Tale of the Tape: LSU LB Harold Perkins Shines in Year 1

Instincts, versatility and maturity best describe Perkins' skill set, the best is yet to come for the youngster.

The meteoric rise of LSU freshman linebacker Harold Perkins was remarkable, but his best is yet to come.

It’s rare to see a true freshman play with such poise and tenacity while representing a major brand like LSU, but that is precisely what Harold Perkins did in his first season in Baton Rouge.

After getting significant snaps against Mississippi State in the Bayou Bengals’ SEC opener, the youngster put it all together to prove he’s arrived, never looking back to end the season.

He didn’t just hold his own in Year 1. He became a star in the blink of an eye.

The former 5-star prospect was unleashed for the breakout game this program has been anticipating against the Bulldogs. Logging 5 tackles, 1.5 sacks and a QB hurry vs. Mississippi State, he was seemingly around the ball all night, letting his presence be felt against a fiery offensive attack.

But he continued to evolve.

Fast forward to the matchup against New Mexico, Perkins earned his first start for LSU and didn’t show any signs of fear. In fact, he looked just about as comfortable as any player on the Tigers’ defense in Death Valley.

Leading LSU in tackles with eight of his own, we saw a star in the making. In his first four games with the Tigers, Perkins led this squad in tackles in two of them.

His ability to get to the ball and make plays is one thing, but his versatility is what makes him such a gifted talent. Against the Lobos, he put his adaptability on full display.

Perkins did it all in his first season, playing snaps in the slot, snaps in the box and snaps on the defensive line as an edge rusher. Remarkable isn’t even the word to describe the freshman. It is truly unbelievable.

A name many want to “compare” him to is Dallas Cowboys defensive menace Micah Parsons, but it’s better to not sit back and throw names around. It’s more important to sit back and watch the first Harold Perkins do his thing on the gridiron.

It’s a small sample size, but it’s hard to not get ahead of oneself when talking about the youngster. What he has put on display in one season has set the tone for what to expect long term.

Just a freshman, LSU faithful had the chance to sit back and watch one of the more impactful talents take shape in Year 1 with the Tigers.

Defensive coordinator Matt House and Perkins fit like a glove when it comes to schemes. House is flexible. He allows his stars to play free and that is precisely what we’re seeing from Perkins through four games.

Come Year 2 in Death Valley, it’ll be interesting to see where Perkins lines up for a majority of his snaps. Showcasing what he can do at a myriad of positions, LSU has their defensive talent of the future, but he’ll have to continue at the trajectory he’s on as he displays his skill set.