Gorman’s Perry watched as brother helped Arizona State win big game, commits to school

By Ray Brewer (contact)

Sunday, Nov. 2, 2014 | 3:30 p.m.

A recruiting trip to another university helped Bishop Gorman High sophomore defensive back Alex Perry commit late Saturday to Arizona State.

Perry and six of his Gorman teammates sat in the student section at the University of Washington last weekend for its game against Arizona State during an unofficial recruiting visit.

Toward the end of the back-and-forth game, Arizona State freshman Armand Perry — Alex’s older brother — intercepted a pass and raced toward the end zone for a touchdown to seal the Arizona State win. During the run-back, the Gorman players on their visit cheered wildly for their former teammate.

Most were dressed in Washington apparel and their loyalties were supposed to favor the home team. But ...

“We lost it. We didn’t care,” Alex Perry said.

When the recruits were in the somber Washington locker room after the game, Alex Perry couldn’t help thinking about the celebration in the winning Arizona State locker room. He wanted to be with his brother.

Alex Perry got that chance Saturday during an unofficial visit to Arizona State.

After the Sun Devils beat Utah in overtime, Perry and other recruits were allowed on the field with players. He walked to the locker room with his brother and, inspired by watching Arizona State win close games in consecutive weeks, told him he was going to commit.

This time, he was the in the locker room of the winning team.

“It was crazy in there. Everyone was so excited for the win,” Alex Perry said. “All of the coaches said they were excited to have me there.”

The coaches will be more excited to have Alex Perry in three years.

The 5 foot 10, 165-pound Perry has been on the Gorman varsity team since his freshman season, which is a big feat considering the Nevada power is ranked No. 1 nationally. When the Perry brothers played together last year in Gorman’s secondary, Armand Perry didn’t hesitate saying his brother would wind up being the better player.

Armand Perry has 23 tackles, 1.5 sacks and an interception through eight college games. There’s a chance he’ll be reunited with his brother for his senior season.

“It would just be just like last year at Gorman,” said Alex Perry, who has 37 tackles this season.

Verbal commits are nonbinding and don’t become official until a letter of intent is signed. Signing day for Perry isn’t until February 2017.

Ray Brewer can be reached at 702-990-2662 or [email protected]. Follow Ray on Twitter at twitter.com/raybrewer21