Citing a chance to participate in both football and baseball,Brookhaven High School standout Fred Perkins ended speculationMonday morning when he made a verbal commitment to sign a footballscholarship with Tulane University.

Perkins made the announcement at a 10 a.m. press conference heldin the BHS field house. The room, filled with members of thePanther coaching staff, faculty, family, friends and the media,listened intently as Perkins made his choice of schools known.

Donning a Tulane baseball cap, the 6-foot-3, 215-pound Perkins,a two-sport star in football and baseball, said the opportunity toplay both sports was a deciding factor in his choice of the GreenWave.

“Head football coach Chris Scelfo was very sincere in hisrecruiting approach and that really impressed me,” said Perkins ofthe Tulane head man. “I expect to play both inside and outside widereceiver there, and with the loss of their top four receivers, Ihave a chance for some early playing time.”

Tulane, a Conference USA member, finished the 2000 season with a6-5 record.

Perkins said his choice of Tulane was a decision he and hisfamily discussed at length.

“My parents and I sat down and talked this over, and we allagreed that this was the best place for me,” said Perkins. “We alsodid a lot of praying.”

Perkins, who currently sports a 3.2 GPA, said that he wouldeither major in petroleum engineering or education.

“I was interested in petroleum engineering and Tulane has a fineprogram,” he noted.

Perkins did, however, leave the door open to the possibility ofa professional baseball career.

“Colorado, Toronto, the Cubs and Pittsburgh have all expressedinterest,” he said. “In fact, a couple of scouts have been in towatch some of our practices.”

Perkins said that he may have a bigger decision to make duringthe June baseball draft. “I’ll have to wait and see what happensthen,” he said. “If I’m a high draft choice, I’ll may have torethink my plans.”

Perkins batted .400 for Brookhaven during the 2000 season. Hestole 16 bases, hit 2 homers, 2 triples and 3 doubles. He drove in22 runs.

“This is a proud moment for Brookhaven High School to berepresented by Fred (Perkins), both academically and athletically”said BHS principal Roy Ballantine. “Whatever he decides, we allwant what’s best for him.”

Greg Wall, who recently announced his resignation as head coachof the Panthers, said he was “in the dark” as far as knowingPerkins’ decision.

“I knew that in talking with him that he was really impressedwith the coaches at Tulane,” said Wall. “Fred said that he likedthe type of offense they ran. Baseball was also a determiningfactor. The chance for him to play both sports was veryappealing.”

Perkins, named The Daily Leader’s Player of the Year on the 2000All-Lincoln County Football Team, also considered SouthernMississippi, Mississippi State and LSU before choosing Tulane.

As a senior quarterback at BHS, Perkins rushed for 875 yards andscored 17 touchdowns. He played tight end and wide receiver hissophomore and junior years.

Clocked at 4.4 in the 40-yard dash, he directed the Panthers toa 7-3 record and a berth in the Class 4A state playoffs. AgainstGautier, in the state playoff game, Perkins was credited with 18tackles when he replaced an injured teammate at defensive back, theposition he will play in this summer’s Mississippi/Alabama All-StarClassic in Mobile, Ala.