Tag: dashawn womack

LSU’s Harold Perkins is set for a breakout year at inside linebacker in 2024

LSU’s Harold Perkins is set for a breakout year at inside linebacker this fall.

Brian Kelly made headlines earlier this week when he told The Advocate that [autotag]Harold Perkins[/autotag] is gearing up to play inside linebacker in 2024.

Perkins’ usage was a point of contention last year. He excelled as a pass rusher in 2022, so fans and analysts questioned LSU’s decision to take him away from the edge. The staff tried a few different things, with Perkins eventually settling into a role at SAM linebacker.

The production wasn’t there. Perkins led the SEC in pass rush grade in 2022 and posted a pressure rate above 25%. In 2023, Perkins fell to 37th in pass rush grade with his pressure rate falling to 14%.

It’s fair to say LSU failed to make the most of Perkins in 2022. That was likely a key factor in Kelly firing defensive coordinator [autotag]Matt House[/autotag].

Kelly told On3’s JD Pickell that they didn’t maximize Perkins last year. Kelly added that Perkins needs to play better and the coaches need to do a better job at getting him involved.

“Everyone that watched last year would say that’s a guy that needs to play at a higher level, and that starts with coaching, and that starts with Harold really working at a higher level this offseason,” Kelly said.

So when news broke of the plans for Perkins in 2024, there were some groans on social media. But this time, it makes sense.

One factor contributing to the decision could just be that LSU has a coach it trusts to develop Perkins now.

New defensive coordinator [autotag]Blake Baker[/autotag] has a proven track record of developing linebackers. At LSU in 2021, he turned [autotag]Damone Clark[/autotag] and [autotag]Micah Baskerville[/autotag] into some of the SEC’s best. He did at Missouri too, with his defenses featuring some of the best linebacker units in the conference the last two years.

From a scheme standpoint, it makes sense too. You can’t have Perkins in a position to be coming off the field on LSU’s most important downs.

Perkins can’t play the edge every play. He doesn’t have the size for it and hasn’t shown he can consistently defend the run on the outside. When it’s not an obvious passing situation, offenses have shown a willingness to run right at him.

Now when it’s second and long, or third and long, it’s fine to put Perkins out there and just tell him, “Go get the quarterback.”

I think we’ll still see plenty of that this fall, but it fails Perkins and the defense to have him do that on a full-time basis.

LSU needs the help at inside linebacker, too. The Tigers could be fine at edge with [autotag]Dashawn Womack[/autotag] and [autotag]Bradyn Swinson[/autotag] potentially gearing up for breakout years of their own, but inside linebacker remains a question mark, with less depth and less experience.

If Perkins can figure it out there, he remains the best athlete on the field at a spot where LSU needs it. This is the best way to optimize LSU’s personnel. You’re also putting him in a better position to help defend the pass over the middle of the field, something LSU’s secondary struggled to do last year, but looked better when getting help from Perkins.

Even with the staff overhaul, LSU’s defense is facing an uphill battle in 2024. There are major questions at cornerback and defensive tackle and some of those concerns will remain heading into the season. Having a defensive star like Perkins can help mitigate those issues, but it’s key that LSU gets the most from him this fall.

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Brian Kelly ‘excited’ to see Da’Shawn Womack’s expanded role in ReliaQuest Bowl

The true freshman and former five-star has said he will start at JACK when LSU is in dime packages.

While bowl games have lost quite a bit of luster in recent years, they still serve a very important purpose.

These games don’t count toward the four-game redshirt limit, meaning young players will have ample opportunity to participate when LSU takes on Wisconsin in the ReliaQuest Bowl on Monday morning.

One of those players is [autotag]Da’Shawn Womack[/autotag], a former five-star recruit and true freshman who told the media he will be starting at the JACK position when LSU sets up in dime packages.

Coach [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] elaborated on the role he would play.

“Again, another true freshman that will get an opportunity to play quite a bit. ‘Development’ is an interesting word, right? You develop at different times throughout the year,” Kelly said. “It’s time to come out of the oven, right? You keep them in there for so long, then it’s time to play.

