This Minnesota Gophers star's confidence has everyone talking

Yahoo

2 days ago

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.
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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.