Mon Sep 23 17:41:40 UTC 2024: ## LSU Linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. Suffers Season-Ending Injury

**BATON ROUGE, La.** – LSU’s star linebacker, Harold Perkins Jr., has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the Tigers’ victory over UCLA. Perkins, a preseason All-American who was projected to be a top draft pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, suffered the injury during a tackle in the fourth quarter.

“We don’t have any of those guys hanging around the locker room, other than one,” said LSU head coach Brian Kelly, describing Perkins’ unique blend of size, strength, and speed. “He’s gifted enough to play as a traditional linebacker and cover a receiver as effectively as some defensive backs.”

Despite the loss of a key player, Kelly emphasized that LSU’s success will not hinge on any single player. “Our players clearly understand in this game, you’re going to get injuries. And so we’re not going to lose our identity or fall apart because of it,” he said.

The Tigers will now have to rely on a combination of players to fill Perkins’ role, depending on the situation and opponent. This could involve using three linebackers, risking one being forced to cover a receiver in space, or utilizing defensive backs closer to the line of scrimmage.

Perkins had a breakout freshman year in 2022-23, recording 7.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles, and an interception. While his statistics decreased in his sophomore year, he was a key contributor as a versatile linebacker.

Although Perkins’ college career is likely over, a return in 2024 remains a possibility. The NCAA’s new rules allowing players to profit from endorsements might encourage Perkins to seek another season to further improve his draft stock.

“It’s way too soon for him or his family to have made any kind of declaration,” Kelly said. “I think they’re just trying to get a hold of the surgery and the rehab associated with it. He’ll take all that into consideration. And then when it’s time to make a decision, he’ll make a decision. Certainly, has plenty of time before he has to make that decision.”

Read More