When we look back at the pivotal moments for Mario Cristobal and the Oregon Ducks during the 2021 recruiting cycle, it’s likely that we’ll look at May as the month that shifted their recruiting class into overdrive.

On Friday, the Ducks picked up their sixth May commitment with the pledge of Perkinston (Miss.) Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College cornerback Jadarrius Perkins.

THIS DIFFERENT THE REAL KINGS OF THE WEST COAST❗️🐥💚💛 #TakeFlight21 #GoDucks @coach_cristobal @Coach_Chance @clarencemcdoug1 @_CoachHamp400 pic.twitter.com/owMjHADoNl

— Jadarrius Perkins (@JDKNOWS2100) May 29, 2020

Originally from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Perkins is the 12th member of Oregon’s 2021 recruiting class and the second player the Ducks have landed from the Magnolia State in the last two cycles, following in the footsteps of 2020 Oregon signee Trey Benson. Perkins is also the fourth defensive player and first defensive back to verbally commit to Oregon for 2021.

Though Perkins doesn’t have a star rating or recruiting ranking next to his name, per 247Sports, it’s clear that the JUCO product is highly coveted, as Perkins chooses the Ducks over a number of high profile offers from programs such as Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Ole Miss, and Mississippi State. With his commitment, the Ducks boast the nation’s 11th-best recruiting class according to 247Sports’ Composite Team Rankings.

Below we take a closer look at Perkins’ game, examining his weaknesses and strengths, as well as projecting how he may make an impact for the Ducks when he ultimately arrives on campus.

Notable weaknesses:

• More quick than fast: Perkins has all the requisite skills and attributes to flourish as a cornerback at the FBS level, but he doesn’t quite have the elite top-end speed that is often found in the top cornerback prospects from the prep or JUCO ranks. This shouldn’t preclude him from finding success at the next level, but it is a minor hole in his otherwise well-rounded game.
• Only two years to play: Junior college players are assumed to be more refined compared to their high school counterparts, making them players who are best suited to make an immediate impact. Perkins fits that billing, but with only two years to make a splash in a cornerbacks group that possesses no shortage of young talent, it may be difficult for him to assert himself early on.

Notable strengths:

• Prototypical size, length: If you can find 6-foot-2, 185-pound cornerbacks who can run (a reported) 4.42 40-yard dash, you don’t waste much time debating whether or not to pursue them. Perkins possesses these physical gifts, making him a ready-made player who should be able to challenge for playing time during his first year on campus.
• Quality cover skills: Perkins’ length coupled with his good short-area quickness makes him an ideal cover man. His ability to stick to receivers in the short, intermediate, and deep passing game is what has the Oregon coaching staff keen on his ability. Add in the fact he provides physicality and toughness at a position often known for its finesse nature, and it’s easy to see why Perkins is considered such a quality find.
• Knack for playmaking: Though he doesn’t demonstrate a ton of ballhawking skills on tape, Perkins definitely has a knack for making plays. His nose for coming up with interceptions, forced fumbles, and timely fumble recoveries makes Perkins a player especially capable of swinging momentum for his team.

Overall outlook:

It’s hard to poke too many holes in Perkins’ game when evaluating the available film. He’s a long, physical, and athletic corner who fits the physical profile for the types of players the Oregon coaching staff prioritizes at the position. And the interest is evidently mutual, as Perkins wasted little time committing to the Ducks after receiving what he dubbed a “dream” offer from Oregon on May 4. The strength of his verbal commitment may be something to monitor, as Perkins, a Mississippi native, has only toured campus and met with the coaches virtually, as the coronavirus pandemic has restricted contact between coaches and players for both the past few months and into the foreseeable future. Still, despite the distance and the murkiness of the next several months, the addition of Perkins is a solid one for a cornerback room that is chock full of promising future prospects in Mykael Wright, DJ James, Trikweze Bridges, and Dontae Manning. Expect Perkins to be firmly in the mix for playing time as the Ducks turn the page from veterans Thomas Graham and Deommodore Lenoir in 2021.

Top Photo: Perkinston (Miss.) Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College CB Jadarrius Perkins (247Sports)