Esko’s Koi Perich talks about going DI with Gophers football

He helped lead Esko football to back-to-back undefeated regular seasons, and subsequent state tournament trips, and now Makoi “Koi” Perich has accepted a Division I offer from Minnesota’s own Golden Gophers.

“Minnesota is the home state. So, I wanted to represent them. I was recruited by a bunch of big schools, but I thought Minnesota recruited me the hardest. I thought they were the best fit for me, just with business and football. So, just being there is going to be a good choice for me,” said Perich.

A running back and outside linebacker Perich chose the Gophers out of at least 10 offers.

Before donning a Gophers uniform, there is still some unfinished business he’s trying to help his team accomplish.

“I want to be able to help out team win and get to that state championship. That’s been our goal! We’ve gone to state the last two years, and been plays, inches away from going to the ship. So, that’s been our one goal, and we’ve been working for that.”

A junior last fall he averaged over 13 yards per carry with 11 rushing touchdowns and 21 yards per catch for nine receiving touchdowns. On the other side of the ball he recorded 75 tackles and two sacks.