Deacon Sports Xtra: Perry Checks Final Boxes Before NFL Draft
4/21/2023 8:45:00 AM | Football
“I came out confident and relaxed, and just did my thing.” - A.T. Perry
Playmakers.
That's the title of the shirt A.T. Perry wore to Wake Forest Pro Day in late March as he worked out for scouts from 28 NFL teams, trying to further cement his NFL Combine performance where he rose up the draft boards with a sparkling 4.47 40-yard dash.
The shirt has his image on it, as well as former Demon Deacon teammates Ke'Shawn Williams, Jahmal Banks, Donavon Greene and Taylor Morin — guys who made the trip across campus to McCreary Field House to support Perry's efforts.
"That whole receiver room means a lot to me," Perry said. "Being the older guy the last two years and bringing the younger guys along. When we get on the field and do our thing, it's special. I love these boys and glad I got this shirt. It's fun being around them."
It was a special moment for Perry to return to campus and be back around his Wake Forest teammates.
"It means a lot," he said. "It shows the love we have for each other and the chemistry and culture that has been built at Wake Forest. This shirt means a lot. These are my brothers. I love them so much. I just want to lead by example and show them they can do it too.
"Just follow what the coaches show you, because they have the plan. It means a lot that they are out there. I'm forever blessed that they are in my life."
After combining for 19 receptions and two touchdowns in his first three seasons as a Demon Deacon, Perry exploded in 2021, earning ACC First-Team recognition and becoming a Biletnikoff Trophy Semifinalist hauling in 71 catches for 1,293 yards and 15 touchdowns. He practically rewrote the Wake Forest record books the last two seasons, and is now ready to take his skills to the NFL.
Being selected for the NFL Combine and East-West Shrine Game proved to be reflective moments for the 6-foot-3 outside receiver.
"Dang, I'm really here," Perry said.
"It's all been a blur to me," Perry said about his journey. "Those were special moments. I thought about all the years, and when I got my opportunity, I shined. I thank God. God blessed me with these gifts, to be able to go on the field and do what I can do."
After putting up video-game like stats in the prolific Wake Forest offense the last two years, his hands weren't a question. Scouts were confident Perry could run routes and catch passes. They just weren't sure how fast he could be.
"The talk was what my 40 would be," Perry said. "That was all I was hearing. So after the season, going into training, I took that seriously. I worked and put 110 percent effort into everything, then when I went to the Combine, that effort paid off.
"Interviewing and stuff like that, I get nervous. But in regards to the football stuff, I treat it as a job. I take everything serious, stay focused and show up to play."
When asked, Perry said he'd much rather play in classic games against Clemson and NC State than go out and perform drills for scouts.
"Being in those games like that, I would love to be in again," he said with a smile. "I hate those schools. But this is more nerve-wracking. I was prepared for those games. I was ready to put on a show and do it for the team and get a win."
He credits former Florida State and Arizona Cardinals receiver Anquan Boldin with helping to get him prepared for the NFL Combine and team workouts
"When I got to the combine with scouts and coaches going through plays, it was second nature," Perry said. "I was on it. I got a chance to work with him, and it was the best ever. It honestly motivated me. He told me to stay focused, have fun and play football.
"I just want to keep working and perfect everything, whether that's releases or routes. I want to go through the coverages and schemes that I will be facing one day."
Perry had a great showing at Wake Forest Pro Day with Demon Deacon quarterback Michael Kern throwing passes to him out of a variety of routes.
"I did great," Perry said. "I came out confident and relaxed, and just did my thing. The hard work paid off. I wanted to show the scouts that I could play both inside and outside.
"I'm just excited to be here and happy to be back at Wake Forest."
That's the title of the shirt A.T. Perry wore to Wake Forest Pro Day in late March as he worked out for scouts from 28 NFL teams, trying to further cement his NFL Combine performance where he rose up the draft boards with a sparkling 4.47 40-yard dash.
The shirt has his image on it, as well as former Demon Deacon teammates Ke'Shawn Williams, Jahmal Banks, Donavon Greene and Taylor Morin — guys who made the trip across campus to McCreary Field House to support Perry's efforts.
"That whole receiver room means a lot to me," Perry said. "Being the older guy the last two years and bringing the younger guys along. When we get on the field and do our thing, it's special. I love these boys and glad I got this shirt. It's fun being around them."
It was a special moment for Perry to return to campus and be back around his Wake Forest teammates.
"It means a lot," he said. "It shows the love we have for each other and the chemistry and culture that has been built at Wake Forest. This shirt means a lot. These are my brothers. I love them so much. I just want to lead by example and show them they can do it too.
"Just follow what the coaches show you, because they have the plan. It means a lot that they are out there. I'm forever blessed that they are in my life."
After combining for 19 receptions and two touchdowns in his first three seasons as a Demon Deacon, Perry exploded in 2021, earning ACC First-Team recognition and becoming a Biletnikoff Trophy Semifinalist hauling in 71 catches for 1,293 yards and 15 touchdowns. He practically rewrote the Wake Forest record books the last two seasons, and is now ready to take his skills to the NFL.
Being selected for the NFL Combine and East-West Shrine Game proved to be reflective moments for the 6-foot-3 outside receiver.
"Dang, I'm really here," Perry said.
"It's all been a blur to me," Perry said about his journey. "Those were special moments. I thought about all the years, and when I got my opportunity, I shined. I thank God. God blessed me with these gifts, to be able to go on the field and do what I can do."
After putting up video-game like stats in the prolific Wake Forest offense the last two years, his hands weren't a question. Scouts were confident Perry could run routes and catch passes. They just weren't sure how fast he could be.
"The talk was what my 40 would be," Perry said. "That was all I was hearing. So after the season, going into training, I took that seriously. I worked and put 110 percent effort into everything, then when I went to the Combine, that effort paid off.
"Interviewing and stuff like that, I get nervous. But in regards to the football stuff, I treat it as a job. I take everything serious, stay focused and show up to play."
When asked, Perry said he'd much rather play in classic games against Clemson and NC State than go out and perform drills for scouts.
"Being in those games like that, I would love to be in again," he said with a smile. "I hate those schools. But this is more nerve-wracking. I was prepared for those games. I was ready to put on a show and do it for the team and get a win."
He credits former Florida State and Arizona Cardinals receiver Anquan Boldin with helping to get him prepared for the NFL Combine and team workouts
"When I got to the combine with scouts and coaches going through plays, it was second nature," Perry said. "I was on it. I got a chance to work with him, and it was the best ever. It honestly motivated me. He told me to stay focused, have fun and play football.
"I just want to keep working and perfect everything, whether that's releases or routes. I want to go through the coverages and schemes that I will be facing one day."
Perry had a great showing at Wake Forest Pro Day with Demon Deacon quarterback Michael Kern throwing passes to him out of a variety of routes.
"I did great," Perry said. "I came out confident and relaxed, and just did my thing. The hard work paid off. I wanted to show the scouts that I could play both inside and outside.
"I'm just excited to be here and happy to be back at Wake Forest."
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