Stunning new position for LSU's Harold Perkins on the way

Running back may be a position in the future if LSU Tigers junior linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. after back-to-back standout seasons on the defensive side of the ball. Perkins Jr. is seen as one of the leaders on the LSU defense. Now that Perkins Jr. is more integrated into the college game, why not use his skill set on both sides of the ball?

How many tackles does Harold Perkins Jr. Have for LSU?

Perkins Jr. has a total of 147 tackles and 13 sacks for the Tigers in his first two seasons combined. He ranked third on the team in 2022 and fourth on the team in 2023. Although Perkins Jr. has been moved around some on defense trying to find the role that suits him best given his size, maybe the right role has been on the offensive side of the ball all along.

What linebackers have played running back in college football?

One more recent example of a linebacker that exceled at the running back position is former UCLA Bruins linebacker Myles Jack. Jack played for the Bruins from 2013-2015 and much like Perkins Jr. was a standout on the defensive side of the ball from the start.

Noticing his athleticism, then head coach Jim Mora player Jack at running back quite a bit for the Bruins. Although linebacker was still Jack’s primary position, Jack was brought in on package situations and stood out.

In his freshman and sophomore seasons in which he was fully healthy, Jack carried the ball 66 times for 380 yards and 10 touchdowns. That may not seem like much but for a player that was not even thought to be used as a running back, it ended up making a lot of sense and was a load to bring to the ground.

Comparing Myles Jack and Harold Perkins Jr.’s physical attributes

Jack was a six foot one inch, 245 pound prospect coming out of high school according to On3. Perkins Jr. is listed on the LSU roster at six foot one inch and 220 pounds. A bit lighter could make Perkins Jr. more elusive against the SEC speed.

With all of the speculation about Perkins Jr.’s needed production for the Tigers on the defensive side of the ball as an unquestioned leader heading into 2024, we could have a surprise on our hands and see him making hay on offense as well.