Congratulations to the Class of 2024

Ken Perkins | 1966 - 1968 | Coronado High School | Football

Ken Perkins was a two-sport athlete who was part of the group of students who opened Coronado High School in 1965. As a Mustang, he competed in football and baseball, but football was the sport that would lead him from high school to college.

In 1965, Ken was a letterman on the Coronado varsity baseball team as the first baseman. He held that position for all three years in high school. In the fall of 1966, his junior year, the first year of varsity football competition for Coronado, Ken made the jump to the varsity as a two-way player at split end and defensive back.

In 1967, Coronado’s second year of varsity football competition, the Mustangs had a great year going 8-2. Ken was an integral part of that team again as a two-way player. He capped off his senior year playing first base for the Mustang baseball team and earning his third varsity letter.

Ken and teammate Gary Kirksey became the first two Mustangs to receive a football scholarship to a Division I school.

In his freshman year at Texas Tech in 1968, Ken played both ways (split end & defensive back) for the Picadors.

During those days, freshmen were not eligible for varsity competition. He recorded two receiving touchdowns, and had two pass interceptions that year. As a sophomore in 1969, he played defensive back and punt returner and returned 20 punts for 212 yards for the Red Raiders. In 1970, Tech went 8-4 and again Ken played defensive back and returned 20 punts for 156 yards. He also had 4 interceptions, with one a touchdown against Tulane. He was named first team All-Southwest Conference as a defensive back and was also an Honorable Mention All-American.

During his senior season in 1971, he again returned punts and had 2 interceptions as a defensive back. He was a part of the Texas Tech secondary that led the NCAA in pass defense. After Ken completed his Texas Tech career, he signed as a free agent with the Houston Oilers in 1972.
Back to class of 2024