Jackson St. pursues former LSU quarterback

5/9/2008 8:41 PM

By CHRIS TALBOTT
Associated Press Writer

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) -Count Jackson State in on the Ryan Perrilloux sweepstakes.

Coach Rick Comegy said he is attempting to lure the dismissed LSU quarterback to campus for a visit in hopes of signing the troubled player. Perrilloux could play right away if he decides to transfer to a Football Championship Subdivision team.

``We want to be in the ballpark like everyone else who's recruiting him and see what the situation is and try to see if he fits our program and those type of things,'' Comegy said. ``We just don't want to have to play against him.''

Perrilloux was expected to take over the starting job for the defending national champions after serving as a backup to JaMarcus Russell and Matt Flynn the last two seasons. But a series of off-the-field problems led to his dismissal by coach Les Miles a week ago.

Perrilloux was suspended last summer after he was caught trying to enter a Baton Rouge casino with false identification. And he was involved in a nightclub fight in November, causing him to miss a game at Alabama, though he was later cleared of wrongdoing.

Miles again suspended Perrilloux in mid-February after he missed a team meeting, skipped some classes and was late for conditioning workouts. He was reinstated April 6, then let go. Miles said no specific violation led to the quarterback's dismissal.

Perrilloux is expected to finish the spring semester at LSU so he can remain eligible to play next season.

Published reports say Alabama A&M and Valdosta State also are chasing Perrilloux and Jacksonville State coach Jack Crowe has told The Associated Press he's pursuing the former top prospect.

Calls to Perrilloux's mother, Bonnie Breaux, went unanswered Friday night.

Comegy has had success turning the Tigers around using transfers. Players from schools such as Ohio State, Tennessee and Mississippi State helped Jackson State win its 16th Southwestern Athletic Conference title last season, though its first since 1996. The latest transfer is former Volunteers safety Antonio Wardlow.

``I've always been a high advocate for giving a young man a second chance and seeing if he's willing to make a change,'' Comegy said. ``I've seen it happen many, many, many times. I've had many success stories. He's a guy who has kind of a high profile now, but he's a kid who'd like to straighten things out. I'd sure like to help.''