LSU Football: Key player grades through Week 4 of college football

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Florida State Seminoles running back Lawrance Toafili (9) takes off down the field during game against the LSU Tigers at Camping World Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 3, 2023. /

Harold Perkins

Position: Linebacker

Class: Sophomore

Defense Grade: 63.1 (393rd of 719 LB)

Run Defense Grade: 61.9 (380th of 673 LB)

Pass Rush Grade: 68.9 (68th of 226 LB)

Cover Grade: 63.2 (301st of 642 LB)

There’s a lot to unpack regarding PFF’s grading of Harold Perkins through four games. I suspect many LSU Football fans see these numbers and expect better. Such expectations are fair, but we must consider how the sophomore linebacker has been utilized by the Tigers.

Much was said regarding LSU lining Harold Perkins up at inside linebacker against Florida State. He ended up lost among the Seminoles’ big bodies and was a non-factor in the pass rush. Indeed, such is reflected in Perkins’ PFF grades.

Tigers’ coaches learned their lesson and moved Perkins outside, where he continues to take on various roles. He is at his best rushing the passer from the edge, but is also useful when deployed in coverage.

Ultimately, Perkins qualifies as a linebacker and will continue to be graded as such. However, he’s served as more of an EDGE than a linebacker in recent weeks.

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