Koi Perich cites ‘winning program’ in reason for transfer to Oregon
Oregon Ducks safety Koi Perich cited his desire to play for a "winning program" in his decision to transfer from Minnesota.
Earlier this week, Oregon Ducks QB Dylan Raiola talked about the "blueprint" at Oregon of coming in as a highly rated prospect out of high school and sitting for a year with the Ducks to learn, develop, and then flourish. While the track record for that at the quarterback position is strong, you could argue that the "blueprint" of transfer defensive backs is ever stronger. A year ago, it was Purdue Boilermakers star safety Dillon Thieneman who transferred to Oregon and balled out, now projected to be a first-round pick in next week's NFL draft.
Before him, guys like Christian Gonzalez and Khyree Jackson did the same thing. Now? It's Koi Perich's turn to fit the mold.
“Going in the portal, I just really wanted to be on a national contending team," Perich said in his first Oregon media availability on Thursday. "Oregon has been in the College Football Playoff, I'm pretty sure, every year. So they are obviously a winning program.
" However, the 1-to-1 comparison of Perich and Thieneman may not be apt. While they are both dynamic and versatile safeties who can champion the CCU (Caucasian Collision Unit), Perich wants to be his own man and leave his own mark. "I just think I'm my own player," Perich said.