Esko’s Koi Perich officially commits to Gopher football
It’s official: Esko senior football player Makoi “Koi” Perich has committed to play Division I football for the Minnesota Gophers. The team confirmed on social media Wednesday morning.
We talked with Perich in April when he verbally committed to the Gophers. This fall he went on to have one of the best seasons in Minnesota high school football prompting over a dozen Division I offers from schools like Ohio State, Florida State, and USC. Perich ultimately stuck to his original choice and Wednesday signed his National Letter of Intent to play for P.J. Fleck’s Gophers.
“The coaches honestly were a huge part of it. They led to a lot of my decision making, but just the opportunity to play is also there. They have a first round draft pick at the safety position and I’d just like to fill his role and hopefully get in that starting spot when I get there,” Perich said.
Click the video box below for Perich’s full Signing Day interview.
With Esko this fall Perich, a safety, recorded 57 tackles, two sacks and five interceptions, including two pick sixes. He also ran for over 700 yards on 61 carries scoring 17 touchdowns. In October, he was named to the third annual Minnesota Football Honors Super 6 Team. you
The four-star recruit is one Coach Fleck is happy to keep.
“He is a special person, special player, and I can’t tell you how much his commitment means to the future of our program. I think he knows that too. When you talk about ‘do everything you can to be leave your legacy’, he’s already left a little bit recruiting. I know he’s got a lot of goals, hopes and aspirations that we want to help come true here at the University of Minnesota,” Fleck said in his Signing Day press conference. (Fleck begins talking about Perich at 22:38)
Now both of the Perich brothers will kick-off collegiately in Minnesota. Older brother Mason was a redshirt freshman wide receiver for Minnesota State University-Mankato this fall.