Latest news with #KoiPerich
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
This Minnesota Gophers star's confidence has everyone talking
Minnesota Gophers safety Koi Perich wasted no time making a name for himself. As a true freshman last season, he exceeded expectations and quickly emerged as a cornerstone for the program moving forward. The Gophers don't just have a rising star — they've got a player so confident in his game, he believes he could've gone straight to the NFL out of high school. In a recent interview with KSTP Sports during Gophers media day, Perich admitted his dream was never about Saturdays — it was always about Sundays. More specifically, playing for his hometown team. 'No… I didn't watch college football, and my dream was to play for the Vikings,' Perich said. 'I would just skip through college if I could and play for the Vikings. We gotta do our three years, so I'm ready to do it.' It's a bold statement — but one that fits the edge Perich brings on the field. He's not shy about his goals, and he's already building the kind of resume that backs them up. The Minnesota Vikings could be on the hunt for a future replacement for veteran safety Harrison Smith, but they'll likely have to wait. Perich still has at least two more seasons left in a Gophers uniform. 📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp That doesn't mean he's just biding his time. Perich has already become one of the most important pieces on Minnesota's defense — and arguably their top long-term asset. The more plays he makes, the more attention he'll draw at the next level. He's made it clear where he wants to end up. And at the rate he's rising, Vikings fans might not have to wait long to see that dream come full circle.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Minnesota Vikings' Harrison Smith replacement is playing for Golden Gophers
The Minnesota Vikings have relied on Harrison Smith's talent, instincts and football IQ at the back of their defense for a long time. And given that he'll need replacing soon enough, the Vikings are surely thinking about what's next. Maybe they won't have to look too far. Koi Perich is entering his sophomore season for the Minnesota Golden Gophers, and he's always wanted to play for the Vikings. "My dream was to play for the Vikings," Perich told reporters. "I would just skip through college if I could and just gone straight to the Vikings, but... ya gotta do your three years." MORE: Bills get a huge break toward knocking off the Chiefs Perich has free safety skills, for sure. He picked off a Big Ten-best five passes in 2024 as a freshman. He's also a local kid, from Esko High School. It's a long time still before Perich is draft-eligible, but you can bet the Vikings will be keeping on eye on him. MORE NFL NEWS: Tua Tagovailoa's contract pays him extra if he stays healthy Terry McLaurin breaks silence in his contract negotiations with the Commanders The locker room reason Trey Hendrickson's contract saga could go sideways Shemar Stewart takes step toward unprecedented path back to college football Justin Fields given a career ultimatum before Jets debut Johnny Manziel reveals a big college regret
