By JACOB POLACHECK
After helping lead the Ranney School (NJ) to an 8-1 record this season, Elijah Perkins is becoming one of the most intriguing 2022 prospects out of the New Jersey area.
“I would describe my game as an athletic playmaker who loves to get after it on defense and can guard the 1-4 positions,” he told ZAGSBLOG. “I’d say I’m a pass-first player who can get a bucket when needed.”
The 6-foot-4, 185-pound shooting guard says that Hofstra, Hampton and Virginia Tech are making him a priority.
He broke down each school for ZAGSBLOG by phone:
Hofstra: “Their pitch has been that I’d be a perfect fit. What appeals to me about Hofstra is how it’s close to home and how much of a family atmosphere they have. I’m talking to coach Speedy [Claxton] almost daily about anything that’s going on. He’ll check in to show how much they value their players.”
Hampton: “Their pitch has been how great of a fit I would be in the program, being a tall, strong and athletic guard that can defend multiple positions.”
Virginia Tech: “Similar to Hampton. My relationship with the coaches is good. I’ve been talking with coach [Chester] Frazier a lot.
Perkins is also hearing from Georgetown, Seton Hall and La Salle regularly. He broke down each school:
Georgetown: “I talk to coach [Patrick] Ewing every now and then. He’ll check in on me and see how me and my family are doing.”
Seton Hall: “I’ve only talked with coach Grant [Billmeier] a couple times. We’ve talked about the program, my style of play and how I would fit them well.”
La Salle: “They’ve been preaching about how I can come in and make an impact right away, fitting perfectly into their offensive and defensive schemes.”
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Perkins has worked to navigate the recruiting process amidst a year-long dead period, which has been extended through May.
“It’s been intriguing and different,” he said. “Talking with my friends that are in college, that have been through it already, it’s a whole different process than what they went through.
“It’s definitely exciting to be experiencing something new.”
As he evaluates his college options, Perkins says he’s looking at a number of factors.
“How much the school is interested in me and also how well I would fit into their system,” he said. “Another deciding factor would be my relationship with the staff.”
Off the court, Perkins says he enjoys studying science and spending time with friends.
“I actually really enjoy science,” he said. “Really all of it, but biology sticks out a little more.”
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