Perkins’ USF career is over

Posted Sep 3, 2009 by Brett McMurphy

Updated Sep 3, 2009 at 07:56 PM

It sounds like a cruel joke, but unfortunately for walk-on Cameron Perkins it’s all too real.

Two days before the University of South Florida’s season opener, Perkins, thought to be a senior, was notified by USF’s compliance department that his college eligibility actually ended last season. Ironically, Perkins was placed on scholarship by Coach Jim Leavitt earlier this summer.

On Wednesday the school’s compliance department discovered Perkins’ eligibility actually ended last season, he said. School officials looked into the possibility of an appeal on Thursday, but were unsuccessful, Perkins said. He was notified Thursday by associate AD Steve Horton that he could no longer play college football.

Perkins was a starter on USF’s special teams units and was one of the Bulls’ fastest players.

“Life goes on,” said a dejected Perkins.

In 2007, Perkins walked on to USF and the school’s compliance department initially determined his eligibility continued through the 2009 season. The 5-foot-10, 180-pound Perkins, who also was a reserve cornerback, was rewarded by Leavitt this summer by being placed on scholarship for what was believed to be his senior season.

However, school officials discovered Perkins’ five-year eligibility window actually expired after last season ending his USF career two days before the Bulls’ season opener against Wofford. Perkins said he went to Highland Community College in 2004 and 2005 before coming to USF in 2007.

Perkins said he hasn’t decided if he would remain in school and didn’t know if would remain on scholarship.