Florida Gators running back signee Lamical Perine committed to the Gators on May 29, 2015 but Florida had to fend off the University of Alabama up until National Signing Day. Perine is a big, physical back with good speed and intends on inserting himself right into the competition for reps at running back.
Perine sat down with Gator Country for 20 questions before he leaves his home in Theodore, Alabama and enrolls at the University of Florida this summer.
Q1: What are you most excited about starting college?
A: “I’m just ready to compete. I’m ready to go in there and play and be physical. Just compete.”
Q2: Other than Florida what was your favorite place to visit?
“UCLA. The campus was amazing. North Carolina was nice too. I liked that they had a hot tub in the facilities.”
Q3: What number do you want to wear at Florida? Is there significance to that number?
“I was supposed to wear No. 2, but I think Tyrie [Cleveland] is getting it. I really don’t know what number I’ll be, I might just stick with 26, nothing wrong with it, and I’ve been rocking it for a minute. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it. I’m trying to make a name for myself and I don’t know of too many people that have worn that number.”
Q4:Is there an NFL player you try to model your game after?
“I like T.J. Yeldon and I like Le’Veon Bell. Probably DeMarco Murray is my best running back, I can catch the ball out of the back field.”
Q5:What is your favorite non-football part of Gainesville?
“Relish, really good burgers.”
Q6: If not football, what sport would you play?
“Basketball.”
Q7: Having been through the recruiting process, what would you tell a recruit to do, enjoy, watch out for?
“I would tell them to look out for the crazy fans. There are so many fans that don’t like you just because you didn’t choose their school. Don’t go by what they say on social media. Don’t let social media get to your head. Keep your social media clean! Coaches are watching at all times, Coach Mac is real into that. Don’t take your recruitment process for granted. You get one time to do it.”
Q8: Do you have a story from your recruitment that turned you off to a team?
“Nothing really.”
Q9: What is your best football memory right now?
“Probably being the all-time rusher at my high school. I finished with almost 4,000.”
Q10: When did you think you were good enough to play Division I football, or possibly play professionally?
“My freshman year I knew I had a lot of talent but really it was in my sophomore year. That year I played a lot for a sophomore. That really helped me out being to play so early, it really helped me out.”
Q11: What music do you listen to before a game? Do you have a pre-game ritual?
“I like Future. I don’t really have any rituals before games.”
Q12: What is your best Coach McElwain or Tim Skipper story?
“There’s a lot of funny moments, I can’t really remember them off the top of my head. Coach Mac is just a good guy; he’s always going to be honest with you even if it isn’t what you want to hear. Coach Skip, that’s my man. He’ always there when you need him, just told me to give him a call hit him up, anything.”
Q13: If you could take any celebrity out on a date who would it be?
“Probably one of the Kardashian sisters. I like Kim. I actually like the other one, Kourtney.”
Q14: LeBron James or Steph Curry?
LeBron
Q15: If you won the lottery what would be the first thing that you would buy?
“I’d buy my mom a house and a car.”
Q16: Orange or Blue?
“Blue”
Q17: Xbox one or PS4?
PS4
Q18: FIFA, NBA 2K or Madden?
NBA 2K.
Q19: Favorite TV show.
Teen Wolf
Q20: What’s one thing about you that Gator fans don’t know?
“I actually like, instead looking at other running backs I like watching film of other defensive backs. When I see a good DB I always recognize them if they’re live.”