Gophers recruit Koi Perich named 5th freakiest athlete in the country
Koi Perich, one of the highest rated high school recruits from Minnesota in the Class of 2024, has been labeled one of the "biggest freaks" in the national recruiting class by 247Sports.
The Esko High School star is committed to the Gophers and sits atop 247Sports' state rankings as a four-star recruit, just ahead of Oklahoma-bound Rogers High School edge rusher Wyatt Gilmore.
In terms of freakish athleticism, Perich is ranked No. 5 overall on 247's list of the 50 biggest freaks in the graduating class of 2024. That's fifth in the nation, not just Minnesota. Here's how Perich is described:
Perich's posterizing dunks and 11-foot-1 running jump were going to be enough to warrant him a spot high on this year's list, but arguably his most impressive feat off the football field came this past spring when he posted a 10.89-second effort in the 100-meter dash despite running in frigid 40-degree Minnesota temperatures. Perich, who is committed to play for the in-state Gophers, adds that he's close to power cleaning 315 pounds. Freaky.
Last season, as a junior, Perich rushed for more than 800 yards and 11 touchdowns, had nine receiving touchdowns, two punt return touchdowns, three kick return touchdowns, along with 75 tackles, three interceptions, four forced fumbles and two sacks.
Perich and Esko open the 2023 high school football season Thursday, Aug. 31 at Duluth East.
Perich, who will likely play safety in college, picked Minnesota over offers from other FBS schools including Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Nebraska, Northwestern, Vanderbilt, Washington and Wisconsin.