated me, but I didn't think much of it at the time," he said. "Then one day he emailed me and said that I had been picked. I was stunned."
On the depth chart, Perez is listed second at right tackle behind Montgomery's James "Jake" Hicks. Shears, meanwhile, is set to share time at left guard with McAllen's Carlos Salas.
Perez looks forward to finally playing tonight, even though he's not a starter. If he does decide to walk on at A&M-Kingsville, he'll have a better idea of what to expect.
"It's been fun to meet all these guys and get their insight on the game and the way they play," he said. "I've learned a lot of new things. This is a really good group of guys."
Good going. It's nice to see a local boy acomplishing so much not only in music, but in life. Great job and i will watch the game tonite to cheer you on!
hey guys whats up im back ... thanks to all of yall for t he support ... we went up there an took care of business..... thanks again to each an everyone of yall