In mid-July, the Gophers football program held its annual photo day, where players reported in uniform and took turns at various portrait and video stations. Included in the duties for roughly 20 players were interviews with local media members.

When it came time for Koi Perich’s turn at the lectern, the overnight sensation from Esko didn’t disappoint with his entrance.

The sophomore arrived like his teammates in an all-maroon uniform, except he had one big accessory. He was sporting a WWE-style championship belt adorned with maroon and gold plaques.

“I was the weight-room champ. … I’ve won it the last couple of weeks, and I thought it looks cool," Perich explained with a sly smile.

Yep, there was no way the ultra-confident Perich would enter his second season with the Gophers operating on the down-low. Not after his 2024 season full of big hits, interceptions and celebrations. His signature moment: He sealed the victory over USC with a last-minute interception, was hoisted on the shoulders of field-storming fans, and basically announced to the college football world that the Gophers have something going on.

Perich led the Big Ten with five interceptions, two shy of the national lead. He made 46 tackles on defense, leading a deep safety group that produced matchup issues for opponents. And he proved to be a dangerous punt and kickoff returner, one who can flip the field at a moment’s notice.

He became the first Gophers freshman since Darrell Thompson in 1986 to be named first-team All-Big Ten, and the Sporting News named him second-team All-America, making him the first Minnesota freshman to be named All-American since 1972.

He accomplished all of that while becoming the most popular Gopher since … Eric Decker? Laurence Maroney? Marion Barber III? Thompson? Or any of them?

The accolades this summer include Perich being named to watch lists for seven major awards, plus a handful of preseason All-America teams. Can all of the attention wear on the 19-year-old?

“I’m here to do whatever I can to help my team,” Perich said, matter-of-factly. “… Anything to do, I’ll do it."

Gophers coach P.J. Fleck is taking him up on that.

Perich was used occasionally in 2024 as a decoy on offense. This year, he’ll have an expanded offensive role while still playing safety and on special teams. Fleck believes his star player is up to the challenge.

“I give him a lot of credit because, for being so young and having this kind of hit you so fast, I think there are a lot of people who are not mature enough to handle that,” Fleck said. “He is a very mature individual who is very comfortable being himself, and that’s very hard to find in young people.”

The plan is taking shape

Don’t expect Perich to be the second coming of 2024 Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, the Colorado cornerback/wide receiver who was used on 713 offensive snaps and 748 defensive snaps last season, an average of 120.3 per game. Perich’s primary roles will be safety and punt/kick returner. On offense, he’ll be in the mix at wide receiver and running back — and Wildcat formation quarterback isn’t out of the question.

“It all depends on what he can handle,” offensive coordinator Greg Harbaugh Jr. said early in training camp. “Koi will have a specific job each week within the offense. He can do a lot of things. Why would I not want the ball in his hands?”

In the three training camp practices that were open to the media, Perich showed flashes of the impact he can make all over the field. He hauled in long touchdown passes, caught swing passes for substantial gains and played alternating snaps on offense and defense.

“He just comes in every single day and grinds his butt off,” said Gophers quarterback Drake Lindsey, who has become a close friend of Perich. “And he’s really, really surprised me with just how consistent he’s been.

Perich even pointed out to Fleck that the coach wasn’t using him enough during training camp.

“He’s a very inquisitive kid,” Fleck said. “He loves being coached. That’s one thing I love about Koi. Koi has got no problem being coached hard. The greatest players I’ve ever coached, they loved being coached hard.”

Eyes on the Vikings

A standout in football, basketball and track at Esko, Perich didn’t pay much attention to college football or the Gophers as a youth.

His focus was on the NFL.

“My dream was to play for the Vikings,” he said. “I would just skip through college if I could and go straight to the Vikings, but you’ve gotta do your three years [in college before being draft-eligible]. I’m willing to do it.”

Perich’s performance doesn’t suggest someone who’s just passing time in college. Rather, Fleck says, he’s focused on what he can become, even to the point he has long-term plans for his name, image and likeness earnings.

“He’s so focused on what he wants to do,” Fleck said. “He has such intentionality with his money, and he’s already thinking 10, 20, 30 years down the road. He’s already thinking about the sports facility he wants to open and then franchise.”

For now, Perich will settle for being a franchise player for the Gophers, knowing he can continue making a massive impact and planning how to do just that.

“I’ve got a lot more to do,” he said. “I just have that mindset each and every day.”