If Koi Perich’s performance in Saturday’s high school football All-American game was any indication of what’s to come, he’s well on his way to becoming the next great safety for the Minnesota Golden Gophers.
Perich, the four-star recruit from Esko High School and the No. 1 football recruit in Minnesota in the Class of 2024, blocked a punt and made a diving interception en route to being named the MVP of the All-American Bowl in San Antonio, Texas.
Perich made his interception at the goal line for Team West and later blocked a punt, showcasing the athleticism that prompted his inclusion on a preseason “biggest freaks” list from 247Sports last summer.
4⭐️ S and Minnesota commit Koi Perich, the Class of 2024's No. 1 player in Minnesota, with the INT near the goal line to halt a drive in the All-American Bowl 🏈https://t.co/vslkoFDU8Q
— 247Sports (@247Sports) January 6, 2024
4⭐️ S Koi Perich now has a blocked punt and an INT in the All-American Bowl 👀https://t.co/r7YzgS9oOe https://t.co/ImKHMFpZvJ
— 247Sports (@247Sports) January 6, 2024
Perich was one of four future Golden Gophers in the All-American Bowl, joining Riley Sunram, Brett Carroll and Nathan Roy.
Sunram, a four-star defensive tackle, is the No. 1 player in North Dakota while Roy, an offensive tackle, is also a four-star recruit and the No. 2-ranked player in Wisconsin. Carroll, also an offensive lineman, is a three-star recruit from Kansas.
So proud of @koiperich3, @sunram_riley, @BrettCarroll24 & @thenathanroy (selected for the game – not pictured) for representing @GopherFootball and the entire ELITE 2024 class in the @AABonNBC today!! #RTB #HYPRR #SkiUMah pic.twitter.com/r3h9NkLppA
— P.J. Fleck (@Coach_Fleck) January 6, 2024
Perich stayed true to his commitment to the Gophers despite late pressure from the likes of Ohio State and Florida State.
