One year ago, Harold Perkins Jr burst onto the scene as a dominant force in the LSU football program. As a linebacker, he made a name for himself with his exceptional pass rushing skills. Offenses feared him, and opposing teams were forced to adjust their game plans to counter his presence on the line of scrimmage. But little did they know, Perkins had more tricks up his sleeve for the 2023 season.
In 2022, Perkins electrified the field with his relentless pursuit of quarterbacks. He terrorized offensive lines, accumulating an impressive 72 tackles, including 7.5 sacks. Fans were enamored with his explosive style of play, and they couldn't get enough of his game-changing performances.
So, when coach Brian Kelly announced his plans to shake things up for the 2023 season, many fans were skeptical. Why fix what was not broken? They questioned the decision, fearing that Perkins' effectiveness would be compromised.
However, Coach Kelly's plan has proven to be a stroke of genius. Perkins has embraced the challenge and transformed himself into one of the best linebackers in the entire SEC, not just as a pass rusher, but also as a remarkable coverage defender.
It took some time for Perkins to adjust to his new role, but the results speak for themselves. Pro Football Focus now ranks him as one of the top linebackers in the SEC. His ability to seamlessly transition between blitzing and dropping back into coverage adds a surprising element to the Tiger defense, keeping opponents on their toes.
While doubts may have lingered among fans and the media, Perkins has proven them wrong. His versatility as a linebacker has breathed new life into the LSU defense, just in time for their upcoming clash with Alabama.
As the Tigers find their groove on the defensive end, Perkins' impact cannot be understated. He has become the linchpin of the team, anchoring a unit that is ready to take on any challenge. With Alabama looming on the horizon, Perkins' emergence couldn't have come at a better time.
