BleedGopher
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Per the U:
University of Minnesota defensive standouts Koi Perich and Anthony Smith were named to the annual watch list for the Lott Trophy.
The Lott Trophy is awarded annually to the nation's top defensive player, who also exhibits the characteristics of Ronnie Lott by making an IMPACT® on and off the field. IMPACT® is an acronym for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity. Perich and Smith are two of the 42 players recognized on the watch list.
Perich, who was named a Second Team All-American last season, enters his sophomore season as one of the most exciting players in the country. He played in all 13 games as a freshman and saw action on defense, offense and special teams.
On defense, the All-Big Ten First Team selection made 46 tackles and had 2.5 tackles for loss. He also forced one fumble and broke up three passes while grabbing five interceptions.
Perich was named All-Big Second Team as a return specialist last season, as he returned 20 punts for 188 yards and 16 kickoffs for 314 yards. He finished fourth on the team in all-purpose yards with 565.
Smith was named All-Big Ten Honorable Mention last season after starting all 13 games and making 27 tackles. Smith led the team with 11.5 tackles for loss and shared the team lead with six sacks. He also broke up one pass, forced one fumble and blocked one field goal.
In three years, Smith has recorded 43 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks in 28 games. He has also forced three fumbles in his career.
Minnesota starts the 2025 season on Thursday, Aug. 28 against Buffalo.
Go Gophers!!
University of Minnesota defensive standouts Koi Perich and Anthony Smith were named to the annual watch list for the Lott Trophy.
The Lott Trophy is awarded annually to the nation's top defensive player, who also exhibits the characteristics of Ronnie Lott by making an IMPACT® on and off the field. IMPACT® is an acronym for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity. Perich and Smith are two of the 42 players recognized on the watch list.
Perich, who was named a Second Team All-American last season, enters his sophomore season as one of the most exciting players in the country. He played in all 13 games as a freshman and saw action on defense, offense and special teams.
On defense, the All-Big Ten First Team selection made 46 tackles and had 2.5 tackles for loss. He also forced one fumble and broke up three passes while grabbing five interceptions.
Perich was named All-Big Second Team as a return specialist last season, as he returned 20 punts for 188 yards and 16 kickoffs for 314 yards. He finished fourth on the team in all-purpose yards with 565.
Smith was named All-Big Ten Honorable Mention last season after starting all 13 games and making 27 tackles. Smith led the team with 11.5 tackles for loss and shared the team lead with six sacks. He also broke up one pass, forced one fumble and blocked one field goal.
In three years, Smith has recorded 43 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks in 28 games. He has also forced three fumbles in his career.
Minnesota starts the 2025 season on Thursday, Aug. 28 against Buffalo.
Go Gophers!!
