LSU football DC Blake Baker reveals why the Tigers are moving Harold Perkins to STAR
LSU Football Defensive Coordinator Blake Baker Reveals Why the Tigers Are Moving Harold Perkins to STAR
Introduction
The LSU Tigers football program has been in the spotlight recently for a number of exciting changes to their roster and coaching staff, but one of the most intriguing moves in the 2025 offseason has been the shifting of one of the team’s brightest stars, Harold Perkins Jr., to the STAR position in the defensive backfield. A true playmaker, Perkins has shown explosive potential as a linebacker, but LSU defensive coordinator Blake Baker sees even more value in him as the team’s new STAR. This strategic decision is sure to have significant implications for LSU’s defense, potentially altering their defensive identity for the upcoming season.
The STAR position in football is a hybrid role that combines the responsibilities of both a safety and a cornerback while also incorporating some of the duties of a linebacker. It’s a flexible position that requires a player with the ability to cover in space, tackle in the open field, and act as a versatile asset in both the run and pass game. Baker’s move to transition Perkins to this role speaks volumes about his potential, and how LSU plans to utilize his explosive athleticism and playmaking ability to elevate their defense.
In this article, we will delve into the reasons behind LSU’s decision to move Perkins to STAR, the expected impact of this change on the Tigers’ defense, and the implications for Perkins’ future at LSU and beyond. As LSU fans prepare for the upcoming season, this move has added an element of intrigue to an already promising defense.
Blake Baker’s Vision for LSU’s Defense
Blake Baker, who joined LSU as the defensive coordinator in 2023, has been tasked with turning the Tigers’ defense into one of the most dynamic and disruptive units in the SEC. After a successful stint as defensive coordinator at Miami, Baker has brought a new level of intensity and innovation to LSU’s defensive schemes. His philosophy emphasizes versatility, speed, and the ability to disguise coverages and pressure from different angles. The decision to move Harold Perkins to the STAR position is a reflection of his desire to maximize the strengths of his players while adapting to modern offensive schemes in college football.
Baker’s defense is predicated on flexibility and adaptability, traits that are particularly suited for the STAR position. This role is designed for a player who can read the offense and quickly make adjustments, whether it’s in pass coverage, run support, or blitzing. Baker’s understanding of modern offensive concepts—particularly spread offenses—has likely shaped his decision to find a position that can be both disruptive and versatile, and Harold Perkins, with his unique skill set, fits the bill perfectly.
1. Harold Perkins: A Player of Extraordinary Talent
Before diving into the specifics of the STAR position, it’s essential to understand just how much talent Harold Perkins brings to the table. The sophomore linebacker from New Orleans burst onto the scene during his freshman season, making an immediate impact for the Tigers. Perkins quickly became one of the most dynamic players on the field, with the ability to change the course of a game with his speed, instincts, and playmaking ability. He is arguably one of the most exciting young defensive players in the country.
Perkins, who was a consensus five-star recruit in high school, earned All-SEC honors in his first season with LSU, finishing with 72 total tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, and two interceptions. His unique combination of athleticism, field awareness, and football IQ allowed him to dominate in various roles, primarily as an outside linebacker, and he quickly established himself as one of LSU’s best defensive players. He was particularly effective in pass-rushing situations, using his speed to blow by offensive linemen and pressure opposing quarterbacks.
In addition to his pass-rushing prowess, Perkins demonstrated exceptional coverage skills, including his ability to drop back into zone and man coverage. His versatility was clear, but defensive coordinator Blake Baker saw an even greater opportunity for Perkins to showcase his talents in a new, expanded role.
2. What Is the STAR Position?
The STAR position is a hybrid defensive role that blends elements of both the secondary and the linebacker corps. It is typically aligned as an outside defender in the box or near the line of scrimmage but has responsibilities in pass coverage, especially against slot receivers or running backs out of the backfield. The STAR plays an essential role in defending against spread offenses, where quick passes, screens, and mismatches in space are common.