“We feel like it’s time for him to play. We’re going to put him in a position where we think he can help us. He’s done a really good job this year of maturing. I think a lot of it was his maturation. That was the first time he was put in front of the media, and that was not by accident. We do things here pretty intentional. We think he’s ready. It will be fun to watch him play.”

Womack has appeared in 11 games as a rotational player this season, making 11 tackles and 1.5 sacks.

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Former 5-star true freshman Da’Shawn Womack to see significant role in ReliaQuest Bowl

We’ll get an extended look at the promising young player against Wisconsin on New Year’s Day.

While the transfer portal and draft opt-outs have certainly taken some of the excitement out of bowl season in recent years, it has also provided a new utility to these games.

Teams often rely on young players, and they’re encouraged to do so as the bowl games don’t count toward the four-game redshirt limit. Despite seeing relatively little attrition ahead of the bowl game, that will also be the case for LSU.

Former five-star true freshman defensive end [autotag]Da’Shawn Womack[/autotag] said he will start at the JACK edge rusher position in dime packages — when the team has six defensive backs on the field — for the Tigers in the ReliaQuest Bowl against Wisconsin, according to On3’s Shea Dixon.

Womack, a former top 40 recruit nationally from Baltimore, has appeared in 11 games this season as a rotational player. In that action, he’s totaled 11 tackles (1.5 for loss) and 1.5 sacks.

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These 5 LSU players are poised for big performances in the ReliaQuest Bowl

With the bowl not counting against redshirts, some young players will get the chance to step up.

LSU will be taking on the Wisconsin Badgers in the ReliaQuest Bowl on January 1st. We will get a chance to take a look at the future of the program as this game does not count towards burning a redshirt for any freshmen on the team.

Five guys who I think could have a big game against the Badgers are [autotag]Garrett Nussmeier[/autotag], [autotag]Whit Weeks[/autotag], [autotag]Shelton Sampson Jr.[/autotag], [autotag]DaShawn Womack[/autotag] and [autotag]Kaleb Jackson[/autotag]. Those are five guys that are the future of LSU football and they are all poised for a breakout game.

Let’s take a closer look at the five aforementioned players.

Brian Kelly discusses young players gaining confidence

When it comes to young guys getting playing time in big games, confidence can be a huge key to them playing at their highest level.

When it comes to young guys getting playing time in big games, confidence can be a huge key to them playing at their highest level.

Guys like [autotag]DaShawn Womack[/autotag] and [autotag]Sage Ryan[/autotag] are getting reps against some of the best offenses in the SEC. That will pay off in a big way as the season wears on.

When the Tigers go to war against Alabama, the confidence these guys gain in the earlier season games will help them compete in a tough game like that.

[autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] was asked what role confidence has played for his young guys against a team like Missouri.

“Absolutely. No, absolutely, confidence is one where you need to make some plays to gain confidence, too,” he said. “So, they saw that happening for the first time against a really good opponent that, back to back weeks, the two offenses that we’ve seen, are top offensive in the country, and we’ve been challenged and we certainly know that we have to be better. But these kids now are starting to see that they can make some plays. And as you know, we made another change at corner, moved Sage Ryan out to corner. And he gives us a real good tackler out in the big field. And we just need to continue now to work on that and getting some consistency.”

The young guys will use the confidence they have gained to take on the Auburn Tigers this Saturday in Baton Rouge.

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Brian Kelly on how LSU’s defense can improve

Here’s what Brian Kelly wants to see the defense do better moving forward.

LSU’s had an inconsistent start to the year on defense.

The Tigers allowed 45 points to Florida State and struggled early against Grambling. They flipped the script with a dominant performance at Mississippi State but had trouble again against Arkansas.

[autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] spoke about the defense at his press conference on Monday, saying LSU needs “to do the ordinary things extraordinarily well.”

“We’re having a tendency to try to chase too many plays, make plays that aren’t ours to make,” Kelly said.

Kelly said he wants the defense to settle down.

“When they’re doing the little things well, they’re a really good defense,” Kelly added later.

