Luis Perez was a Chargers fan as a child and is now a big fan of their new, up-and-coming quarterback

Luis Perez, a Chula Vista native and lifelong Chargers fan, now dons the sky blue jersey and could slide into a starting lineup in the second week of the preseason.

“It’s amazing,” Perez said. “It’s a great feeling for me and my family to wear the Chargers uniform.”

The last week was a whirlwind for the spring football veteran.

After signing with the Chargers, he tried to quickly learn the playbook, appeared in a preseason game just days later, and is now fighting for the de facto starting quarterback position.

He and Easton Stick have taken most of the practice snaps in the absence of injured starter Justin Herbert as the Chargers prepare for a preseason home game against the Rams on Saturday.

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Admittedly, the preparation was difficult, but Perez is not letting the pressure get him down. He is concentrating on continuous improvement.

“I’m not nervous,” Perez said. “Right now it’s all about preparation. When you’re prepared, you’re not nervous.”

The Chargers coaching staff has worked hard to help Perez get used to the playbook, which he said has prepared him well for his debut Saturday against the Seattle Seahawks.

Perez entered the game with 4:30 left in the fourth quarter and was given the green light to throw the ball. Although his performance was not overly impressive, he completed five of 12 passes for 61 yards and became the team’s leading passer.

“I felt good,” said Perez. “The coaches prepared me well.”

Jim Harbaugh has been very hands-on in helping Perez adjust, and Perez credits that with his adjustment. Harbaugh has continued to work closely with Perez during this week’s practices.

Harbaugh’s experience and knowledge as a former NFL starter were invaluable to Perez’s development, helping him improve his technique and instincts when reading defenses. Perez added that quarterback coach Shane Day’s meticulousness was crucial in helping him learn the intricacies of each play.

Working with Herbert, Stick and Max Duggan has also accelerated Perez’s development. He particularly praised Herbert’s command of the offense and his high level of play, which Perez wants to emulate as best as possible.

“They did a great job helping me fit in and showing me the ropes,” Perez said.

Perez also said that playing this spring was beneficial in his preparation for the Chargers’ tryouts, as live action in the UFL got him ready to play.

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Perez has impressed offensive coordinator Greg Roman with his adaptability and quick grasp of the playbook.

“He still has a lot to learn, a lot to catch up on,” Roman said. “But he senses the urgency, and that really impressed me.”

Etc.

The Chargers have made several changes to their roster in recent days. On Tuesday, they signed linebackers Savion Jackson and Shaq Quarterman.

Jackson, who signed as an undrafted free agent out of North Carolina State in May, spent the offseason with the Chargers. Quarterman, a former fourth-round pick in 2020, spent the last four seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars (2020-2023). Quarterman has recorded 29 career tackles (16 solo), one tackle for loss, one forced fumble and 25 special teams tackles in the regular season.

In corresponding measures, cornerback Chris Wilcox, who will be added to the Chargers’ practice squad in 2023, and tight end/fullback Ben Mason were released.

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This story originally appeared in the Los Angeles Times.