Linebacker [autotag]Harold Perkins[/autotag] has been one of LSU’s best defenders in 2022.
Despite being a freshman, the versatile five-star has begun to make a name for himself. Against Ole Miss’ dynamic offense, coach [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] said the staff wants to get Perkins more time.
Perkins’ speed adds another dimension to the LSU defense. Lane Kiffin and Ole Miss have been as good as anyone creating big plays on the ground. The speed of Perkins should help to counter that.
LSU has used Perkins plenty as a pass rusher too. He’s third on the team in pressures with 14. He’s recorded three sacks.
Brian Kelly said that Harold Perkins needs to be on the field this game, and his snap counts will go up #LSU
— Leah Vann (@LVann_Sports) October 20, 2022
It’s not clear exactly how Kelly and defensive coordinator [autotag]Matt House[/autotag] want to use Perkins against Ole Miss. Kelly said they were going to be “creative.”
Brian Kely said #LSU has to be "creative" in using Harold Perkins against Ole Miss. The staff knows he needs to be on the field, but it won't move him to inside linebacker because the reads are too much for him at this point. Will have to decide if they play less nickel, etc.
— Wilson Alexander (@whalexander_) October 20, 2022
So far, it’s been about a 50/50 split with Perkins lining up as an edge rusher or more of a traditional off-ball linebacker.
Kelly said he isn’t ready to play inside linebacker at this point due to the reads being too much. Perkins has one of the best stop rates in the country. He’s a difference-maker in all phases of the game.
The SEC LBs with the best Stop Rate ahead of WK8 – min 142 snaps
1. D. Square
2. T. Brown
3. J. Jones*
4. V. Miller
5. J. Dumas-Johnson
6. H. Perkins
7. J. Moody
8. A. Cistrunk
9. T. Hopper
10. A. BeasleySEC AVR = 5.6% pic.twitter.com/vVTXc8xJ7d
— Clark Brooks (@SEC_StatCat) October 20, 2022
However, if LSU can get Ole Miss in obvious passing downs, it’ll give House the most flexibility to get the right mix of players on the field. Perkins rushing the passer along with [autotag]BJ Ojulari[/autotag] and [autotag]Ali Gaye[/autotag] really puts pressure on opposing quarterbacks to get the ball out.
LSU’s going to need a good game from Perkins to handle this Ole Miss offense.
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