In November of 2004, in St. John Parish, Louisiana, a young quarterback was leading his high school team to a dominating 50-6 win in the quarterfinals of the Louisiana High School Athletic Association's football tournament.
Meanwhile, on the other bank of the Mississippi River, high-profile quarterback Ryan Perrilloux's East St. John Wildcats were closing out an embarrassing 62-42 loss in their quarterfinal game.
Perrilloux would then go on to play recruiting musical chairs with Division I powers Texas and LSU. He would be awarded the 2004 Hall Trophy as the nation's most outstanding high school football player.
Perrilloux would be named USA Today's "Offensive Player of the Year," "National Offensive Player of the Year" by Columbus, Ohio's Touchdown Club, Louisiana's "Mr. Football," and Gatorade's "Player of the Year." He was a Parade All-American and was invited to the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
After Les Miles' hiring at LSU, Perrilloux would commit to LSU with expectations of grandeur.
We all know the rest of the story. After years of immature actions and a complacent attitude, the highly-touted recruit would be dismissed in May of 2008 after only starting two games for the Tigers.
But what about the other quarterback in this story? The one that would eventually lead his West St. John Rams to a Class 2A Louisiana State Championship. The one that entertained only one Division I scholarship offer. The one who played in the giant shadow of the great Ryan Perrilloux. What happened to Juan Joseph?
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about 1 month ago
Great story. He sounds like a great player, student and person. Thanks for bring this to everyone's attention.
about 1 month ago
This is an interesting article. We all know the troubles with RP, but this has some nice flavor and I found it a refreshing read. Great work!!
about 1 month ago
I hope Joseph wins the Connerly Trophy if Peria Jerry doesn't.
He truly deserves it and has put up some "Madden" #'s this season.
from about 1 month ago
I hope he gets it. He's been quite a story for the last 3 years. And he's just led Millsaps to its highest every ranking and it's first 10 win season.
about 1 month ago
Good to see some non-Div1-A football articles.
about 1 month ago
I appreciate the feedback.
about 1 month ago
Always love to hear about someone who isn't taking their god given talent for granted. Not only his athletism but his brain too!
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