The Minnesota Gophers landed a massive commitment when Koi Perich decided to stay home. The top recruit in the state, and 53rd in the country , brings a big boost to P.J. Fleck’s defense. He has yet to play a game, but expectations are sky high.
Awards start to roll in for Minnesota Gophers Koi Perich
Next Thursday will be the first game of Minnesota Gophers Koi Perich’s collegiate career. The highly touted recruit will be on display, at least on a limited basis, against the North Carolina Tar Heels.
Before he gets a chance to prove it on the field, though, On3.com named Perich a preseason true freshman All-American. Charles Power detailed the Minnesota freshman.
“He has the ability to be a playmaker, both on defense and special teams. He got a later start as a June enrollee at Minnesota, but we would be surprised if he doesn’t make an impact over the balance of his true freshman season for the Golden Gophers. Koi Perich was a massive in-state get for Minnesota as they held off a late push from Ohio State. He was on the cusp of five-star status in the 2024 cycle, and certainly has the ability to be an early contributor for the Golden Gophers,” Power wrote. “He is an outstanding athlete at safety and plays with an extremely aggressive physical mindset. He was a standout at the All-American Bowl, earning defensive MVP honors in that game.”
Charles Power on Koi Perich for On3
It’s entirely plausible that Fleck and the Gophers deploy Perich with somewhat of a slow rollout. The talented Esko, MN product got a late start to his collegiate career, thanks to a commitment he made to high school basketball and track teammates.
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Once he gets settled in at Dinkytown, though, Koi could quickly force the hand of Minnesota coaches. In an expanded Big Ten , where the Gophers talent is questioned, Perich being a quick standout would be welcomed.
Expect Perich to star for Minnesota Gophers
It may take some time for Perich to break through in the secondary. Nonetheless, he should see early chances to make an impact, even if it’s only on special teams. Minnesota may find a way to use his speed in the return game. He’s been one of a handful of guys taking reps as punt returner during practice.
Corey Hetherman gets one of the most celebrated recruits in recent memory in the form of Perich. He chose to stay home , and the talent that vaulted him up national rankings is legit. If Perich can take to the collegiate level quickly, his instincts may be enough to show out on a weekly basis.
Minnesota’s schedule opens up a bit after Week 1. Games against both Rhode Island and Nevada may provide an easier landing spot for Perich to filter in.
Related: Koi Perich is Trying to Make Up for Late Start with Gophers
Iowa should be a solid Big Ten opponent, during Week 4, but their traditional lackluster offense may provide a coming out party for Perich, as well. The accolades Perich is already receiving could be just foreshadowing of a decorated Gophers career.
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