LSU football DC Blake Baker reveals why the Tigers are moving Harold Perkins to STAR

In college football, player movement and positional changes often generate buzz, especially when it involves a rising star like Harold Perkins. The LSU Tigers’ football program, known for producing NFL-caliber talent year after year, is once again making headlines—this time due to a bold decision involving one of their most talented young players. Blake Baker, the defensive coordinator for LSU, has confirmed that Harold Perkins, a standout linebacker and one of the top defensive recruits in recent years, will be shifting to a new position: STAR.

The STAR position, a hybrid defensive role that blends aspects of both linebacker and defensive back, is a crucial component in modern defensive schemes, particularly in a conference like the SEC, where offenses are fast-paced and versatile. But what does this change mean for LSU, and why is it happening now? In an exclusive interview, Blake Baker opened up about the decision and provided insight into the Tigers’ defensive strategy moving forward. Here’s a deeper dive into why LSU is making this move, what it means for Perkins’ development, and how it could impact the team in the 2025 season and beyond.

The STAR Position Explained

To understand why LSU is moving Harold Perkins to the STAR position, it’s essential to first break down what the STAR position entails. In the simplest terms, the STAR is a hybrid linebacker-defensive back role, designed to give the defense more flexibility against modern offenses. The position allows a player to line up in multiple spots, covering everything from wide receivers and tight ends to running backs coming out of the backfield, while still being able to rush the quarterback or contain the run game.

The STAR is often seen as a “Swiss Army knife” in defensive schemes. Players in this position must possess a rare combination of skills, including agility, speed, and the ability to read the offense. In the past, this position has been used to counter fast, spread offenses that rely on quick passing and misdirection, making it a valuable asset in the modern game of college football. A player in this role needs to be versatile enough to cover wide receivers and tight ends, yet tough enough to defend against the run or blitz from the edge.

For LSU, a team that regularly faces explosive offenses in the SEC, having a player like Perkins in the STAR role gives them the flexibility to counter multiple types of offensive strategies. And when it comes to Perkins, the decision to move him to STAR is rooted in his unique combination of skills and athleticism.

Harold Perkins: A Rising Star with Elite Potential

Harold Perkins arrived at LSU as one of the most highly touted recruits in the country. The 5-star linebacker out of Cypress, Texas, was ranked as one of the top overall prospects in his class and was expected to make an immediate impact. As a freshman, Perkins lived up to the hype. He quickly became one of the most disruptive defenders on the field for the Tigers, showcasing his remarkable speed, agility, and ability to read plays.

During his first year, Perkins finished with 72 total tackles, 7.5 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles, quickly cementing himself as one of the most promising defensive players in college football. His versatility and football IQ were evident as he was frequently seen making plays all over the field, from blitzing the quarterback to dropping back in coverage and defending the run.

However, as impressive as Perkins was in his freshman campaign, it was clear that there was even more untapped potential in his game. Perkins is a fast, instinctive player with the kind of physicality and speed that could allow him to thrive in a position like the STAR. His combination of size (6’2″, 220 pounds), speed, and coverage ability make him an ideal fit for the hybrid role, and LSU’s decision to move him there is part of a broader strategy to maximize his talents and create mismatches for opposing offenses.

Blake Baker’s Vision for the Defense

Blake Baker, LSU’s defensive coordinator, has a reputation for developing aggressive and opportunistic defenses. A former linebacker and coach, Baker brings a wealth of knowledge to the table, particularly when it comes to putting players in positions to succeed. When he took over the defensive coordinator role at LSU, it was clear that he wanted to implement a defense that could adapt to the evolving landscape of college football while still maintaining the traditional toughness associated with LSU’s defensive identity.

Baker’s philosophy has always been about adaptability—finding ways to exploit an opponent’s weaknesses while using his own players’ strengths to their advantage. Moving Perkins to the STAR position is a clear example of this. Baker spoke about the transition in a recent interview, explaining how the move plays into the team’s overall defensive game plan.

“Harold is a special talent,” Baker said. “His combination of speed, athleticism, and instinct is something we don’t see very often. When you look at modern offenses, they’re all about space—creating mismatches with fast players in the open field. The STAR position allows us to take advantage of Harold’s natural ability to cover ground quickly and to make plays in different situations. This move is about putting him in a position where he can use those skills to disrupt offenses in a variety of ways.”

Baker went on to emphasize that the STAR position is not just about rushing the quarterback or covering receivers. It’s about being an all-around player who can make an impact in multiple phases of the game. “In this defense, we want our players to be versatile,” he continued. “The STAR allows Harold to be that. He’ll be asked to do a little bit of everything—cover the pass, stop the run, and blitz when needed. He’s the perfect fit for it.”

Why Now? The Strategic Timing of the Move

So, why make this move now, in the middle of Perkins’ career? According to Baker, the timing is ideal. While Perkins showcased an ability to impact the game as a linebacker, his potential in the STAR role has been evident from the beginning. In today’s game, with offenses becoming more spread out and reliant on fast, mobile athletes, players like Perkins are increasingly valuable. As the SEC continues to evolve with more dual-threat quarterbacks, athletic tight ends, and quick wide receivers, LSU’s defense needs to be able to adjust to different styles of play.

“This is the next step in Harold’s development,” Baker explained. “He came in as a linebacker, and we’ve seen how dynamic he can be as a rusher and in coverage. But we’re also thinking about how he can grow in the future. The STAR position is an opportunity for him to diversify his skill set. It gives him more chances to showcase his abilities while continuing to grow as a complete player.”

Baker also noted that Perkins’ move to STAR will allow LSU to better match up with opposing offenses. Teams in the SEC, including Alabama, Georgia, and Ole Miss, are increasingly deploying multi-dimensional players who can line up in different positions and create mismatches. By moving Perkins to STAR, LSU gains the flexibility to adjust to these offensive schemes, keeping the defense unpredictable and dynamic.

The Impact on LSU’s Defense in 2025

With Perkins moving to STAR, LSU’s defense is poised for a significant transformation. This change will give the Tigers greater flexibility, as they can now use Perkins in a variety of ways to exploit offensive weaknesses. From a strategic standpoint, LSU’s defense will have more options for disguising coverages and blitzes, as Perkins can line up in multiple positions without tipping the defense’s hand.

The STAR role, as Baker highlighted, allows for a more aggressive approach to defense. With Perkins’ speed and ability to cover ground quickly, LSU can create more pressure on the quarterback, while also ensuring that the defense remains solid in pass coverage. This flexibility could prove invaluable against high-powered SEC offenses, where quick decision-making and the ability to adapt on the fly are critical.

Perkins’ ability to rush the passer from the STAR position will be particularly important for LSU. While LSU’s defensive line remains one of the most talented in the conference, Perkins’ ability to contribute as an edge rusher will only enhance the Tigers’ pass-rush abilities. This will give LSU a more dynamic approach to generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks, making it harder for offenses to game-plan for the Tigers’ defense.

Additionally, Perkins’ coverage skills will also come to the forefront in this new role. He’s shown the ability to cover running backs and tight ends in space, making him a versatile asset against teams that rely on these mismatches. With the growing importance of versatile tight ends and running backs in modern offenses, having a player like Perkins at STAR gives LSU the ability to limit these threats while still maintaining defensive integrity.