ROSEMONT—Nearly a year ago, then-rookie defensive back Vic Hall took home Defensive Player of the Year honors for the Chicago Rush. This year he passed along the good luck to a teammate as the Arena Football League announced Rush wide receiver Jared Perry as the Net10 Rookie of the Year. He captured the award on the strength of his 133 receptions, 1,811 receiving yards and 33 total touchdowns.
“We’re a team that believes in giving rookies an opportunity to play right away. This is the second year in a row a player has taken advantage of the situation and gained recognition by the entire league. Jared Perry is an explosive player who proved he could thrive in this league,” stated head coach Bob McMillen.
The former Missouri Tiger has spent the last few years traversing NFL and CFL camps and took his initial opportunity in Arena Football to brand a significant impression. The launching pad for his productivity began in Week 4 when he caught 10 passes for 175 yards and 5 touchdowns in a 29-point win over Kansas City. The incredible performance began a stretch of recording at least 100 receiving yards in nine of the next thirteen games.
“I’d like to thank the (Rush) coaching staff for giving me the opportunity and my teammates for the support throughout the year. God has been good for (football) not to stop in my life as I still have more plays to make,” stated Perry.
The La Marque, Texas native had nine games where he scored two or more touchdowns and even touched nine or more receptions in eight contests. The 133 overall receptions broke the team record for catches by arookie in a single-season.Never falling below four catches per game for the entire season, he completed the year strong by having at least 109 receiving yards in four of the final five games. A Week 17 matchup against San Jose marked a second time this season he notched five touchdowns, catching three and rushing for two.Teammate and fellow Rush rookie receiver Terrance Turner reflected on Jared Perry’s ability to be a complete player.
“Everyone discredits him on the eye test because he’s a slender guy. But then you see him routinely beat his defender and increase points on the scoreboard. I see defensive backs scared of his speed and playmaking ability and I know it’ll translate to the NFL if he gets another chance,” said Turner.
Overall it was a productive year for both rookie wide receivers on the Rush. Turner himself nabbed 83 catches for 867 yards and 13 touchdowns. Together with Reggie Gray all three formed a potent trio that quickly gained notoriety throughout theleague as a force for quarterback Russ Michna to split completions to.
The Rush look ahead to the beginning of free agency in September as they’ll have first rights to re-sign Gray, Turner, and Perry. Together they combined to represent 81% of the team’s receptions and 86% of the passing touchdowns.