What LSU Football has done with Harold Perkins is criminal

As a true freshman, Harold Perkins Jr burst onto the scene as a rare difference-maker for the LSU Football team. Perkins finished his freshman season with 72 tackles, 39 of which were solo tackles, 7.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and an interception. This production came as an edge rusher where Perkins looked unblockable and he was a piece to build around for the future.

Then Matt House and the coaching staff decided to move Harold Perkins to off-ball linebacker where he'd be able to impact the game more. He had a fine sophomore campaign but, it was clear he wasn't as impactful as his sack total went down while his tackles went up.

Heading into 2024, the hope was that LSU would return Perkins to edge rusher where he could return to his form as a game wrecker. This would've made a ton of sense as LSU is loaded at linebacker with Greg Penn III, Whit Weeks, and West Weeks. Blake Baker however chose to keep Perkins at linebacker.

In this game against USC, Perkins actually led the team in total tackles with eight however, only one was a solo tackle. The issue is, Perkins only made one incredible play as he blew up a play rushing off the edge.

Moving Perkins to linebacker has taken away his ability to make the big play and it's likely killing his draft stock. Oftentimes, the LSU Football team is delayed blitzing Perkins late where he can only make an impact if the offense doesn't adjust.

This experiment has run it's course

When Harold Perkins was playing edge rusher, he's a first-round pick and a game-breaker, while he's at linebacker he's a middle of the draft kind of guy. The best plays from Perkins at linebacker actually come when the staff lets him rush from off the edge. The Weeks brothers have shown they can provide a massive impact at linebacker and moving Perkins closer to the line of scrimmage will be better for all parties involved.

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