1968 season , Perkins scored touchdowns on runs , caught passes , recovered fumbles , kick-off returns , and punt returns .
After his senior season in 1968 , Perkins was an unanimous First Team All-State selection , and was later named as a Prep All-American . After high school , Perkins went on to be a star kick returner for Morehead State . However , a careerending knee injury derailed the Perkins Express for good in his sophomore season .
But Jeff Perkins didn ’ t let an athletic career-ending injury set him back , as he went on to accomplish even greater things in his life of 71 years . And according to his older brother , Jeff Perkins was always thankful and tried his best to give back to the community that always supported him through his journey in life .
During Jeff Perkins ’ playing days , the late Marvin Kinch was the sports editor at the Commonwealth Journal newspaper .
Kinch always wrote riveting stories about Perkins ’ high school football exploits , and Jeff Perkins never forgot that .
“ Just before Marvin passed away , Jeff and I visited him at the Neighborhood ,” John Perkins stated . “ Afterwards , Jeff told me he never would have made high school All-American if it hadn ’ t have been for Marvin Kinch sending in countless sports articles to the All-American committee .”
“ And maybe one of the greatest qualities about my younger brother was that he never ever forgot the people that had mentored and supported him along the way ,” John Perkins stated . “ Even his competitors on the opposite side of playing field , took an interest in him and always supported him .”
“ Jeff was always loyal to his friends and , regardless of what he accomplished , he always gave credit where credit was due ,” John Perkins stated . “ Before he passed , he was running the Somerset Alumni Center and he took great pride in the
young ladies and the young men that worked part-time out there with him . He just took great pride in helping to develop them and getting them ready for life outside of school .”
“ As good an athlete as he was , he took more pride in the young folks that he had had an influence on ,” Perkins stated .
Jeff Perkins not only mentored and guided thousands of young people throughout his illustrious career , but he always made an positive impact on every one he came in contact with .
And it could have been that same impact and support a young Jeff Perkins received from others in the community that drove him to give back to others throughout his professional career . Jeff Perkins will be always be remembered as one of the all-time great Somerset High School football players . But he will never be forgotten as one of the all-time greatest leaders the Somerset School system has ever encountered .
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September 2022 SEKY - Life in Southeast Kentucky • 19