Perea: ‘New challenge, new chance to be great’
Manteca High junior linebacker Tommy Perea sits with The Tower’s Garrison Reis for an interview. Perea is one of the top returning players from the football team in 2023.
“I’m still confident, even though it’s going to be a challenge that Manteca has never seen before. But I think by summertime the team will be ready for the competition. ”
By GARRISON REIS
The Tower
Tommy Perea is a big part of the Manteca High football team and its preparation for the upcoming season.
As a sophomore, Perea was moved up to varsity to start at inside linebacker. During that season he faced some injuries, notably a torn meniscus in his knee, keeping him away from the field. As a junior, Perea had 93 total tackles and emerged as one of the leaders.
Now that he’s a junior, Perea, pound for pound one of the strongest players in the program, is expected to fill a leadership role.
Manteca High junior linebacker Tommy Perea (30) was one of the top tacklers on the team this fall, registering 93 total tackles.
The Tower sat down with Perea to talk about his role for the next season and the prospect of being moved up to Division 1 for playoffs.
The Tower: How did your role change from sophomore to junior season?
TP: I played a bigger role playing at multiple positions on the defense. This year, I was in on more packages like “dime” and “raider,” and having to be more of an important role at will linebacker.
TT: About the upcoming season, how much more of a role are you going to have to take on?
TP: I want to try and move to middle linebacker this next year, but I might also play some outside backer since the team might need me at more spots. I’m also going to have to be more of a leader and an example to show the young guys the ropes.
TT: What are you going to do different this offseason to prepare for the next season?
TP: This offseason I need to do a little less weight training and more rehab for my knee and more conditioning with also some plyometric training. We also have to get the whole team locked in, because we have a lot of goofballs. We need to spend time locked in lifting getting stronger for the season.
TT: How long have you been weightlifting yourself?
TP: I started when I was 9, so I’ve been lifting for almost 8 years now.
Manteca High junior Tommy Perea credits weightlifting for some of his football success. ‘You use weightlifting in almost all situations.’
TT: What is the importance of weightlifting for football?
TP: Lifting for football is very important. You use weightlifting in almost all situations, like breaking tackles or as a linebacker, getting the linemen off you to make a tackle.
TT: How are you and the team feeling about the prospect of being moved up to Division 1 to play those big teams like Folsom in the playoffs?
TP: I’m still confident, even though it’s going to be a challenge that Manteca has never seen before. But I think by summertime the team will be ready for the competition. With new challenges brings new chances to be great.