Brian Kelly says Harold Perkins played out of position in 2024
By Jacob Moss
Published:
The No. 3-ranked LSU Tigers picked up arguably the biggest win of week 1 when they knocked off the Clemson Tigers on the road, and their elite defense was a big part of their success in an extremely hostile environment.
Junior linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. in particular had a strong showing for the Tigers en route to their massive week 1 triumph, racking up 3 solo tackles and 1 sack on star Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik.
Seeing Perkins return to form in the first contest of the new campaign after struggling with injuries the past couple of years was certainly a sight for sore eyes down in Baton Rouge, and much of his success was also likely thanks to his return to the outside spot he occupied during his stellar freshman season for LSU.
The Tigers had been utilizing Perkins in more of an inside linebacker role last season, a move that head coach Brian Kelly recently said was the wrong decision.
“Harold (Perkins) was out of position last year,” Kelly said on his radio show. “We tried him inside for his development as a linebacker. It wasn’t the right fit. Harold outside is where he needs to be because he can influence the game in so many ways.”
This sentiment echoes a similar view that many LSU fans and analysts alike have held since Perkins was originally moved inside, and it appears that Kelly and his staff have finally gotten around to correcting the mistake.
As such, it will be very interesting to see whether or not the move continues to pay dividends for both Perkins and the team as the season continues to roll along.
