Esko Native Koi Perich Playing Both Offense & Defense for Minnesota in Spring Ball

Perich has been donning a split practice jersey with each side of the ball represented at spring practices.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- It was teased a little bit at the end of last season. Now, it’s looking like it’s going to happen.

Esko native and Minnesota Golden Gophers safety Koi Perich is expected to play both offense and defense this upcoming season.

Perich has been donning a split practice jersey with each side of the ball represented at spring practices.

It’s no surprise as number three has shown big play ability at the safety and kick returner position last year.

Perich said playing offense is nothing new for him, citing his days at Esko where he played everywhere except quarterback and o-line.

“I think it’s credit to my offensive coaches when I was growing up. I mean playing every position from kick returner to running back, wide receiver. You just develop those ball skills and I think those carry over for anything you’re doing,” said Perich.

His head coach P.J. Fleck can agree with that, adding that Perich is a versatile athlete and the more you have him on the field, the better.

“He’s too good of a football player not to be on the field, somehow someway throughout the entire game. Not just on one side. I think coach Harbaugh has done a really good job of giving him what he can handle. But, whatever we give him we want him to be really good at. This isn’t just a gadget thing. We’re not looking for him to be a gadget. We’re looking for him to be a athlete on this football team and make plays on every side of the ball, plus return game. And he’s done a really good job of handling all of it,” said Fleck.

Perich and the Gophers will not have a spring game this season. But, they do have an open practice for fans coming up on April 15th at 4:15 PM.