Perez, better known as the “Little General,” led the Cardinals to its first undefeated regular season and a Junior Rose Bowl appearance as quarterback of the 1965 team   Before attending HCJC, Perez attended Miller High School in Corpus Christi and has been inducted into the Bucks Hall of Fame.
During his time at HCJC, Perez was named honorable mention All-American in 1965. In the 1966 Junior Rose Bowl, Perez threw 27 pass attempts, setting a new bowl record.
  After leaving HCJC, Perez went on to SMU and played on the 1966 Southwest Conference champion team.
  His long coaching career began as a graduate assistant coach at SMU. He has since coached various sports at schools throughout the state.