NATIONAL SIGNING DAY:

Perry signs with Evangel, Culp still on hold

Vernon Tarver
February 1, 2012

FAYETTEVILLE — Casey Perry found his opportunity to continue his football career at the next level at Evangel University.

He also found a perfect fit for his education and faith, making his decision to sign with the NAIA school based in Springfield, Mo. an easy choice.

Perry, a 6-foot, 185-pound senior at Fayetteville, played both wide receiver and defense back for the Class 7A state champion Bulldogs this past season. At Evangel, he is expected to play defense and special teams.

“They recruited me as a defensive back and a returner,” said Perry, following a signing ceremony at Harmon Fieldhouse on Wednesday. “That’s my plans, but I’ll do whatever they need.”

Perry said he considered other schools, but Evangel’s business school program and Assembly of God affiliation helped lead him to Springfield.

“It’s a little smaller school and education is a big part there,” Perry said. “And our faith is a big thing with my family so that was a big part, too.”

While Perry was able to end any speculation Wednesday, Fayetteville senior wide receiver Brad Culp ended the day still undecided on where to play his college football. Culp had received Division I offers from Ole Miss and North Carolina, but the Tar Heels pulled their offer Wednesday and Ole Miss then asked Culp to wait beyond Wednesday to see if other recruits would pan out.

“They’re still trying to get him in at Ole Miss and want him to wait another week,” Fayetteville coach Daryl Patton said. “It’s just part of the recruiting game, but they’re kind of dragging him along.”

Culp, a 6-1, 180-pound all-state selection last season for the Bulldogs, received offers from Middle Tennessee State and Central Arkansas on Wednesday and is now also considering Tulsa and South Florida after both schools have shown late interest.

“I’m being patient,” Culp said. “I need to talk it over with my family members and figure it all out. I may make a decision pretty soon, but something will work out.”