Right now, LSU ranks 47th in defensive SP+ but sits outside the top 80 in yards per play and points allowed.

Kelly mentioned there are some tweaks they can do defensively to make sure they can guys in the right position.

That could mean continuing to work with [autotag]Harold Perkins[/autotag] and getting true freshman [autotag]DaShawn Womack[/autotag] more time.

Kelly spoke about Womack on Monday saying, “He’s going to be a really good player, but there’s a process.”

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LSU’s Colin Simmons loss offset by Dakorien Moore’s commitment

LSU lost out on Colin Simmons, but got the commitment of five-star receiver Dakorien Moore.

It was a busy week for LSU on the recruiting trail.

Last Friday came with a high and low. The Tigers gained a commitment from blue-chip running back [autotag]Caden Durham[/autotag], but lost out on his Duncanville teammate [autotag]Colin Simmons[/autotag].

Before committing to Texas, Simmons was one of the top ranked recruits left on the board and would have solidified the top of LSU’s class. Now, LSU will hope for the commitment of [autotag]Dominick McKinley[/autotag] or it could be without a five-star for the first time since 2012.

The Simmons loss stung, especially because LSU led at points before Texas turned up the heat. But just a couple of days later, LSU got more good news. And again, it was out of Duncanville.

Five-star wide receiver [autotag]Dakorien Moore[/autotag] offered his pledge to LSU. A top 10 player nationally, he instantly became the top recruit in LSU’s 2025 class.

The timing was perfect for LSU. You’d like to have an elite recruit in every class, but at least LSU got a five-star to build around next cycle.

Despite the success in Season 1, [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] is still laying the foundation at LSU. The top players in the 2024 class began their recruitments before Kelly arrived in Baton Rouge. LSU was always playing catch-up this year.

The LSU staff also lost one of its top recruiters when [autotag]Jamar Cain[/autotag] took an NFL job with the Denver Broncos. Those losses can be tough to offset in one offseason.

The 2024 class could lack the star power that previous classes had at the top. Even Kelly’s first two LSU hauls included [autotag]Harold Perkins[/autotag], [autotag]Will Campbell[/autotag], [autotag]Dashawn Womack[/autotag] and [autotag]Lance Heard[/autotag]. All were five stars on at least one major recruiting site.

LSU remains in contention for quarterback [autotag]Bryce Underwood[/autotag] too, a game-changing QB who On3 ranks as the top overall player in the 2025 class.

Kelly has LSU in a good spot and the momentum LSU’s building in 2025 should squash concerns about 2024.

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How important is Colin Simmons to LSU’s 2024 class?

Colin Simmons is set to make his commitment in the coming days. What does his choice mean for LSU’s 2024 signing class?

Five-star pass rusher [autotag]Colin Simmons[/autotag] will announce his commitment on Aug. 10. According to On3 and ESPN, he’s the second-best recruit still available with most five-stars already announcing a destination.

Texas and LSU have been the front runners in the Simmons sweepstakes for some time now. Last summer, LSU was seen as the leader before Texas pulled in front earlier this year.

Now, coming off Simmons’ visit to LSU, the battle is heating up. The 247Sports Crystal Ball still has Simmons to LSU while On3’s Prediction Machine reads Texas but has LSU making up ground.

I don’t like to over analyze the impact of a single recruit. Simmons isn’t going to make or break LSU or Texas. But this is an LSU class that needs firepower at the top.

LSU has 21 commits but sits outside the top 10 classes in both the On3 and 247Sports ranking. The class features 14 four-stars, which is good for third in the country. Despite the depth of the class, LSU lacks a five-star.

Georgia, Ohio State, Florida, Alabama, Clemson and Auburn all have two five-star commitments. Tennessee and Texas A&M each have one. Those are the programs LSU needs to compete with at the top.

You’d have to go back to 2012 to find the last LSU class that didn’t include a single five-star.

Things can change. Last year, [autotag]Da’Shawn Womack[/autotag] and [autotag]Zalance Heard[/autotag] weren’t consensus five stars entering the fall. But LSU’s 2024 class doesn’t have a single player who’s top 100 on every recruiting site, so I wouldn’t bank on current commits rocketing up the board.

