Harold Perkins earns top-3 spot in Pro Football Focus' list of elite returning linebackers in 2023
Harold Perkins broke out as a future star for LSU in 2022 and is now considered to be amongst the best linebackers in the country.
According to Pro Football Focus’ Max Chadwick, Perkins is the No. 2 returning linebacker in the nation. He’s ranked behind only Clemson linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr.
Here’s the full top 10:
Top 10 returning Linebackers for the 2023 season, via @Chad_Maxwick pic.twitter.com/cT90ED0xiU
— PFF College (@PFF_College) February 15, 2023
Perkins was phenomenal as a true freshman in 2022. He recorded 72 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. He also intercepted 1 pass and forced 4 fumbles on the year.
Perkins especially came on late in the year as he gained more experience. He recorded at least 1 tackle for loss in each of LSU’s final 7 games. His dominance peaked in LSU’s meeting with Arkansas where he recorded 3 sacks, 1 pass deflection and 2 forced fumbles.
LSU is expected to be a top-10 team to start the 2023 season. The Tigers are coming off of a successful Year 1 under Brian Kelly where they won the SEC West.