P.J. Fleck and his coaching staff have completed National Signing Day, with 25 recruits signing on the dotted line to play for the Minnesota Golden Gophers, including five transfers and one preferred walk-on. We take a look at the most interesting or intriguing new acquisitions now that these high school athletes have officially become soon-to-be Gophers.
Drake Lindsey was named offensive MVP.
Given that the Gophers’ quarterback room will be momentarily depleted once redshirt senior Cole Kramer graduates following his first career start in the Quick Lane Bowl, I can’t see anyone other than the quarterback signing as the offensive MVP of this class.
Drake Lindsey, the 2023 MaxPreps Arkansas Player of the Year, completed 69.6 percent of his passes this season and passed for 3,916 yards and a 7A single-season record 52 passing touchdowns en way to a 13-0 record and a state championship.
After the hiring of Bobby Petrino as offensive coordinator, there was speculation that Arkansas would make a late move for Lindsey, but he instead reaffirmed his commitment to Minnesota.
Lindsey, fortunately, will have the chance to develop behind transfer quarterbacks Max Brosmer and Logan Fife. I don’t expect the Gophers to be looking for a new quarterback every offseason, but signing and developing high school arms is still important.
According to 247 Sports, Esko product Koi Perich is the top-ranked recruit in the state of Minnesota for this class and third on the list of the highest-rated recruits in program history. He surprised many when he committed to Minnesota in June, turning down offers from Michigan, Washington, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Nebraska, Northwestern, and Vanderbilt. Perich justified his decision to stay with the home state school in an interview with Gopher Illustrated at the time of his commitment, saying, “I want to write my own story.”
It became evident in the fall that Minnesota would have to fight to retain Perich on board, as USC, Florida State, and Ohio State all tendered offers. The Buckeyes were the Gophers’ main rival in the final stretch, bringing Perich to campus for an official visit in December. The Friday before signing day, head coach Ryan Day and safeties coach Perry Eliano paid an in-home visit. But their efforts were futile since Perich remained in Minnesota.
Following in the footsteps of Antoine Winfield Jr. and soon-to-be NFL draft pick Tyler Nubin, the Gophers may have found their next NFL free safety. I wouldn’t be surprised if Perich competed with Coleman Bryson for playing time next season.
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