Tim Benz: Duquesne QB Darius Perrantes emulates Russell Wilson's playmaking style -- and it's paying off

Many in Pittsburgh are anxiously awaiting Russell Wilson’s debut as the Steelers quarterback. That’s expected to happen this Sunday at Acrisure Stadium against the New York Jets.

One of those who will be watching closely is Darius Perrantes. The Duquesne senior has crafted much of his game in the mold of Wilson, and it’s paying off in a big way.

The Dukes’ senior was first-team All-NEC last year and is well on his way to replicating that honor this season. Over his first two conference games, the 2020 Rhode Island transfer has thrown for seven touchdowns, run for one more and has tossed just one interception.

The Dukes have won their first two conference games over Long Island University and St. Francis by a combined total of 85-28.

Perrantes says he has been influenced by Wilson after years of following his career.

“I definitely looked up to him since he was at Wisconsin,” Perrantes said last week. “He’s just a great player, a great leader. I’m not a leader vocally like he is, but I just try to add some aspects of his game.”

There are physical similarities between Perrantes and Wilson, so it’s understandable why the Los Angeles native would want to emulate some of what Wilson has done en route to nine Pro Bowls and a Super Bowl ring.

Perrantes is 6-feet tall, 220 pounds. Wilson is 5-foot-11, 206. While being a smaller quarterback isn’t as daunting of a task in the NEC as it was for Wilson at Wisconsin, North Carolina State and in the NFL, it’s still an inherent difficulty while playing the position.

Perrantes says watching how Wilson has navigated around that problem during his career has helped him develop at the FCS level.

“His size,” Perrantes said. “Being a pocket passer, but can run when you need to. I just try to add that to my game whenever I can.”

Watching Perrantes develop for four years, Dukes head coach Jerry Schmitt thinks the comparison to Wilson makes sense.

“There’s no doubt,” Schmitt said during a recent interview. “Strong arm. Good feet. He can get out of the pocket. Similar stature. Successful. It’s interesting.”

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For his part, Wilson said Thursday that he appreciated the acknowledgment from Perrantes and sees it as part of his duty as NFL quarterback to be that kind of inspiration for younger players.

Especially for guys like Perrantes, who may have been doubted based on size.

“I’m one of 32 men in the world that get to do what I get to do,” Wilson said Thursday. “It’s such a gift to play quarterback in this league — to do the things I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to do along the way. It’s the people that I’ve always looked up to as well. I’ve always wanted to be a light for other young athletes. Anybody that says you can’t do it. I hope that I’m always a glimpse of hope that anything’s possible.”

In terms of getting around being a bit undersized, Wilson says quarterbacks like Perrantes and others who aren’t cut from the typical 6-5 quarterback cloth need to lean into other areas of their skill set, as well as their intangibles.

“You’ve got to have the arm talent,” Wilson added. “You’ve got to have the ability to move around. You’ve got to be able to make plays. And I think the most important thing is you’ve got to be able to take people where they may not think they can go.

“I think that’s a gift — to lead people, take them, show them and make them believe even further than what they can believe in themselves. That’s the big thing.”

Last year, Perrantes took the Dukes to the NEC championship. This year, it appears they are on that path again.

Meanwhile, on Sunday, Perrantes and the rest of us will likely get to see Wilson lead the Steelers for the first time.