LSU enters the 2023 season with high expectations after overachieving in Brian Kelly’s first season.
The Tigers largely have a deep roster to thank for that, but each side of the ball is anchored by a standout player, and both linebacker [autotag]Harold Perkins[/autotag] and receiver [autotag]Malik Nabers[/autotag] cracked Pro Football Focus’ list of the top 50 players in college football entering the 2023 season.
Perkins is the headliner here. After a breakout true freshman campaign, the former top-five prospect is expected to become one of college football’s best defenders this fall.
He came in at No. 13 on the list from PFF’s Max Chadwick.
While it’s far too early to begin constructing a 2025 NFL Draft big board, or even the 2024 PFF College 50 list, there’s one thing fairly certain: Harold Perkins will place highly on it.
As just a true freshman in 2022, the former top-10 recruit led all Power Five linebackers with a 90.9 pass-rushing grade while ranking also first with 18 quarterback knockdowns (sacks/hits). With an already elite pass-rushing skill set, a full-time move to edge defender could be in the cards, a lot like what the Dallas Cowboys eventually did with Micah Parsons.
Meanwhile, Nabers, who emerged as the favorite target for new quarterback Jayden Daniels last season, ranked just inside the top 50 at No. 49.
Entering the 2022 season, many expected Kayshon Boutte to be one of the best receivers in the country, let alone LSU’s top pass catcher. Yet, it was Nabers who took hold of the Tigers’ WR1 role and never looked back.
He was a monster after the catch this past year. Nabers’ 21 forced missed tackles on receptions were the fifth most among Power Five receivers while his 204 receiving yards after contact placed eighth. He’s currently the No. 2 wide receiver prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft, according to Trevor Sikkema.
Both of these guys have the potential to become elite college football players this season, and only one of them — Nabers — will be draft-eligible in 2024.
He’ll try to close out what could ultimately be a record-setting career, while Perkins will likely build even more 2025 draft hype as a sophomore.
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