duke transfer calib perez looks to bolster blazer ol
By Steve Irvine
BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA - June 23, 2024
It didn’t take Calib Perez long to learn what it was like to be a spring transfer portal player. The former Duke University offensive lineman got his first call about two minutes after his name appeared in the portal. His first call didn’t end quickly.
“I had some friends tell me about how the portal went for them and their experiences and stuff like that,” Perez said. “But I was a little bit spooked and overwhelmed because the first call was like 40 minutes. I was like, I didn't expect it to be this long. And I didn't realize the majority of calls were going to be that long. They're trying to figure out what you are, who you are, what happened, where you're going to go, what are your options or what you are looking for. I get it. It's like your own interview.”
Perez estimated that 20 to 30 schools contacted him in about a month. During that same time, he was fresh off putting the final touches on a degree at Duke in psychology with a minor in neuroscience and a certificate in markets and management. He is now in the early stages of fitting into the offensive line rotation at UAB.
He said the choice became clear at the end.
“I dealt with a lot of coaching staff changes and I think this one will have a little bit more security for the long term,” said Perez, who hopes to begin work toward a MBA at UAB in the fall. “I heard a lot of great things about the school, in regards to academically as well. It's one of the best hospitals in the U.S. at the school. Overall, people care about you as my coaches care about you here.”
He also is familiar with UAB quarterback Jacob Zeno.
“I watched Jacob when he was at Baylor in the Big 12 Championship Game when I was a senior,” said Perez, who graduated from Dawson High in Pearland, Texas. “That's a name that I remembered. So, a lot of great things kind of pointed towards me coming here. Hopefully I can help the team win here as well.”
Perez played 11 games in four seasons at Duke. UAB head coach Trent Dilfer said in a recent interview that he talked to Duke coaches about Perez. Dilfer said the Duke coaches felt Perez had a good chance to crack the starting lineup if he stayed. Injuries also played a role in his time at Duke.
“There's times where it was looking good and then something would happen,” Perez said. “It's helped me mature in a way, being able to handle adversity a lot better, personal adversity. It's I would say, through all the good and bad, I've learned a lot as a man and as a person overall for the better.”
Perez comes into a UAB offensive line room that certainly is deeper and more talented than a year ago. There is definitely a spot to be won at left tackle after returning starter Will Parker was removed from the team. Versatility is a strength for Perez, which is important.
“They haven't given me a clear picture yet, but I'm fine with both guard and tackle,” Perez said when asked where he’ll line up. “They want me to play anywhere I will. Shoot, they need me to snap the ball, I’ll do that. I would say I was probably more comfortable as a tackle, but I've played a lot of guard too. Either way, whatever helps the team win. Honestly, I don't care what position I play.”