LSU football vs. Alabama is officially a little more than 24 hours away, and both sides are likely getting antsy to get the game underway. While both teams continue their prep, Alabama coach Nick Saban took some time to discuss linebacker Harold Perkins Jr and what makes him so hard to block.
Alabama coach Nick Saban isn’t glancing over linebacker Harold Perkins Jr
At this point, it’s hard not to be aware of just how rough the Tiger defense has been in 2023. They rank towards the bottom of the country in nearly every statistic, and is a major reason why they have two losses on their record.
So, say what you will about the group, but it’s hard to deny the overall talent they have. One of the best players on the team, regardless of position, is LSU football linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. Even just as a sophomore, he has the kind of talent that can stack up with the best in the country, and Alabama coach Nick Saban knows just how good he is.
When asked about the star Tiger defender at Wednesday’s media availability, he didn’t mince words when describing what he does.
“He makes plays all over the place,” the Alabama head coach said. “This guy’s a really good athlete, really good player, very explosive. Sometimes, they play him out in the apex; he’s a great blitzer; he can play star and reroute people and make plays in the passing game.
“Sometimes he plays in the box, sometimes he plays on the edge,” he continued. “He’s got great first-step quickness, he’s a good pass-rusher – that’s why he has so many tackles for loss and sacks and things like that. But, I think this guy’s one of the most dynamic players on our league.”
Alabama coach Nick Saban has been in this college football business for quite some time at this point. If you manage to impress him, it generally means you’re doing something right.
For linebacker Harold Perkins Jr, it’d be hard for anyone not to be impressed by what he’s done so far in his first two seasons of collegiate football.
Simulating what the star linebacker does is easier said than done
While he hasn’t exactly lit the world on fire with his stats in 2023, it’s still nearly impossible to stop him when he gets a full head of steam. Through eight games, the star LSU football defender has 39 tackles, four passes defended, three sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception.
To say he does everything for his defense would be an understatement. He’s a rare talent who can play just about any position asked of him.
In terms of prepping for a player like that, it’s not exactly something you can do easily in practice. Alabama coach Nick Saban broke down the process, explaining how difficult it can be.
“I don’t think you can simulate it,” Saban began. “Players have gotta watch the film. If we had somebody that could play like him, they’d be playing. They wouldn’t be on the scout team.
“So, we do the best we can, and I think our guys do a really good job, both sides of the ball, trying to give a good look to the defensive players. But it’s hard to simulate. It’s hard to be that deep on your team and be able to simulate.”
Simulating a player as talented as Harold Perkins Jr isn’t necessarily something you just do. One moment, he could be coming after the quarterback, then just one play later, he could be guarding wide receivers deep down the field.
“We don’t have somebody here on the scout team that can simulate what number four does,” the legendary coach concluded. “The guy’s a phenomenal player.”
The week 10 matchup of LSU football vs. Alabama is set for 6:45 p.m. CST on Saturday in Tuscaloosa. The annual game will air live on CBS from Bryant-Denny Stadium.
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