LaDainian Perna is a 5’10 175-pound Wide Receiver in the Class of 2026 out of Ellender High School in Houma, Louisiana. Perna earned senior-year honors as both an All-District punter and wide receiver while fueling the offense with 304 rushing, 467 receiving, and 301 passing yards. Perna recently competed in the Gridiron Football All-American Bowl, where he had the opportunity to test his skills against top talent from across the country and gain exposure to a college style football environment.
Q&A with LaDainian Perna.
What were your takeaways from the Gridiron Football Bowl Game?
- “The bowl game was a very unique experience. Playing alongside some of the best players from different areas created a real brotherhood. Being around new coaches, different players, and a whole new atmosphere was something I had never experienced before, and it was an experience I really enjoyed.”
What are your strengths and weaknesses as a player?
- “My strengths are picking up plays quickly and building strong chemistry with my teammates. One of my weaknesses is adjusting to different defensive coverages. In my area, we don’t see some of those coverages at the high school level, so it was challenging at first, but it’s something I’ve been working on.”
Why should college coaches recruit you?
- “I’m a sponge when it comes to learning. I listen to every detail a coach gives me, I study hard, and I leave everything on the field. I’m a hardworking player who takes things day by day and always tries to be the best version of myself for the team.”
Do you play any other sports and how does that help you with football?
- “I used to play multiple sports, but now I focus mainly on football and track. Track helps me improve my speed, especially for things like the 40-yard dash and combines. I run the 100-meter dash, 4×100, 4×200, and I also compete in high jump, where my personal best is 6’1”.
Why did you choose football?
- “My biggest inspiration is my older brother, Padrick, who also played at Ellender High School. I wasn’t always in love with football when I was younger, but watching my brother play made my love for the game grow. I started taking football seriously around age 12, and I even wear jersey number 16 because of him.”
Who is your favorite player?
- “Growing up, I played quarterback, so my favorite player was Russell Wilson. I wore number three and always tried to model my game after him.”
How will you adjust to higher-level defenses moving forward?
- “The Gridiron Bowl really helped prepare me for what I’ll see at the next level. After the game, I went home, watched film, took notes on different coverages, and studied defensive tendencies. I’m committed to learning every coverage I can so I can adjust to whatever I face in the future.”
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