LSU star Harold Perkins Jr. discusses Blake Baker’s impact on Tigers’ defense

Blake Baker’s mix of creativity and simplicity could be key for LSU’s defense in 2024.

One of the many reasons LSU fans are excited about Blake Baker’s return to LSU is the effect it will have on star linebacker [autotag]Harold Perkins Jr.[/autotag] Baker did great work with LSU’s linebacker room in 2021 and could be the answer after the group was inconsistent in 2023.

On Monday, Perkins met with the media and discussed what Baker adds to the defense.

Perkins said Baker is bringing some new looks to the table. Opposing offenses will not be able to pin LSU down. Baker will throw a lot at them, which Perkins says will mess with the offense’s heads.

There was a sense LSU’s defense was overly complicated in 2023. Baker is finding a way to mix it up but in a way that makes sense for LSU. You should not see defenders out of place like last year given Baker’s blend of creativity and simplicity.

“I feel like when you don’t know what you’re supposed to be doing, and you’re guessing and stuff, that’s when you kind of play slow,” Perkins said.

Last year, LSU allowed 6.1 yards per play. That ranked 107th in the country and was one of the worst defensive performances in LSU history. It led to the entire defensive staff being replaced.

With Baker calling the shots, LSU hopes to get back to the style of defense it played for most of the 21st century.

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