Brian Kelly made headlines earlier this week when he told The Advocate that Harold Perkins is gearing up to play inside linebacker in 2024.
Perkins’ usage was a point of contention last year. He excelled as a pass rusher in 2022, so fans and analysts questioned LSU’s decision to take him away from the edge. The staff tried a few different things, with Perkins eventually settling into a role at SAM linebacker.
The production wasn’t there. Perkins led the SEC in pass rush grade in 2022 and posted a pressure rate above 25%. In 2023, Perkins fell to 37th in pass rush grade with his pressure rate falling to 14%.
Harold Perkins is going to play inside linebacker again.
In an interview with @theadvocatebr today, Brian Kelly explained the plan for the LSU star.
“He needs to be more involved in the linebacker fits inside… It’s going to make us a better defense.”https://t.co/XsHJ88w7NX
— Wilson Alexander (@whalexander_) February 26, 2024
It’s fair to say LSU failed to make the most of Perkins in 2022. That was likely a key factor in Kelly firing defensive coordinator Matt House.
Kelly told On3’s JD Pickell that they didn’t maximize Perkins last year. Kelly added that Perkins needs to play better and the coaches need to do a better job at getting him involved.
“Everyone that watched last year would say that’s a guy that needs to play at a higher level, and that starts with coaching, and that starts with Harold really working at a higher level this offseason,” Kelly said.
LSU head coach Brian Kelly on Harold Perkins:
“We didn’t maximize Harold last year… He’s an elite athlete that we have to get on track…”
(via @jdpickell) pic.twitter.com/nvMnbeedtb
— On3 (@On3sports) February 28, 2024
So when news broke of the plans for Perkins in 2024, there were some groans on social media. But this time, it makes sense.
One factor contributing to the decision could just be that LSU has a coach it trusts to develop Perkins now.
New defensive…
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