Brian Kelly and Harold Perkins detail Perkins development heading into year three

After an impressive Freshman season where Harold Perkins was a game wrecker recording 72 tackles, 7.5 sacks, and an interception he took a step back in 2023. The reason for Perkins dip in production can be attributed to his position change as he moved from Edge Rusher to Middle Linebacker.

The addition of defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Blake Baker should see Perkins take another step forward in his development. As the linebackers coach at LSU in 2021, Baker helped in the development of several linebackers. Harold Perkins referenced Damone Clark as one of the players from the 2021 linebacker unit that he's been in touch with about what it takes to take the next step.

Part of the change from playing on the outside to moving to middle linebacker is changing the way players are built. Harold Perkins now weighs 225 pounds an increase from the 210 pounds he played at last season.

"You can't play inside linebacker at 210 pounds"

- Brian Kelly

When asked why Brian Kelly chose to bring Perkins to SEC Media Days, Kelly said the following:

"I brought him here because I wanted you to see him outside of football. His versatility will be important to what we do on defense."

- Brian Kelly

Brian Kelly also called Perkins one of the team's best students stating that Perkins has a 3.6 GPA while calling him one of the funniest players on the team.

Blake Baker's success as a defensive coordinator depends on Perkins

If the LSU Defense is going to get back to being well respected it starts with Harold Perkins wrecking opposing offenses on a weekly basis. Defensive coordinators dream of coaching a player with the talent and versatility of Harold Perkins and Baker will get to do so in year one. If Baker is able to unlock harold Perkins the sky could be the limit for LSU in 2024 while if Baker's defense makes Perkins just another guy, the future may not be bright.

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