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An impressive stretch for Gophers football recruiting continued Tuesday when the No. 2 player in Minnesota Koi Perich (Esko) opted to stay home and commit to the Maroon & Gold. The 6-foot-1 safety was highly recruited with offers from about half of the Big Ten; Michigan, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois and Northwestern. His commitment comes only a few days after unofficially visiting UMN over the weekend.
H.E.R.E @Coach_Fleck @Coach_DCollins @GopherFootball @RyanBurnsMN @247Sports pic.twitter.com/7Vqoal9b2W
— Koi Perich (@koiperich3) April 19, 2023
Who is Koi Perich?:
Breaking onto the scene as a junior last season, Perich recorded 60 Carries for 11 TDS and 813 YDS (13.6 YDS per carry), 17 Receptions for 9 TDS and 353 with 75 Tackles, 3 INTs, 4 FFs and 2 sacks on the defensive end. The Gophers were his first offer on October 18, 2022, then 12 other power five programs followed after his season with Esko high school. Starring on the hardwood in the winter as well, Perich is one of the best prep athletes in Minnesota.
- Scouting Report:
Listed at 6-foot-1, 195 pounds, Perich has a tremendous frame for a Big Ten safety. His athleticism is not far behind, according to his Twitter page, he has recorded a (laser) 4.59s 40-yard dash, 38-inch vertical and 10’4″ broad jump. He played a lot of wide receiver and running back last season for Esko, but safety will be his position with the Gophers. He has a tremendous overall feel for the game and great instincts. He knows how the play football at a very high level.
**High School Football Hudl Highlights:
Instant Reaction:
I have a hypothesis supported by no data, that high school players who play all over the field tend to do best at the next level and Perich fits that mold. He could very well be the favorite for MN Mr. Football next season. He had 25 total touchdowns last season while being arguably the most disruptive defensive player in the state. He was Crystal Ball’d to Wisconsin for quite a while, so keeping him in-state is a huge win for the Gophers.
His commitment now gives the Maroon & Gold commitments from five of the top nine players in the state. In-state recruiting is always a hot topic for any college program, but between the last two seasons, P.J. Fleck has shown that he has a stranglehold on talent in the Gophers’ backyard which is always intriguing for any elite-level prospects. Perich is a tremendous addition to this class in more ways than one.
What is next?:
With 11 total commitments, Minnesota’s class now ranks 15th best in the country according to 247sports. They had 21 total commitments for the 2023 class, so they are far from over in this cycle. There is still a long ways to go, but it is looking like one of Fleck’s better class as HC.
Full 2024 class:
- LB Mason Carrier
- LB Brady Pretzlaff
- RB Jaydon Wright
- ATH Simon Seidl
- WR Corey Smith
- WR Dallas Sims
- DL Jide Abasiri
- OL/DL Riley Sunram
- S Zahir Rainer
- DL Mo Saine
- S Koi Perich