Paul Perkins thanks offensive line after becoming 1,000-yard rusher

As Paul Perkins walked out of the UCLA locker room this week, a reporter joked to him: “You can’t say the words, ‘offensive line.'”

Perkins chirped back: “You can’t say ‘1,000 yards.'”

Like many running backs, the Bruins’ redshirt sophomore has made a habit of thanking the big fellas in front of him for anything he does. During UCLA’s 17-7 win against then-No. 14 Arizona this past Saturday, Perkins became the 13th player in school history to cross 1,000 yards in one season.

He stuck true to form: “They do a great job of blocking up front. I couldn’t ask for a better group of guys.”

Perkins needed just two carries against the Wildcats to reach his big moment, and finished with 21 for 78 yards. He now sits second in the Pac-12 with 1,074 yards on the season.

“Honestly, I didn’t even know I got off the sideline and someone told me I got to 1,000,” he said.

Naturally, it was an offensive lineman who broke the news.