MINNEAPOLIS — For a guy from a small town, Koi Perich knows how to make a BIG impression.
The true freshman defensive back is the Big Ten's Defensive Player of the Week after a monster game Saturday, helping lead the U of M Golden Gophers over UCLA 21-17. Perich grabbed a pair of interceptions and notched two tackles in the effort, continuing what has been a breakout season for him.
The first interception led to a touchdown that put Minnesota up 14-10, and the second came on UCLA's final offensive play of the game, icing a Gopher win. It was the second straight week that Perich closed out a game with an interception after he picked off USC’s Miller Moss the previous week to secure an upset victory.
So far in 2024, Perich's stat sheet includes four total interceptions, ten tackles and a forced fumble. His four picks lead the Gophers and are the most ever by a U of M freshman - and there are five games yet to play in the regular season. He also is a weapon on special teams, having returned 11 punts for 139 yards (60 yards longest) and eight kickoffs for 145 yards.
Perich was the state's number one football recruit coming out of Esko, a multi-threat athlete who starred at safety, running back/receiver and kick returner. He was ranked the No. 3 safety in the nation in his class (53rd overall recruit) and despite a last-minute push by Ohio State, decided to stay home and be a Gopher.
Randy Shaver spoke with Perich a number of times during his prep career, and during their last conversation asked the phenom from Esko what he liked most about football.
Shaver then asked Perich what he liked most about football, and there was no hesitation.
"Just hittin' people man, that's the number one thing. I mean, there's not another sport in the world where you can go out and hit someone as hard as you can without going to jail," Koi said with a grin on his face.