SoCal TE makes the call

Oregon State coaches received some big news earlier this week when 6-foot-5, 240 pound tight end, Tyler Perry, from Ventura (Calif.) Buena committed to play for the Beavers. A skilled blocker, Perry also has soft hands and runs sharp routes, attributes that make him a perfect fit for the Beavers pro-style offense. No one was more surprised than Perry however at his decision to commit to Oregon State.

With offers on the table from Arizona, UNLV, Utah State, and New Mexico State, Perry set out for a whirlwind campus tour a few weeks back. He visited Arizona, Oregon State, Washington and Washington State, all with the hopes of getting a better idea of what each school had to offer. When it was over, he found his home.

"Oregon State was definitely one of the underdogs from the beginning," Perry said. "They were one school that I really wasn't even thinking that much about. After being there though, no school even came close."

"I loved the scenery, facilities, the campus, everything was beautiful," he added. "I even liked the rain. I was a bit shocked. It was awesome!"

Perry spent a day in Corvallis at the team camp and was greeted when he arrived by Coach Mark Banker, who has been leading his recruiting efforts.

"Coach Banker came out and visited us when we arrived and showed us the campus," Perry said. "I was there all day and stayed for a passing league too."

But what was it about the 'underdog' Beavers that clicked with the talented prospect?

"Mainly the coaching staff," he said. "I was able to meet everyone and they were all very open and honest. We talked about how they use the tight end and about the system. They weren't trying to say what I wanted to hear and they weren't hyping themselves. They just showed so much respect towards me."

Following the camp, Perry contacted Coach Riley who gave him the news of the offer. After talking it over with his family and thinking things through, Perry called the coaches a few days ago to make his pledge.

In Perry the Beavers have found a versatile and athletic tight end who is not only an excellent blocker, but can go out and make catches like a wide receiver. He is strong enough to shed tacklers and has the size and leaping ability to make the tough grabs.

Perry is excited for his next visit to Corvallis, which he hopes to schedule soon. His official visit will most likely take place early in the season, but he is also looking at possibly making another road trip to take in a fall practice or two.

"Before committing, I was going through a list of schools that I thought I may like to play for," Perry said. "None of them surpassed OSU. Oregon State blew me away."