ESPN calls Harold Perkins a defensive player to watch in 2023
There weren’t many bigger surprises in college football this season than the emergence of linebacker Harold Perkins for LSU.
The true freshman was a five-star recruit and a top-five overall prospect, so he was certainly expected to develop into a great player. But with 72 tackles (13 for loss) and 7.5 sacks — the latter two led the team — Perkins was an immediate impact player despite being a bit rough around the edges and limited to contributing in the pass rush.
If he can improve other aspects of his game, notably fitting the run as an off-ball linebacker — he could become one of the most dominant players to watch in college football. In ESPN’s preview of players to watch in the 2023 season, Alex Scarborough mentioned Perkins as one to keep an eye on defensively.
It took Harold Perkins Jr. a while to show up, but that’s OK. Because once he did, he flashed Will Anderson Jr. type ability at outside linebacker for LSU, practically living in the backfield of opposing offenses. During his final seven games, the true freshman racked up 11 tackles for loss, six sacks and four forced fumbles. If he can create that kind of chaos throughout an entire season, he could be the best defensive player in college football this year.
Bill Connelly also mentioned Perkins as a potential dark-horse candidate for overall player of the year.
Perkins has big shoes to fill entering his sophomore season, and he will be asked to do a lot more. But if his first season was any indication, he’ll be up for the challenge.
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