LSU's Harold Perkins has bulked up, ready to be Tigers' do-it-all LB in 2024

One of the big storylines heading into the 2024 season for the LSU Tigers is Harold Perkins’ ability to play inside linebacker. It didn’t work last season and the Tigers’ coaching staff pulled the plug on the idea after one game.

There seems to be more of a commitment this year as Perkins has bulked up from 217 pounds to 225.

“You can’t play inside linebacker at 210 pounds,” LSU Coach Brian Kelly said.

Perkins said his speed is still there despite the added pounds of muscle and he said playing on the inside shouldn’t hurt his ability to make plays all over the field.

Kelly agrees and likes the versatility he brings to the field.

“He’s an every down linebacker that can play inside and out, who has the ability to run, who can obviously rush the passer, but he can also tackle from sideline-to-sideline,” Kelly said.

Kelly is expecting a change in defensive coordinators will also get the most out of Perkins. Blake Baker has returned to LSU to lead the defense and during his stint at LSU, he recruited Perkins to LSU in 2022.

“He’s more of an aggressive guy, defensive wise, we’re going to have fun,” Perkins said.

During his one season at LSU, Baker is credited with developing Damone Clark into an All-American.

Perkins said he has spoken to Clark about how to take his game to the next level.

For the Tigers to move up from the bottom of the defensive rankings like they were in 2023, Perkins will have to be the guy to lead that effort.