Simmons changes the outlook on this class. It would give LSU a headliner at the top and if RB [autotag]Caden Durham[/autotag], Simmons’ Duncanville teammate hops aboard too, then LSU’s class is vaulted into the top five.

It goes from a “just okay” class to what’s expected at LSU.

Simmons isn’t LSU’s last big target. Defensive lineman [autotag]Dominick McKinley[/autotag], the top recruit in Louisiana, remains uncommitted and could be winding his recruitment down soon. Right now though, the focus is on Simmons.

Again, Simmons is one recruit. And while he won’t come to define LSU either way, his decision will affect how we talk about Brian Kelly’s 2024 signing class.

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2023 LSU Tigers Snapshot Profile: No. 17 Da’Shawn Womack

The five-star prospect from Baltimore is the highest rated defensive signee in the 2023 class.

Going into the 2023 football season, LSU Wire will be looking at each player listed on the Tigers’ roster.

Over the preseason, each profile will cover where the player is from, how recruiting websites rated them coming out of high school, and what role they will play for Brian Kelly this season.

We’re looking at another potentially impactful true freshman on the defensive line in [autotag]Da’Shawn Womack[/autotag]. A five-star prospect from Baltimore, Womack is the highest-rated defensive signee in LSU’s 2023 class. On a team that has to replace a pair of starting defensive ends, he could see immediate action.

Da’Shawn Womack Preseason Player Profile

Pair of LSU defensive lineman named potential breakout freshman in 2023

Jaxon Howard and DaShawn Womack could both make impacts as true freshmen this fall.

LSU’s defensive front is poised to be very strong in 2023, but if there’s one question mark, it comes at the edge of the defensive line.

Last year’s starting edge defenders in [autotag]BJ Ojulari[/autotag] and [autotag]Ali Gaye[/autotag] are gone, and LSU is likely to turn to transfer additions like [autotag]Ovie Oghoufo[/autotag], [autotag]Bradyn Swinson[/autotag] and [autotag]Paris Shand[/autotag] to fill in the gaps.

However, the Tigers could also look to a pair of true freshman blue-chip prospects to make an impact, as well. On3 recently recognized [autotag]Jaxon Howard[/autotag] and [autotag]DaShawn Womack[/autotag] as potential breakout true freshmen in the SEC this fall.

Here’s what they said about Howard.

Where he ranked in the 2023 On3 Industry Ranking: Four-star, No. 16 EDGE, No. 120 overall prospect

Howard is one of a couple freshman EDGE players for LSU with a shot at contributing this season.

You’ll see the other one shortly.

As for Howard, he’s impressed with his work ethic, approach and intelligence.

He had four tackles and a sack in the Tigers’ spring game.

“You could see his progress and his grit kind of grow throughout the spring to the point where we were like, that was a really good spring for him,” LSU head coach Brian Kelly said during the spring.

Howard’s father, Willie, was an all-conference defensive lineman at Stanford and a 2001 second-round pick of the Minnesota Vikings.

Now for Womack.

Where he ranked in the 2023 On3 Industry Ranking: Four-star, No. 5 EDGE, No. 42 overall prospect

Here’s the other LSU freshman EDGE with a chance to be a factor this season.

Although Womack was limited during the spring while working back from shoulder surgery, On3 ranked Womack as a five-star player and the No. 12 overall player in the 2023 recruiting class.

“I think he has some flexibility as a guy that can play the big end position, but we haven’t ruled out how we play him,” Kelly said during the spring. “Is he a stand-up two-point player in a manner that he’s 100 percent of the time a Jack linebacker? No, probably not. That doesn’t mean that we can’t be in four down and he can’t stand up and drop back in a limited fashion to change the looks up because he is so athletic.

“His athletic ability still lends itself to having some of the traits necessary to put him in a hybrid position.”

With all the transfer additions LSU made to its defensive front this offseason, both of these guys may see a limited role. However, we saw a true freshman make a big impact on the edge last fall in [autotag]Harold Perkins[/autotag], and perhaps one of these two players will be the next one up.