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Perich Named FWAA Freshman All-American
1/14/2025 1:00:00 PM | Football
Perich was previously named All-Big Ten First Team on defense and All-Big Ten Second Team as a return specialist
Minnesota defensive back Koi Perich was named to the 2024 Freshman All-America Team by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) today.Â
This recognition is another in a long list of honors for the dynamic true freshman from Esko, Minn. Perich was named a Sporting News Second Team All-American to become the first Minnesota freshman to be named an All-American since 1972 when the NCAA allowed freshmen to play to college football. Perich was also named All-Big Ten First Team on defense and was All-Big Ten Second Team as a return specialist. He was also one of five national finalists for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award.
Perich is the fifth Gopher to be named a FWAA Freshman All-American and the first since offensive lineman Ben Lauer was honored in 2013. He is the first defensive player to be honored since Steve Davis in 2005.Â
Perich played in all 13 games for Minnesota and excelled on defense and special teams and even played a few snaps on offense. He finished fifth on the team with 46 tackles and he also had 2.5 tackles for loss. Perich led the Big Ten with five interceptions and he also broke up three passes and forced one fumble. He has also returned 16 kickoffs for 314 yards and 20 punts for 188 yards.Â
Minnesota FWAA Freshman All-Americans
Koi Perich, safety (2024)
Ben Lauer, offensive line (2013)
Steve Davis, defensive line (2005)
Laurence Maroney, running back (2003)
Bradley Vance, linebacker (2001)
This recognition is another in a long list of honors for the dynamic true freshman from Esko, Minn. Perich was named a Sporting News Second Team All-American to become the first Minnesota freshman to be named an All-American since 1972 when the NCAA allowed freshmen to play to college football. Perich was also named All-Big Ten First Team on defense and was All-Big Ten Second Team as a return specialist. He was also one of five national finalists for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award.
Perich is the fifth Gopher to be named a FWAA Freshman All-American and the first since offensive lineman Ben Lauer was honored in 2013. He is the first defensive player to be honored since Steve Davis in 2005.Â
Perich played in all 13 games for Minnesota and excelled on defense and special teams and even played a few snaps on offense. He finished fifth on the team with 46 tackles and he also had 2.5 tackles for loss. Perich led the Big Ten with five interceptions and he also broke up three passes and forced one fumble. He has also returned 16 kickoffs for 314 yards and 20 punts for 188 yards.Â
Minnesota FWAA Freshman All-Americans
Koi Perich, safety (2024)
Ben Lauer, offensive line (2013)
Steve Davis, defensive line (2005)
Laurence Maroney, running back (2003)
Bradley Vance, linebacker (2001)
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