It’s no secret that Harold Perkins Jr is one of the best players in all of college football.
Two years ago, he burst onto the scene at LSU as a slashing playmaker, coming off the edge and wreaking havoc in opposing backfields.
He was a Freshman All-American, First-Team All-SEC performer, and quickly became an X-factor for coach Brian Kelly.
Heading into last season, it seemed Perkins would be primed for an even bigger season, perhaps challenging to be the best defensive player in the country. However, Kelly made a surprising move, announcing that Perkins would primarily be moving to off-ball linebacker, as opposed to the pass-rushing ace he acted as in year one.
The results of that move were mixed at best. His tackle numbers remained steady, but his sack production dropped from 7.5 to 5.5. That doesn’t even factor in that he did not become a starter as a freshman until almost halfway through the season.
All in all, watching the LSU defense made it apparent that Perkins was not having the same impact in his new role.
Entering 2024-25, many expected new defensive coordinator Blake Baker to move Perkins back to the role he thrived in as a freshman. However, that does not seem to be the case. While there seems to be a tweak in the usage, focusing on more inside backer than outside, it is clear that they will not simply be lining him up at edge to only rush the passer.
And for what it is worth, it sounds like Harold is on board with that plan.
“The transition has been wonderful. Like I said previously, I trust the coaches to put me in the right position to be successful. The rest is on me. I trust in my abilities and my quality that God has blessed me with to go out and make a play. So I’m excited to where this year is going to go,” Perkins said about his move to inside linebacker.
When asked about the ability to move around and do what is asked, Perkins made it clear he is comfortable doing so.
“I feel good about it. I’m confident in my coaches and my teammates putting me in the right position to be successful and make plays. I’m confident. I love to move.”
If one thing is clear, it’s that LSU needs Perkins to have a big season. The question marks on this team lie mainly in the secondary and the interior of the defensive line.
The talent and versatility of Perkins is a necessity to the success of the Tigers defense in 2024-25.
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