Getty Image / Joe Robbins
As a true freshman in 2022, LSU star Harold Perkins Jr. burst onto the scene as one of the nation’s most explosive defensive players. The Texas-native looked NFL ready just months removed from playing high school football.
He did his damage as a pass-rusher, garnering 7.5 sacks in 2022. So, that’s how LSU and Head Coach Brian Kelly decided to deploy him again in the 2023 season.
But, I think it’s fair to say that that did not work as planned. Yes, Perkins Jr. had some moments of greatness. He finished with 5.5 sacks and three forced fumbles. But, I don’t think he had the impact that many thought he would as one of college football’s best prospects.
Part of the issue is his size. For an edge rusher, 6-foot-1 and 230lb isn’t very big at all for an edge rusher in the SEC. I think that a lot of bigger SEC offensive tackles got their hands on Perkins and made it tough on him.
So, what is LSU, whose defense was atrocious in 2023, going to do with Perkins now? A move to inside linebacker seems imminent.
Harold Perkins will play inside linebacker for LSU next season, according to a report from The Advocate in Baton Rouge. It marks a return to the position for Perkins after he began 2023 in that spot.
However, Perkins played only the season opener at inside linebacker before being moved to the outside for the remainder of the year. The Tigers still believe he has what it takes to excel inside, and he will begin spring practice next week playing there.
“He needs to be in the action,” Kelly said. “He needs to be the (weakside) linebacker. He needs to be in the box. He needs to be active in there. That’s where he’s going to start, and we’ve got to get him ready at that position.”
I assume that they will still use Harold Perkins Jr. as a pass-rusher at times, but probably more as a blitzer. Playing him as more of a traditional linebacker will better match his size and skill set. It was hard to see him in the NFL as a full-time pass rusher given his size.
Still, he should be a huge chess piece for new defensive coordinator Blake Baker.