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Harold Perkins is Quickly Becoming A Star for LSU Football

ByMarshall Thomas|
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 22: Harold Perkins Jr. #40 of the LSU Tigers celebrates a sack during the first half against the Mississippi Rebels at Tiger Stadium on October 22, 2022 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 22: Harold Perkins Jr. #40 of the LSU Tigers celebrates a sack during the first half against the Mississippi Rebels at Tiger Stadium on October 22, 2022 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

One of the biggest reasons for LSU Football’s turnaround this season has been the play of true freshman linebacker Harold Perkins. Once a Texas A&M commit, recently hired coach Brian Kelly was able to pull off a recruiting miracle by landing the 5-star recruit once Perkins de-committed from the Aggies.

When Perkins arrived on campus in June, many thought he’d have the talent to contribute for reps as a backup, and nobody could’ve predicted he’d be putting up the numbers that he is.

Harold Perkins is quickly becoming a star for LSU Football

Perkins is coming off his best performance of the season, picking up 8 tackles, 4 sacks (ties an LSU record) and 2 forced fumbles. His play helped the Tigers not only close out a 13-10 win at Arkansas, but it also clinched the SEC West for LSU Football.

For his unbelievable play against Arkansas, Perkins was named SEC Defensive Player of the Week, as well as Walter Camp Defensive Player of the Week.

It came off a strong performance Perkins had against Alabama the week prior, where the star freshman helped shut down the Tide offense. Perkins finished the overtime win with 8 tackles, 1 sack and 1 TFL.

So far for the season, Perkins has 52 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 8 TFL’s, 2 forced fumbles and 1 interception.

LSU is finding how to use Perkins’ freakish athleticism, moving him around and letting him become a nightmare off the edge. Similar to how the Cowboys have used Micah Parsons, the Tigers are doing very much the same with Perkins with his pass-rushing skills.

Perkins’ play has elevated the LSU defense as a whole. In 2021, the Tigers defense finished 70th in the nation, allowing 26.6 points per game. In 2022, LSU’s defense has improved very much, allowing 21 PPG.

The rushing and pass defense has also improved from last year, allowing 143 yards per game on the ground in 2021, and now 138. Passing defense is at 237 YPG, and it’s now down to 207 YPG through the air in 2022.

Perkins has established himself as not just the best and most impactful player on the LSU defense, but perhaps the entire team.

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