The STAR is often tasked with covering the slot receiver or tight end, which requires excellent agility, coverage skills, and the ability to read the quarterback’s eyes. In addition to pass coverage, the STAR is expected to contribute in run defense, making tackles in space and setting the edge on outside runs. This position has become increasingly important as offenses have evolved, especially in the SEC, where high-powered, up-tempo offenses are the norm.
From a tactical standpoint, the STAR is one of the most flexible players on the field. Coaches like Blake Baker have recognized that traditional linebacker positions are no longer as versatile in defending modern offenses, and hybrid defenders like the STAR are critical for success. By moving Perkins to this position, Baker can take advantage of Perkins’ elite athleticism and ability to cover a wide range of offensive threats while still utilizing his explosive pass-rushing skills when needed.
3. Why Harold Perkins Fits the STAR Role
Blake Baker’s decision to move Harold Perkins to the STAR position is a natural evolution of Perkins’ skill set and LSU’s defensive needs. Here’s why Perkins is a perfect fit for the role:
a. Elite Speed and Agility
One of Perkins’ standout traits is his elite speed and agility, which are essential for a STAR. As a linebacker, Perkins already demonstrated his ability to cover ground quickly, whether chasing down ball carriers or closing in on quarterbacks. In the STAR role, these attributes will allow him to cover the slot receiver or tight end and keep up with fast-moving, dynamic offensive players. His quick lateral movement also allows him to make plays in space, a critical aspect of the STAR’s job.
b. Pass Coverage Ability
While Perkins made his mark as a pass rusher during his freshman season, his ability to cover in pass defense is just as impressive. He showed versatility as he dropped into coverage during LSU’s games, making key interceptions and deflecting passes. As the STAR, Perkins will be asked to cover in a variety of situations, from man coverage against tight ends to zone coverage against running backs or wide receivers. His experience in coverage, coupled with his athleticism, makes him an ideal candidate to thrive in this role.
c. Playmaking Ability
Perkins’ natural instincts and football IQ make him a playmaker in all facets of the game. Whether it’s blitzing the quarterback, making a critical tackle in the open field, or reading the quarterback’s eyes to create turnovers, Perkins has the ability to make game-changing plays. The STAR position requires a player who can read and react quickly, and Perkins has already demonstrated this ability on the field.
d. Pass Rush Threat
Despite being moved to the STAR position, Perkins will still be able to contribute in pass-rushing situations. His ability to rush the quarterback from various positions on the field will keep opposing offenses guessing. Whether rushing off the edge or coming from the inside, Perkins’ quickness and ability to disrupt the pocket will allow LSU to use him in multiple ways.
4. The Impact on LSU’s Defense
The decision to move Perkins to the STAR position is a bold one, but it has the potential to elevate LSU’s defense to new heights. With Perkins in this versatile role, LSU will have one of the most dynamic defensive players in the country in a position that maximizes his strengths.
a. Versatility in Defensive Schemes
With a player as versatile as Perkins, LSU can be more unpredictable in their defensive schemes. The STAR position will allow the Tigers to mix up their coverage, disguise blitzes, and create confusion for opposing offenses. Perkins’ ability to move between linebacker and defensive back duties will make it difficult for quarterbacks to read LSU’s defense, potentially leading to more turnovers and sacks.
b. Strengthening LSU’s Defense Against Spread Offenses
One of the most important aspects of modern college football is the prevalence of spread offenses, which use quick passes, motion, and mismatches in space to break down defenses. The STAR position is crucial in defending against these offenses, and Perkins is one of the few players in the country who can handle such a dynamic role. By having a player with Perkins’ abilities in the STAR, LSU will be better equipped to defend against the speed and space-oriented attacks of SEC teams.
c. Helping the Secondary and Linebackers
The move to STAR will also help LSU’s other defensive units. By having Perkins cover the slot receiver and tight end, LSU’s secondary can focus on the outside receivers, while the linebackers can stay focused on the running game. Perkins’ ability to play both in the box and in coverage gives LSU the flexibility to adapt to different offensive sets without sacrificing defensive performance.
