Green Bay Packers 2017 Draft: Interview with Oklahoma RB Samaje Perine

While a controversial running back with first-round skills by the name of Joe Mixon has been stealing the headlines since his decision to declare early for this year’s draft, one of his former Oklahoma Sooners’ teammates hasn’t attracted nearly as much attention among fans and media outlets, but NFL evaluators have long been keen on the Big 12 product’s physical abilities and extraordinary potential as a power back at the next level.

That man, of course, is Samaje Perine, who not only happens to be Oklahoma’s all-time leading rusher in only three years of service (4,122 yards), but also holds the school record for most rushing yards in a single game, which he achieved in a 44-7 victory over Kansas back in 2014.

That record may as well have been set in 1954, however, considering how Mixon has all but overshadowed the credentials and recent accomplishments of his backfield partner during the pre-draft season.

In a recent radio interview, in fact, Perine spent half his time being asked about his talented colleague, who is facing intense scrutiny for damning footage of the prospect physically striking a female.

But Perine, also known as the “Humble Beast” back on campus, has been taking it all in stride and solely focusing on bettering his fortunes of being an early-round pick in a few short weeks.

The 5-foot-10, 230-pound battering ram chooses to command the spotlight on the field, where Perine was often the one inflicting more punishment than those struggling to bring him down.

While the one-time four-star recruit from Pflugerville, TX projects as one of the safer picks at his position with his uncanny strength to fall forward for positive yardage, he also possesses the speed and vision to make a jump cut in the hole and run to daylight.

His hands are soft, but his production as a backfield receiver has been minimal due to the presence of Mixon, who was counted on to run a variety of routes in most passing situations.

Blocking-wise, Perine’s balance and the natural leverage he exhibits as a ball carrier should be enough to make him a viable force in picking up and slowing down free blitzers.

With a host of backs entering the league every year at 220 pounds or more, observers often (and mistakenly) jump to the conclusion that they can step in from day one and be sustaining runners that can push the pile.

When natural strength is the subject matter, there is neither any debate nor speculation about No. 32—he is the strongest running back in the draft.

His position-best 30 reps in the bench-press event at the combine were just the icing on the cake to his physical style that sees him instinctively lower his shoulder and knock most defenders off balance, if not on the ground altogether.

One can’t help but harken back to watching a young Ricky Williams negotiate his way through a gaggle of defenders whenever Perine receives a handoff.

First off, the physical similarities are noteworthy with both athletes featuring stocky builds with nearly identical heights and weights.

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And in addition to each man’s considerable brute force, Williams also shared the talent for seeing cut-back lanes and maintaining excellent body control in staying on his feet and getting the most out of his carries.

While Williams possessed a touch more burst, Perine looks to be the sturdier option capable of inflicting more pain to his adversaries.

One can only venture a guess as to where Oklahoma’s three-time 1,000-yard rusher will land in late April, but Perine is one of this year’s handful of backs that have all the tools to handle 20 carries a game if necessary.

Though the 21-year-old human relations major routinely terrorizes his peers between the white lines, he is almost the complete antithesis of his bully self that we view on Saturdays during the fall once the shoulder pads come off.

In fact, in a recent interview with Lombardi Ave, Perine was very measured and thoughtful in answering every question posed to him, while also briefly touching upon his outside interests.

Unlike some rookies-in-waiting that are vociferously adamant in proclaiming their insatiable love for the game of football, the articulate and soft-spoken Perine isn’t shy about admitting that he doesn’t watch much football…and never has.

If you ask him about his favorite team, he’ll reply that he doesn’t have one and if prompted to mention some of his NFL idols, Perine could mention one or two backs he’s seen on YouTube.

But as much as it pains some individuals to hear that, being a passionate fan of the game in no way relates to how dedicated an athlete is in terms of his in-week preparation, overall effort and conditioning.

If Perine does turn out to be the one Ted Thompson deems worthy of succeeding Eddie Lacy, Packer Backers will have every reason to pump their fists and break into a little happy dance.

Here is Perine up close and personal, as he describes everything he can provide to an NFL organization.