Nico Perrino

Football

Maine South RB, Matt Perez, was awarded ESPNChicago.com’s Prep Player of the Year award after leading the Hawks to an undefeated record and a chance to win the Illinois State 8A Championship this weekend in Champaign, Illinois against 11-2 Marist. A win would give the Hawks and Matt Perez their second straight 8A State Championship.

A 3-star recruit according to Rivals.com, Perez was recruited by Indiana, Iowa, Ball State, Akron and Central Michigan, although he was only offered scholarships by Indiana and North Dakota State. Perez’s size may be the reason for being under-recruited; Rivals.com has him listed at 5′11 200lbs, but many guess that to be a very generous estimate.

Stats for Perez so far this year leading up to the State Championship: 181 carries, 1,930 yards, 29 TDs; 30 receptions, 391 yards, 2 TDs

Perez will compete with current Indiana starting running back, Darius Willis, for playing time next year.