COC FOOTBALL: NO LACK OF CONFIDENCE COC'S PERRY: `NO ONE CAN STOP ME' ON THE FIELD.

Byline: Heather Gripp Staff Writer

VALENCIA - Ramon Perry is convinced there is nothing that can stop him.

Sure, a suspension in high school derailed plans of playing Division I college football. And there are the more experienced receivers on the College of the Canyons football team, who limit the newcomer's time at that position. Opposing defenses prevent him from entering the end zone at will. But as for completely shutting him down, Perry doesn't think that is possible.

``I'm not intimidated by no one,'' Perry said. ``No one can stop me.''

What he's done for Canyons' football team this season as a kick-return specialist is getting others to share his view. Perry ranks third in the Western State Conference in punt return yardage with 226 yards and a scored a touchdown in his 13 returns. He averages 14 yards on kickoff returns.

In last week's victory over Ventura, he gained 100 yards in punt returns alone, including a 55-yard return to the 2-yard line, the second time in three games he's come within 2 yards of scoring on a return.

``That's amazing because we don't work on the returns very much in practice,'' Canyons coach Chuck Lyon said.

Perry had plenty of experience from his days at San Fernando High.

``I used to do that all the time in high school,'' Perry said. ``That's my specialty. ... I work on it all the time so I can stay on top. Even as you know stuff, you still learn. I have to keep getting better.''

Not being able to contribute as much he would like in other ways makes Perry even more determined to excel on returns.

``That's the only time I get to play, so I have to do as much as I can,'' he said. ``When I'm out there for returns, I'm happy. I'm happy because I get the rock. That's when I go to work.''

Perry, 18, was used to also starring as a wide receiver in high school. He had 2,550 receiving yards and 33 touchdowns in two seasons at San Fernando, including 1,602 yards and 19 touchdowns as a senior. He attracted attention from Division I colleges, but a suspension ended hopes of signing with any of those schools.

``You learn from your mistakes,'' Perry said. ``That's why I went to a JC, so when I do go D-I I'll be ready.''

The lack of playing time at receiver has more to do with Perry's joining the team late and being behind in learning Canyons' complex passing system than it does with his talent, according to Lyon.

``It's a lack of knowledge of the offense,'' Lyon said. ``I expect him to be way more involved his sophomore year.''

Perry didn't join the Cougars until the end of summer. His confidence and hard-working attitude made it difficult for him not to be noticed when he did arrive.

``Coach, you've just got to show him what you can do,'' Perry said. ``I'm always trying to do that. Now the coaches know what I can do. I'm getting more love.''

Perry, who also plans to run on the track team in the spring, realizes he needs to improve his speed and work on routes to be ready for the next level. It's a challenge he is looking forward to and he believes it can go as smoothly as it has at Canyons.

``It's a lot different,'' Perry said of the difference between high school and junior college football. ``It's better talent. When it's talent on talent, that's how you know if you're good. These guys are bigger, too. But that doesn't bother me, I'm not intimidated by any of them. No one can stop me.''

PERRY FILE

Name: Ramon Perry

Team: COC football

Position: Wide receiver/kick returner

Year: Freshman

Quote:``Basically every time I get the rock, I'm looking to score.'' - Perry

CAPTION(S):

photo, box

Photo:

College of the Canyons wide receiver and punt returner Ramon Perry believes in his ability on the field.

Joe Binoya/Staff Photographer

Box:

PERRY FILE (see text)