Harold Perkins a true freshman standout from Week 8

Perkins had a major impact in LSU’s win over Ole Miss on Saturday

[autotag]Harold Perkins[/autotag] is in the midst of a breakout season.

Though the true freshman is still improving and remains raw with his on-field role limited, he’s far too talented to keep off the field. He’s seeing a lot of playing time, and he had a crucial sack on Saturday in the win over No. 7 Ole Miss.

The former five-star recruit was one of the biggest additions to LSU’s 2022 recruiting class. A versatile linebacker who lines up both as an edge rusher and off-ball linebacker, and he was named a true freshman standout from Week 8 by On3’s Charles Power for his performance against the Rebels.

Harold Perkins continued to show why he’s one of the best true freshmen in college football in LSU’s 45-20 win over No. 7 Ole Miss. The 6-foot-2, 220-pounder wreaked havoc on the Ole Miss defense in the second half, finishing with five tackles, one sack, one pass break up and two quarterback hurries. LSU defensive coordinator Matt House took advantage of Perkins’ elite athleticism by employing the true freshman as a spy and rusher. After the game, Lane Kiffin went as far to credit LSU’s defensive success to Perkins’ presence on the field.

The New Orleans native ranked as the No. 9 overall prospect and No. 1 linebacker in the 2022 On3 Consensus. He was one of several true freshmen to make an impact in Death Valley on Saturday. LSU tight end Mason Taylor caught a touchdown pass and left tackle Will Campbell allowed just one pressure from his left tackle spot. For Ole Miss, standout true freshman running back Quinshon Judkinsrushed for 111 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries.

As mentioned above, Perkins is still improving and adding skills to his repertoire. Coach Brian Kelly has talked about the ways in which he is still limited, but his role should only increase down the stretch as he continues to develop.

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LSU freshman named a Week 5 standout by On3

Harold Perkins continues to impress when he’s on the field.

[autotag]Harold Perkins[/autotag] is one of the best linebackers in the country. Sure, he only totaled two tackles and an interception against Auburn, but he was all over the field on Saturday night.

When the LSU defense needed a big play, he stepped up. With 12 minutes left in the fourth quarter, LSU was clinging to a four-point lead, and Auburn had driven all the way into the red zone. On second and goal from the 10-yard line, Auburn drew up a trick play with former LSU Tiger, [autotag]Koy Moore[/autotag].

Moore was brought in motion on a jet sweep and the plan was for him to throw a touchdown pass, but the LSU defense had other plans. Micah Baskerville pressured Moore on the throw and after Moore lofted the ball into the air, Perkins came down with a huge interception to end the Auburn drive.

Perkins is so far ahead of where he should be as a true freshman. He looks like a guy that has been playing for a couple of years and should be a Freshman All-SEC selection at the end of the year.

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