On Monday, Brian Kelly spoke with the media, and the most of the conversation focused on the Tigers’ upcoming offseason. Brian Kelly discussed everything from LSU’s intentions for the transfer portal to the Tigers’ hope that CJ Daniels would return for another season.
Junior linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. is one of the most intriguing athletes, as he has the option of returning to LSU for another season or declaring for the NFL draft. When asked about Perkins and the prospect of his return, Brian Kelly responded as follows.
“He’s doing really well in his recuperation. He’s been in the building quite a bit now that he’s passed the early stages of the repair; now it’s time to work hard. I’m not sure he’s made a final decision; I know he’s contemplating his options, and we obviously want him back, but we know those decisions aren’t easy. We’ll support him in whatever decision he makes and give him the greatest resources to aid him and his family.”
The good news for the LSU football team is that Perkins is still contemplating his choices, which indicates he hasn’t decided not to return. Perkins entered the season as an intriguing draft prospect, but his lack of tape this season, combined with the uncertainty surrounding his knee injury, may have hurt his selection stock.
If Perkins returns next season, the Tigers should move him to the star position, where he can play close to the line of scrimmage without being an edge rusher or inside linebacker. The Tigers will return both Weeks brothers and Dahvon Keys, who has recently played a larger role, while also adding four true freshmen linebackers, including Zach Weeks, who will play alongside his siblings.
