PFF Grades Confirm: Gophers’ Koi Perich is a True Freshman Phenom

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Koi Perich, Minnesota Gophers football
Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Gophers hype train for Koi Perich has been building since long before the Esko, MN native arrived on campus. It was a slow burn to start the season, as he got acclimated to his role. But recently, Koi has been making serious noise all over the field.

Perich has already won Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week, National Freshman of the Week, and National Jim Thorpe Defensive Back of the Week honors. He’s played more than 20 defensive snaps just two times (vs USC and UCLA), in seven games. And both times, he caught the game-sealing interception and won multiple weekly honors.

Minnesota Gophers safety Koi Perich continues to climb

But this isn’t just about a flash in the pan. Koi Perich isn’t getting lucky. No, he’s just good and he’s a baller. That’s why Pro Football Focus has Perich graded as the highest rated true freshman in the country. His grade: an absurd 91.3 (DEF).

Remember, Perich doesn’t have the reps to judge, that other top safeties in the league. Still, only six other freshman in the entire country have a grade above 80. Perich has six solo tackles (10 total), and he leads the Minnesota Gophers in interceptions, with four.

Perich worked his way into the lineup through special teams. P.J. Fleck had him back on punt returns during the non-conference slate, and it was evident that his talent and athleticism would be too much to remain on the sideline. Over the past two weeks Perich has delivered game-sealing interceptions for the Gophers, and he will be a key cog for as long as he remains in Dinkytown.

Remember, this is a true freshman we are talking about. A true freshman who is playing in the Big Ten. The Minnesota Gophers got a huge recruiting boost in keeping Koi home. He turned away a late rush from Ohio State, among others. He arrived to campus late, thanks to a high school track injury, but he’s quickly made up for lost time.

Related: Minnesota Gophers True Freshman Phenom Wins Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week

At this point Perich is playing well beyond his years. As he develops, he should only get better. Let’s be real, there is no reason to think Koi Perich won’t be playing on Sundays in the future. The University of Minnesota is becoming known as “Safety U”, after all.

Aireontae Ersery gets love for the Gophers too

While Perich continues to put steam into his hype train as a freshman, draft hopeful Aireontae Ersery is cementing his position as a potential first round pick. Max Brosmer’s blindside tackle has been exceptional this season, and Pro Football Focus has taken note.

The Gophers passing game has risen to new heights this season with Brosmer under center. That is largely capable because of the protection he has received up front. Ersery is a big part of that and ESPN’s Jordan Reid has him as a first round selection in his latest mock draft.

“Baltimore loves massive offensive linemen who overwhelm defenders at the point of attack. Ersery is just that, even though his game is still raw. He plays with a physical attitude as a run blocker, and his length makes it difficult for blockers to beat him cleanly around the edge. Ronnie Stanley and Patrick Mekari are both in the final years of their contracts, and the Ravens could establish Ersery as the future at left tackle, pairing him with impressive rookie right tackle Roger Rosengarten for the foreseeable future.”

Jordan Reid on Aireontae Ersery as the Ravens pick at 27th overall (ESPN)

Perich isn’t yet capable of leaving school and declaring for the draft. If he continues to make the strides he has shown in limited action as a freshman though, he will be playing on Sunday’s just as it is expected his offensive teammate will be doing.

Related: What are the Minnesota Gophers College Football Playoff Odds?

Minnesota has a few more games for Ersery to make a sizable impact as they come out of their bye and face Maryland on October 26th.

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