Perich made a name for himself on national television
Minnesota Golden Gophers signee Koi Perich was named MVP of the 2024 All-American Bowl on Saturday, helping lead the West team to a 31-28 victory over the East team.
The All-American Bowl is held annually at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, and seeks to highlight 100 of the top high school seniors in the country. Four Gopher signees were invited to participate — the most in program history — including Perich, offensive lineman Brett Carroll, defensive lineman Riley Sunram, and offensive lineman Nathan Roy.
An Esko native, Perich signed his letter of intent in December, rejecting a late pitch from Ohio State in favor of sticking with his commitment to play for Minnesota.
With the score tied 7-7 in the first quarter, the East was poised to take the lead when Perich made a diving interception at the goal line, halting a scoring opportunity.
4⭐️ S and Minnesota commit Koi Perich, the Class of 2024’s No. 1 player in Minnesota, with the INT near the goal line to halt a drive in the All-American Bowl pic.twitter.com/vslkoFDU8Q
— 247Sports (@247Sports) January 6, 2024
In the second quarter, the West was able to extend their lead to 24-7 with a rushing touchdown after Perich blocked an East punt, recovered at the five-yard line.
#Minnesota 4⭐️ safety Koi Perich blocks the punt! https://t.co/e08jq4qwAh pic.twitter.com/wZhfWbgV3j
— Video from: @TSV__1 (@TSV__1) January 6, 2024
As one of the highest-rated recruits to sign with the Gophers, Perich will have the opportunity to see the field immediately with free safety Tyler Nubin leaving for the NFL. He is expected to compete with Coleman Bryson for Nubin’s vacant starting spot next season.