Now that the transfer portal is nearing it’s close we can start to truly evaluate where each team stands heading into the 2024 season. While there are many questions about the LSU defense heading into the season after a disastrous 2024, the group that will lead the defense is the linebacker core. Led by Harold Perkins, LSU will have arguably the best linebacker core in the country.
Except, On3 doesn’t think so as they rank the LSU Linebacker core tenth for the 2024 season.
Harold Perkins Jr alone may make LSU the best linebacking core as he’s one of the most freakish defensive players in the country. In a “down year”, Perkins recorded 43 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, an interception, and four pass defenses. He’ll remain a linebacker in defensive coordinator Blake Baker’s defense rather than returning to edge rusher so he can continue to effect the game in many ways.
Whit Weeks will have a chance to take a massive jump after an impressive freshman campaign. Defensive coordinator and Linebackers coach Blake Baker will play a massive role in helping Weeks take a massive jump. Weeks has next-level speed with great anticipation and a tackling ability that will make him a key cog in the defense.
Helping Weeks and Perkins getting acclimated in the defense will be the veteran Greg Penn III. Penn brings the group back leadership and significant experience at the linebacker position and is a candidate for preseason All-SEC teams. The speed of Weeks and Perkins will free Penn up without the threat of being beat by faster opponents. Both Weeks and Perkins are the perfect compliments to Penn III in this new defense.
The LSU Linebacking Core will be better than the Nation’s tenth best
While the experts think LSU will have the nation’s tenth-ranked linebacker core this group will end the season closer to the top five. Harold Perkins in his second year playing the position will take a massive leap with Blake Baker’s guidance and his experience. After showing flashes as freshman, Weeks will build on what made him playable as a freshman to become a household name. Penn will help guide the more athletic duo as they look to get better at the position all while contributing on the field.
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