Very few high school players in the nation are as decorated as Darriet Perry. Playing during (and arguably being the reason for) Lowndes’ stretch of unbelievable success, Darriet left a wake in every programmed that he touched. The 3-time state champion, all-time Lowndes rushing record holder went on to be the premiere back at Florida International University and has now returned to Lowndes to coach at his former position.
On Winnersville week, see what this Lowndes legend had to say about his playing days, the recruiting process, and how he handled the transition to college football.
In the Game: Give us a summary of your athletic career, from your youth to today.
Darriet Perry: I was born and raised in Valdosta, GA. I have been playing football since I was 6 years old at the Boys and Girls Club, until I got to middle school (Hahira Middle School) and there I played on 7th grade and 8th grade football team as a 6th grader. I played 2 years of 7th grade football and 3 years of 8th grade football. During that time I set many records on the field, especially from one game where I broke the record for most rushing yards and touchdowns in 1 game (502 yards of total offense, 6 touchdowns on offense, and 1 touchdown on defense).
From middle school to Lowndes High school I never got to play 9th grade football because I went straight to varsity and I played all 4 years. During that time I was blessed to be able to play in 3 state championships, and we won all 3 of them. I also set a record at the high school for the all-time leading rusher at Lowndes with a total of 3,826 yards of rushing. With all that being said and done, from the successful career of high school brought in more offers from colleges then I could keep up with. Out of all the offers I had, I chose Florida International University where I also was blessed to win 1 of 2 bowls games there. Now that I have finished up my 4 years of college football, I am now back to coach at Lowndes High and I’m loving every moment of it.
ITG: What is your proudest moment/favorite memory from your high school career?
DP: My proudest moment of high school was my senior year as a whole. I broke the rushing record, we won a state championship, and I was graduating. I couldn’t really ask for much more than that.
ITG: Do you still keep in touch with your teammates from high school? If so, which ones?
DP: Yes, I keep in touch with a great bit of them, whether it’s by phone or on social media.
ITG: What do you remember about the recruiting process from high school to college? Is there any advice you would give to someone in the midst of it or about to enter into it?
DP: The recruiting process has its ups and downs, because you have so many coaches calling and texting you at all times throughout the day 
and night. At first it fun, then it gets old after a while, but it’s their job to win you over for you can come play for them. Just enjoy every minute of the process and take all the official visits you can so that you can see which college program fits you the best and where you feel comfortable. Don’t let ANYBODY talk you into going somewhere you don’t want to go. Let it be your decision on what college you choose. You are the one that has to go there, not them.
ITG: How would you advise student-athletes on how to choose which college to attend?
DP: Ask student-athletes that have graduated from there, ask to see their academic buildings where you can go do your work and get help if needed, see what they have to offer you to help you get through school, and make sure they are going to pay for your schooling until you graduate.
ITG: What are the main differences, in your opinion, between being a student-athlete in high school and being a student-athlete in college?
DP: Enjoy high football while you can because it’s relaxed and fun, but once you get to college, it’s more like a job. But at the same time, it could be fun, but it’s just not as relaxed as high school football. You have to manage your own time throughout the day, because you have morning workouts, class, and football practice, and then you have to make it to study hall. So you have to find time to eat without being late to something. I wrote down all my class time, workout time, football practice time, study hall time, and time where I can go eat or even take a nap. So it’s very important to manage your time the right way.
ITG: Which have you enjoyed most? Playing as a kid, in high school, college, or the pros (if applicable)? Why?
DP: High school because I got to play with a lot of the people I grew up with and play in front of the hometown crowd. It was so much more relaxed and fun.
ITG: If you could give any advice, tips, or encouragement to any high school student-athletes that are aspiring to play at the next level, what would that be?
DP: Even though high school football is fun, go to college and get that free education and work hard at anything you do. Have fun because the college life is once in a lifetime experience.
Click here if you missed our ITG Legacy interviews with Telvin Smith, Greg Reid and Dontavis Sapp!
Which former ITG athlete would you would like to hear from? What would you ask them, if given the chance? Please send those suggestions to news@inthegamemagazine.com for your chance to make that wish a reality!
