Harold Perkins is back making plays, shining in LSU’s fall camp

Up to this point in Garrett Nussmeier’s fall camp, he had been excellent at protecting the ball, even when under duress he either threw it away or looked to extend the play and was hardly putting the ball in harms way.

Then on Monday afternoon, Harold Perkins happened.

In the 7-on-7 period, Perkins seemingly faked as though he was dropping down to cover the short route before quickly backing up and making a great play on the ball, intercepting Nussmeier’s pass.

This is part of what Perkins will have to be doing this season at the STAR position. We know his ability as a pass rusher and playmaker, but can he hold up in coverage? It’s a serious question, but one Perkins is starting to answer consistently.

“It’s a familiar role now,” Kelly said. “He has complete knowledge of the linebacker position. He’s not just running around making plays, he’s intentional. He knows the game and its nuances. That pick he had in 7-on-7? He baited Nussmeier into it. Those are experienced plays. Physically, he’s in great shape, taking care of himself. Recovery days—he’s a beast. He knows this is his year, and he’s really focused.”

In addition to the interception, he had an excellent play blowing up a wide receiver screen, breaking through a block and tackling the receiver for no gain. Once again, the explosiveness and playmaking ability was on full display.

Coming off of an ACL tear that sidelined him for last season, Perkins is also in the midst of a position change. A big part for Perkins was learning the game and being more intentional with the details as opposed to simply flying around. Now, in year four, he’s seemingly turned that corner. He’s been impressing his coaching staff and his teammates, allof which know how important he is to this defense in 2025.

“He’s awesome,” West Weeks said of Perkins. “Everyone knows what type of playmaker he is and he can cause so much havoc. He can he can cover, he can blitz, he can really do everything. Having him really adds a lot to our defense and causes a lot of chaos for offenses.”

Harold Perkins ranked as the No. 4 on LSU’s roster for 2025

*Written before fall camp started by Matthew Brune

2024 recap

“Harold Perkins entered 2024 after being an All-SEC selection his first two years on campus and was projected as a top 10 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. He was making the move to inside linebacker in year one under Blake Baker, but was also going to be moved around and put in attacking positions. I thought he had a good fall camp, but once the season started it was clear this was not going to work. In four games, Perkins had 17 tackles, with just 1.5 tackles for loss and zero sacks. He was a fish out of water trying to read the offense and take on blocks in the run game. Then he got injured against UCLA, tearing his ACL and missing the rest of the season. I believe the take that “the defense is better without Perkins” was lazy and people began to completely write off Perkins last year. Instead of going to the NFL or transferring – two viable options – he chose to come back for year four in Baton Rouge.”

2025 outlook

“Perkins enters his redshirt junior year set to play his fourth position in four seasons. From defensive end, to SAM/Nickel, to Will linebacker, to now STAR. The STAR position is a hybrid safety that can move like a Nickel, but is expected to be more aggressive overall and a playmaker rather than strictly in coverage.

How will Perkins do there? We have no idea. He’s been rehabbing his ACL the past 10 months and will finally step on the field with his repaired ACL looking to play the position for the first time. That’s a lot of pressure, both physically and mentally. Not only are you unsure about your body from the injury, but now you have to learn an entirely new position that will have you doing multiple things on the field and reacting harshly. There’s no time to waste and I continue to believe that Perkins sets the ceiling for this defense. If he’s ALL-SEC caliber then this team will make the playoffs.”