Minnesota Gophers Might Use Koi Perich on Offense…?

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Credit: Photo courtesy of Koi Perich ( @koiperich3 - X)

P.J. Fleck’s Gophers are off to a tough start this season, sitting at a disappointing 2-3. To make matters worse, the road ahead isn’t exactly smooth. After a heartbreaking loss to Michigan, Fleck may be considering some little changes. Perhaps giving a fresh opportunity to one of his playmakers in hopes of sparking something on offense.

You may know Koi Perich, the freshman from Esko. Perich made the decision to stay close to home despite receiving offers from some of the nation’s top programs.

His impact on the Minnesota Gophers has already been notable in just five games, primarily as an electrifying punt returner. With his speed and agility, he’s proven to be a game-changer.

PJ Fleck wants to use Koi Perich on Minnesota Gophers Offense?

During a recent news conference, Fleck expressed to reporters just how dangerous Perich is with the ball in his hands. This prompted Andy Greder of the Pioneer Press to ask Fleck about the possibility of Perich getting some playing time on offense.

“You can put him out there as a true freshman — nothing intimidates him,” Gophers coach P.J. Fleck said in his news conference Monday. “And he is dangerous with the ball in his hand.”

So can Perich play some on offense, too?

Fleck doesn’t want to establish an expectation that it will happen, but he told the Pioneer Press: “It’s definitely a possibility. I wouldn’t think twice”.

Pioneer Press (report via Andy Greder)

It looks like Fleck is considering using Perich in a dual-role capacity, similar to how Travis Hunter is utilized at Colorado. However, that might be a tall order for a true freshman who just joined the team in June and is still recovering from an injury. PJ appears to be wary of overwhelming Perich and potentially hindering his growth as a player.

“I think when you overload somebody that is really new, you can stunt their growth faster. I think he is doing a really good job of biting off a huge chunk and performing at a high level as of now. But there is always a possibility of more.”

Pioneer Press (report via Andy Greder)

Perich is still in the early stages of his career, and as a true freshman, Coach Fleck is focused on nurturing his development without putting too much pressure on him. Meanwhile, Perich is making quite an impression in his current role. Last Saturday against Michigan, he had a standout moment with a significant punt return that helped propel the Gophers back into the game.

Related: 4 Bold Predictions for Minnesota Gophers’ Matchup vs USC Trojans

Koi Perich joined the Gophers as a safety and has already made an impact on the defense this season, logging 35 plays and snagging one interception. However, it’s very clear head coach P.J. Fleck is exploring ways to use him beyond just defense, and now, with the possibility of switching him to offense. It will be exciting to watch how Perich develops as the season progresses.

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