If LSU's defense was going to take significant steps forward towards improving over last year's terrible performance the team was going to need to see some new leaders step up and succeed. And when Harold Perkins went down with injury this year it seemed like all hope might be lost for the team to finally put their defensive woes behind them. But then a new superstar began to emerge.
Whit Weeks, a second year linebacker out of Watkinsville, Georgia started making more and more plays early in the season until it was clear that he was perhaps the defensive MVP for LSU. This week's performance in the 34-10 win over Arkansas was no exception. When asked about Whit Weeks and his critical deflection and interception play, head coach Brian Kelly had to say this about the emerging defensive superstar:
"We made some big plays. Whit Weeks' deflection and interception was the back breaker in the game...It's Whit Weeks. You know, he's active. And in that situation, he was in a pressure situation where he was blitzing. I think what stands out is he's active in virtually all the plays. We saw a great play that he made coming later in the game down the line of scrimmage on a ball that bounced outside. He's an elite player in this league."
Weeks is truly an elite SEC defender. He is currently leading LSU in tackles, tackles for loss, ranks third in pass rush pressures (as an off-ball linebacker), and has the second most snaps logged on the defense all year long. This Saturday's performance was a great reminder of this truth.
Weeks snagged another nine tackles on the day in total, but also made the most important defensive play of the entire game. Weeks was rushing the passer, got his hands up, deflected the pass, and intercepted it, nearly scoring a pick six on the play. Then of course he had to whip out one of the most epic celebrations of the year by shotgunning a beer and perfectly spinning the football.
That interception led to an immediate touchdown run by LSU's true freshman phenom Caden Durham , extending the lead from 16-10 to 24-10 in just a matter of moments. Then, just a few defensive plays later on the next drive Weeks sacked Arkansas QB Taylen Green for a big loss, ending the drive for the Razorbacks.
Weeks logged five total pressures against Arkansas on just six pass rush pressure attempts for the entire game. He now ranks third on the team in pass rush pressures on the season despite rarely rushing the passer, as he plays off-ball linebacker primarily.
The legend of Whit Weeks is still developing, and it's clear that he's impressing each and every SEC team that LSU comes across.
Related: LSU Tigers find their key to success without leaning on Garrett Nussmeier in huge SEC win over Arkansas
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