The SEC knows all about strong linebacker play throughout the conference. Heading into 20223, the league should have another strong group of returners at the position.

On Wednesday, PFF unveiled its list of the top 10 returners at linebacker across the country. The top SEC player in the group is LSU’s Harold Perkins Jr. who checks in at No. 2 after a dynamic true freshman season.

Here’s what PFF’s Max Chadwick had to say about Perkins’ 2022 season and his return for the Tigers:

As a true freshman, he led all Power-Five linebackers with a 91.0 pass-rushing grade. He ranked second among all linebackers in the country with 18 quarterback knockdowns (sacks/hits) and was tied for second in the country with four forced fumbles. Perkins is Micah Parsons-esque in that he can play either linebacker or edge defender at a very high level.

Perkins led the Tigers with 13 TFL, 7.5 sacks and 4 forced fumbles while also producing 72 total tackles as a 5-star freshman in 2022.

Also checking in on PFF’s list are Georgia’s Jamon Dumas-Johnson at No. 4 and Missouri’s Ty’Ron Hopper at No. 10. Dumas-Johnson was second for the national champs with 70 total tackles in 2022 and led the team with 9 TFL. Hopper finished second on the Tigers with 77 total tackles and 13.5 TFL.