Originally from Socorro, Texas, the lefthander posted a 17-9 career record at Cathedral HS with 189 career strikeouts and a 3.70 ERA over four years as a varsity letterman. Perea began his collegiate career at Dodge City Community College in 2015, posting a 2.00 ERA in 20 appearances and 4 starts. He went 5-3 with 3 saves in 45.0 innings, striking out 46 and walking only 12 with a 1.267 WHIP. As a sophomore he was inserted into the starting rotation, going 9-3 across 14 starts with a 4.52 ERA and a 3.76 FIP. Perea struck out 55 in 63.2 innings, walking only 23 and threw 4 complete games. The southpaw continued his college ball at New Mexico State University, pitching in 17 games as a LOOGY, striking out 11 over 10.0 innings. As a senior in 2018, Perea went 2-3 in 23 appearances and a pair of starts. He put up a 20.7% strikeout rate and a .690 opponent OPS in 31.2 frames, throwing at a dazzling 3.13 FIP.