Brian Kelly: Expect to see more of Harold Perkins

Perkins is expected to see more playing time against Ole Miss as the true freshman continues to progress.

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.

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.”

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.

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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