Unless you're living under a rock you are more than well aware that Koi Perich is a star for the Minnesota Gophers. Beyond just his team though, he's an absolute standout across the college football landscape as a whole.
Now set to play on both sides of the ball for head coach P.J. Fleck, Perich is looking to take college football by storm. If the Gophers are going to be good this season, and they can be , it will take more than just him though.
Koi Perich is getting a lot of attention before the season, which he deserves. But Safety Kerry Brown is an absolute stud.
They arguably make the best safety duo in the Big Ten. pic.twitter.com/jzFHxSPWPGRelated Headlines
— Noel Thompson (@N0ELTHOMPSON) August 15, 2025
The good news is that his running mate at the back-end of the secondary is a stud too. It's time you got to know Kerry Brown.
For years the Minnesota Gophers have been known as one of the best safety-producing programs in college football. Antoine Winfield Jr. just recently got the bag and Tyler Nubin was a quick star as a rookie for the New York Giants . It's not just Koi Perich though. ESPN's Adam Rittenberg says best be familiar with Kerry Brown.
Big Ten fans and others probably know about Minnesota's other safety, Koi Perich , the first-team All-Big Ten defensive back who might be the closest thing to Travis Hunter in 2025 as he takes on a significant role for the offense. But Minnesota also is excited about Brown, who performed well during his first season as a starter, finishing third on the team in tackles and showing active hands in pass coverage. He had pass breakups in each of his last two games, and made several of his biggest tackles on fourth down, where Minnesota thrived (15th nationally in fourth down defense).
"Kerry Brown is a very special football player. He is a star on our team, and he's ready to take that next step. He can do everything. We put him at nickel, we put him at strong [safety], we put him at free [safety], he plays dime on third down. He can do everything. His coverage right now is the best that it's ever been. He just has a great feel for the game. He can track the ball deep throws, he's a guy that has a great ability to blitz and he can bend and blade and get his body in different positions to get through the line of scrimmage."
Last season Kerry Brown played 12 games for the Minnesota Gophers. He had 34 total tackles, three for losses, and two interceptions. With Perich playing on both sides of the ball, Brown's abilities may be more important than ever.
Danny Collins is taking over as defensive coordinator for Minnesota and the back end of his secondary could be among the most formidable in the country. If Brown is the real deal, and can pair well again with Perich, there's no reason to think that Minnesota can't keep opposing offenses in check.
Related: Gopher FB Star Lands on Another Top CFB Talent List
The Gophers kick off their 2025 regular season against the Buffalo Bulls on August 28 at Huntington Bank Stadium.
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