LSU’s Blake Baker reveals Harold Perkins’ position for 2025
LSU’s Blake Baker Reveals Harold Perkins’ Position for 2025
In college football, the ability to develop and cultivate elite talent is essential for any program hoping to remain at the top. For LSU, one of the program’s brightest stars in recent years has been linebacker Harold Perkins, a highly touted prospect who has already made an immediate impact on the field. As the LSU Tigers look to build on their success and continue their dominance in the SEC, one of the most exciting pieces of the puzzle is Harold Perkins. Recently, LSU defensive coordinator Blake Baker shed light on Perkins’ future role within the Tigers’ defense for the 2025 season, offering fans and analysts alike a glimpse into how this versatile and dynamic player will be utilized moving forward.
Perkins has already demonstrated his exceptional athleticism, football IQ, and playmaking ability during his time at LSU. The big question has always been: where will he line up to maximize his strengths and contribute to the defense? Blake Baker’s revelation about Perkins’ role in the 2025 season adds clarity to this question and sets the stage for what could be an exciting year for both the player and the program.
Who is Harold Perkins?
Before diving into Blake Baker’s comments about Perkins’ position for 2025, it’s important to take a closer look at who Harold Perkins is and what makes him such a special player.
1. A High School Phenomenon
Harold Perkins was one of the most highly recruited players in the 2022 class. A consensus five-star recruit, he was ranked as one of the top linebackers in the nation. Perkins’ athleticism and versatility were evident throughout his high school career, where he showcased an ability to dominate both as a pass rusher and in coverage. His high school highlights included explosive plays all over the field, including sacks, interceptions, and tackles for loss, which made him a player that stood out among his peers.
The Texas native’s raw talent was undeniable, and his ability to change the game with his speed, power, and instincts made him a must-watch prospect. His combination of size, athleticism, and football intelligence made him a natural fit for a variety of defensive roles, and it was clear from the start that he had the potential to make an immediate impact at the college level.
2. Immediate Impact at LSU
Upon arriving at LSU, Perkins wasted no time in making his presence felt. As a true freshman in 2022, he immediately became a key part of the LSU defense, displaying a level of maturity and understanding of the game that was beyond his years. He played in all 14 games for the Tigers, finishing with 72 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks. His ability to rush the quarterback and disrupt plays in the backfield quickly made him one of the most dangerous players on LSU’s defense.
Perkins’ performances didn’t go unnoticed, as he earned significant accolades, including All-SEC honors, and became a fan favorite in Baton Rouge. His versatility in playing multiple positions, from inside linebacker to edge rusher, made him a nightmare for opposing offenses. His speed, agility, and relentless pursuit of the ball were trademarks of his play style, and he quickly earned a reputation as one of the best defensive players in college football.
Blake Baker’s Revelation for 2025
Blake Baker, LSU’s defensive coordinator, recently revealed the team’s plans for Harold Perkins as the 2025 season approaches. While Perkins has proven to be a multi-talented player who can line up in various positions, Baker’s comments shed light on how LSU plans to utilize his talents more specifically in the near future.
Baker, who has overseen LSU’s defense since 2022, has been instrumental in the development of players like Perkins, guiding them to greater heights both in terms of individual performance and team success. His coaching philosophy focuses on creating a dynamic defense that can adapt to different offensive schemes, and Perkins is a crucial part of that vision.
1. Position Flexibility: The Key to Perkins’ Success
Baker acknowledged that one of Perkins’ greatest strengths is his versatility. Perkins has played in a variety of positions during his time at LSU, including outside linebacker, inside linebacker, and even as an edge rusher. His athleticism allows him to line up anywhere on the field and be a disruptive force, whether it’s in coverage, rushing the passer, or playing the run.
However, Baker revealed that the 2025 season will feature a more focused role for Perkins, one that will allow him to maximize his potential and make a larger impact on the defense. Specifically, Perkins will be transitioning into a hybrid linebacker role, which will take full advantage of his skills as both a pass rusher and a coverage player.
This hybrid position is expected to allow Perkins to roam freely on the field, giving him the freedom to line up as a traditional linebacker or to rush the quarterback from an outside linebacker position. His speed and ability to cover ground quickly make him an ideal candidate for this role, and Baker’s plan to use him in this capacity reflects LSU’s commitment to building a defense that is fast, aggressive, and difficult to scheme against.
2. The Versatility of the Hybrid Role
The hybrid linebacker role is becoming increasingly popular in college football, especially in programs that focus on fast, physical defenses. This type of role allows players to be used in a variety of ways, giving defensive coordinators more flexibility in how they deploy their playmakers. For Perkins, this means being able to attack the line of scrimmage on blitzes, cover running backs and tight ends in the passing game, and even drop into coverage when needed.
Baker believes that Perkins’ unique skill set makes him an ideal fit for this hybrid role. Not only does he have the speed and agility to keep up with fast wide receivers and running backs, but he also has the strength and tenacity to get to the quarterback and disrupt the offense in the backfield. His ability to play both in the box and in space will make it difficult for offenses to predict where he will line up or how he will impact the play.
3. Explosive Playmaking Ability
One of the most exciting aspects of Perkins’ game is his ability to make explosive plays. Whether it’s an interception, a sack, or a tackle for loss, Perkins has a knack for creating momentum-shifting moments. His versatility in the hybrid linebacker role will only enhance his playmaking opportunities.
By utilizing Perkins in this flexible role, LSU will have the ability to keep opposing offenses on their toes. Teams will no longer be able to easily anticipate when or where Perkins will make his move. His ability to rush the passer, cover the field in coverage, and make plays on the ball is one of the reasons why he is considered one of the top defensive players in college football.
The Impact on LSU’s Defense
With Blake Baker’s plan to utilize Harold Perkins in a hybrid linebacker role, the LSU defense is expected to become even more dynamic and difficult to stop. The Tigers have consistently had one of the best defenses in the SEC, and Perkins will be a key piece in continuing that success.
1. Enhanced Pass Rush
One of the main benefits of Perkins’ role in 2025 will be the added pressure he can create on opposing quarterbacks. His ability to rush the passer from different positions on the field will make it difficult for offensive coordinators to scheme against him. Whether it’s from the edge or from a more traditional linebacker alignment, Perkins’ speed and explosiveness will be key to LSU’s pass rush.
2. Improved Coverage and Versatility
In addition to his pass-rushing skills, Perkins is also capable of covering running backs and tight ends in the passing game. By using him in a hybrid linebacker role, LSU can match him up against a variety of offensive weapons. His coverage skills, combined with his ability to quickly diagnose plays, will give the Tigers a defensive advantage, especially against teams with potent passing attacks.
3. An Elite Playmaker
Finally, by giving Perkins the freedom to play a hybrid role, LSU is maximizing his potential as an elite playmaker. His ability to read the game and make plays in critical moments will be a difference-maker for the defense. Whether it’s a game-changing sack, an interception, or a forced fumble, Perkins’ playmaking ability will be crucial to LSU’s success in 2025.
