Josh Perry returns to football as ‘impactful’ walk-on at UNM

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – During his senior season at Cleveland High School, running back Josh Perry eclipsed the 2,000 yard rushing mark and reached the end zone 32 times. He suffered a torn ACL during the 2022 state championship and has not played in a game since.

After sitting out for a year, Perry joined the UNM football program as a walk-on in the 2024 off-season. Quietly he went to work and slowly started to gain the attention of his coaches and teammates in workouts.

Under coach Mendenhall, Lobos players are required to participate in rigorous workouts. Workouts are split into two separate sessions and most players only attend one. Perry attends both.

“I mean and our workouts are challenging,” Mendenhall said. “Who does that? Who shows up for both when you’re only supposed to be at one? And those workouts are long and they’re challenging and they’re hard.”

“I know I’m behind the curveball coming in here being a freshman,” said Perry. “So, I know I kind of have to put in that work to get where I want to go.”

During his time away from the game, Perry found other ways to keep his body active. He was working at a nutrition shop and was encouraged to compete in body building. Through competing, Perry found new ways to stay healthy on the gridiron.

“It was definitely a different learning experience, just with diet and stuff, it’s real dialed in,” he said. “I give props to them because it’s hard. Like, just having that in my background now is cool because now I understand more about nutrition and whatnot.”

On the field, Perry is competing in a very crowded running back room. He seems to have found his niche in pass protection and continues to impress not only coaches, but also himself.

“I feel good, I feel fast, explosive, strong. “There was a little doubt of course, so wherever they need me I’ll be ready to go.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.