Harold had executed this play countless times during his football career. Facing a one-on-one situation, he lowered his shoulder, prepared to make an open-field tackle on a simple crossing route thrown to UCLA's Michael Sturdivant. However, immediately upon impact, Perkins needed help to leave the field after lying face down. That tackle against the Bruins on September 21st would mark the last play Perkins participated in for the remainder of the season.
This week Perkins Jr. announced he'll be returning to campus, once again donning the iconic number 7 jersey whose lineage includes the likes of Tyrann Mathieu, Patrick Peterson, Leonard Fournette to name a few.
I talked with Jon Cooper from Ourlads Scouting Services. Check out Jon’s work at Ourlads.com
Craig: What did you make of the decision to return to Baton Rouge?
Jon: I think coming off his injury, it was a good decision. This gives him a chance to rehab and continue his development at linebacker. If he had entered the draft, he would've been primarily utilized as a sub package player, but there is clearly three down potential here.
Craig: What does Harold need to improve upon as a senior in Blake Baker's system?
Jon: He's a versatile prospect, but within that there is a fundamental problem. What exactly is his best fit? He's played all over, being used as an edge rusher, overhang player and inside linebacker. As a result, he hasn't completely developed his skillset at any one position. He's light, listed at 215 and lacks the desired length of a traditional edge defender or offer the ball linebacker. Stack linebacker is where he spent the most of his reps in 2024 and the results were mixed. While he flashed outstanding cover skill and the ability to fit inside gaps, he lacked power and was too easily pushed around inside. He tends to play upright on blocks and that combined with a lack of bulk limits his ability on inside runs.
Craig: How would you deploy him on a Saturday if you were drawing up the defensive calls?
Jon: I think as a chase player. He's just outstanding and can make plays across the field. He's also quick to the break on the ball and has excellent range in pass coverage. He has a quick first step and can accelerate around the corner to close on the quarterback.
Original story appears here on Athlon Sports website.