Bishop Gorman’s Perry picks Arizona State football

By Ray Brewer (contact)

Published Saturday, Aug. 17, 2013 | 4:55 p.m.

Updated Saturday, Aug. 17, 2013 | 5:54 p.m.

Bishop Gorman High safety Armand Perry wanted to make his college decision before the school year began. Monday, classes start at Gorman.

So Saturday, the 5-foot-11, 175-pound senior committed to Arizona State, picking the Pac-12 school over offers from Cal, UNLV, UNR and others. He initially planned to announced his decision in early August, but delayed until this weekend in deciding primarily between Arizona State and Cal.

"It was a very tough decision. That's why I had to push back the date," Perry said. "I gave me time to talk it over with my family and pick the best situation."

That situation was in Tempe, Ariz.

Arizona State coach Todd Graham is a former defensive coach and calls all of the Sundevils' defensive plays. He impressed Perry with his defense-first mentality.

"I like how it's a defensive-minded program," he said. "The coaches gave me a good feeling. It's a place I could see myself the next four or five years."

Perry had 54 tackles and an interception last season for Gorman, helping the Gaels win their fourth straight state championship. He’s considered a three-star recruiting prospect by Rivals.com.

Perry will be one of Gorman's leaders Friday when it opens the season against Mountain Pointe of Arizona in the Sollenberger Classic. Perry hopes to be on the field at this point next summer from Arizona State. He expects to compete immediately for playing time with Arizona State graduating some of its secondary players.

Verbal commitments are non-binding until an athlete signs a letter of intent. Signing day is in February 2014.

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