THE OFFICIAL HOME OF McNEESE ATHLETICS

Carlos Perez is in his third season on the McNeese coaching staff and will focus on coaching the defensive ends.

He coached Jammerio Gross-Whitaker, a second team All-Southland Conference selection in 2016, and Chris Livings who combined for 15.5 total sacks and 27 tackles for a loss. Gross-Whitaker led the team with 59 total tackles while Livings finished with 47.

In 2015, he assisted with a defense that ranked No. 1 in the Southland Conference in rushing defense (87.4 yards per game), 1st down defense (163 allowed), 3rd down conversion defense (28.8 percent), 4th down conversion defense (19.0 percent), fumble recovered (11), redzone defense (56.3 percent), turnovers gained (24), scoring defense (13.2 ppg) and total defense (300.2 ypg).

In addition, the Cowboys’ defense ranked No. 2 in the FCS in 4th down conversion defense and fumbles recovered; was third in scoring defense and red zone defense; fourth in rushing defense and 11th in total defense.

Perez coached a defensive end unit that racked up 12.5 tackles for a loss and 5.5 sacks.

Senior end Cameron Smith earned second team all-Southland Conference honors for his play.

Prior to McNeese, Perez coached one year at Navarro College and helped the team post a 7-3 overall record and a runner-up spot in the Southwest Junior College Football Conference standings.

At Navarro, he coached Jayd Kirby who earned first team all-conference honors who went on to sign with Kansas State, and also Kyron Minter, and all-conference honorable mention player who signed to play with Kennesaw State.

He spent the 2012 and 2013 seasons at the University of Saint Mary’s in Leavenworth, Kansas, working with the defensive line and assisting with special teams. he also assisted with recruiting.

He coached all-conference players Vincent Ta’ala, Opetia Tuiava and Sisco Garcia.