LSU linebacker [autotag]Harold Perkins[/autotag] was ruled out for the year after tearing his ACL vs. UCLA. Perkins was expected to be a key contributor on LSU’s defense, but the Tigers were forced to find a new plan.
Perkins, a junior, could elect to turn pro following the 2024 season. Despite the injury, an NFL team would take a bet on his talent.
LSU head coach [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] met with the media on Monday and said Perkins is yet to make a final choice about his future.
Kelly said trainer Owen Stanley offered positive reports on Perkins’ recovery.
“He’s been in the building quite a bit, you know, now that he’s passed the early stages of the repair. Now it’s about hard work. I don’t know that he’s made that final decision,” Kelly said.
“I know he’s weighing the options, and clearly we would love to have him back, but we know that these decisions are not easy. We’ll support him in whatever he decides and provide him all the resources necessary to make the best decision for him and his family.”
LSU has struggled to define a role for Perkins after his breakout campaign in 2022, but his return would be welcome. LSU is still looking to build depth on defense as it rebuilds the unit.
LSU defensive coordinator Blake Baker likes to play aggressive defense and Perkins fits that mold.