A host of honors for Esko's Perich

The first year of Division I college football for Esko native Koi Perich is in the books following Friday night’s 24-10 win over Virginia Tech in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl. Perich tied for the team lead on defense with four solo tackles, one for a loss. The Esko native had an amazing season for the Gophers that culminated with many awards.

Perich was the co-leader in the nation with six interceptions and he became the leader of the defensive backfield for Minnesota. He forced fumbles, returned kicks, intercepted the ball, returned punts, tackled players for loss and eventually even played quarterback for one play in the bowl game.

Here is a list of awards:

• Sporting News Second Team All-American

• All-Big Ten First Team, Defensive Back

• All-Big Ten Second Team, Return Specialist (media)

• All-Big Ten Honorable Mention, Return Specialist (coaches)

• AP First Team All-Big Ten

• Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week, Freshman of the Week

• Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award Semifinalist

• Shaun Alexander National Freshman Player of the Week

• Thorpe Award Defensive Back of the Week