LSU’s star linebacker, Harold Perkins Jr., has suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), a devastating injury that will prematurely end what was expected to be his final season with the Tigers before he entered the NFL Draft, head coach Brian Kelly confirmed on Monday.
“It’s certainly a tough blow, and we feel awful for Harold, especially given the hard work he’s put in,” Kelly said, expressing his sympathy for the standout linebacker. “It’s unfortunate, but we’ve got a deep roster, and other players will need to step up. We have talented guys who are more than capable of filling in.”
The injury, which occurred during the fourth quarter of LSU’s 34-17 win over UCLA, happened while Perkins was making a tackle. This injury to his right knee will prevent him from finishing what was anticipated to be a key year in his college career, as he was projected to enter the NFL Draft after the season.
Perkins had been widely regarded as one of the top linebackers in the country and was named to the preseason AP All-America team, further cementing his status as a future NFL prospect.
Perkins emerged as one of the brightest young stars in college football during his freshman year in 2022, recording an impressive 7.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles, and an interception. His performance last season, while still strong, saw a slight dip in his statistical output as he adjusted to taking on a larger role in the defense.
Despite a reduction in his sack total, he still posted 5.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, and continued to be a key playmaker with three forced fumbles and an interception.
This season, Perkins had been less impactful statistically, failing to register a sack and recording just 1.5 tackles for loss through nearly four games. Additionally, he had not forced a turnover, signaling a dip in the kind of game-changing plays he had been known for in his first two seasons. Despite the lack of headline stats this year, Perkins remained an integral part of LSU’s defense, and his leadership on the field will undoubtedly be missed.
The loss of Perkins is a significant setback for LSU, but Coach Kelly is confident in the team’s depth, stating that others will need to rise to the occasion. While LSU will certainly feel the absence of one of the nation’s most talented linebackers, the Tigers have a strong defensive unit capable of adjusting to the loss.
