Offensive tackle Rahtrel Perry had an idea he would materialize into a portal lineman in high demand, but reality still surpassed his initial expectations after spending more than a month in the portal.
“I had some type of idea but I didn’t realize it was going to be like this. This big of a scale, a process, this many schools,” Perry told IBG.
Perry, a 6-foot-5, 305-pound tackle out of Central Connecticut, became one of the most sought-after linemen last month – and for good reason. After redshirting in 2022, Perry stepped into a rotational role in 2023 where he saw time in eight games before materializing into Central Connecticut’s starting left tackle in 2024. Perry materialized into an All-NEC first-team selection while he didn’t allow a sack in two games against FBS competition. Once he entered the portal, Perry fielded an immediate list of Power Four interest with schools like Syracuse, Vanderbilt, Pitt and Boston College among the first to get in contact with the first-year starter. But Maryland was also among the first schools to connect with Perry, and who reached out from the staff left an impression through the duration of the pursuit.
“Coach [Mike] Locksley was the one who called me,” Perry said. “I was mainly talking with coach Locks and coach [Damian Wroblewski] the rest of the time. I love both of them.”
After visits to Syracuse and Pitt during the weekend of Dec. 14, Perry made his way to College Park on Dec. 16 where he sat down with the staff, including Wroblewski who went over Perry’s development plan in College Park.
“It was more about the technique and my development. Even though I’m three years in, I’ve got a long way to go and I realize that as well. Coach Wrobo sees that fit and knows he can continue my development to make me the best offensive tackle I can be,” he added. “They see me leading that line and beefing up the protection on the left side.”
The biggest item on Perry’s to-do list between enrollment and the season opener on Aug. 30?
“The main emphasis I got from it was the decision-making on my end. My weight was 305 [pounds] so I’m good. I’m pretty cut myself so the conditioning is the next step.”
It was after Perry’s trip to Maryland when his portal pursuit began ramping up, drawing increased interest from Ohio State while both Florida and Florida State entered the mix. Perry made his way to Columbus for a midweek visit before ultimately squeezing visits to both the Gators and ‘Noles with Florida State the last team to host him. Others like Michigan State, Vanderbilt, LSU and Purdue worked to jump into the picture during the December dead period before working on visit dates this month.
But Perry admitted he “saw what I needed to see.”
“I was happy with Maryland, seeing what the new program is going to look like. Plus, it’s the underdog and I like being the underdog, it’s exciting.”
The duration of Maryland’s pursuit wasn’t lost on the portal signee, either. Maryland worked to get him into the fold after the New Year and stayed patient for Perry to make his final decision, which officially materialized coming out of the weekend.
“The consistency definitely did play a role. I like how some of these colleges tried to be consistent, but Maryland was definitely the one that was the most [consistent] – showed the most interest, making sure I was OK mentally and making sure I was making the right decision even if I didn’t pick Maryland.”
Hearing that message from head coach Mike Locksley put a bow on the Terps’ chances down the stretch.
“Mostly because of what coach Locksley talked to me about, about the culture over there and the environment and how much they can provide for me and my development. I believe what he says. I can see the passion behind what he’s talking about. I can see his dreams, goals in motion as we speak. I want to play for him.”
It won’t be much longer until Maryland’s newest portal signee is on campus, either.
“I decided to do it this weekend, move in maybe a little bit early like Thursday.”
Perry will arrive in College Park with two years of eligibility remaining. He is rated the 17th-best portal tackle and 217th-best portal prospect this offseason, per On3.
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