As we begin to turn our heads to the upcoming college football season seven months from now, it’s time for some way-too-early predictions. Earlier this week, ESPN took part, releasing its expected 2024 All-American team, which happened to include star LSU players Harold Perkins Jr and Will Campbell.
Will Campbell makes offensive line a strength for the 2024 LSU football roster
When coach Brian Kelly initially made his way to Baton Rouge, he had his eyes set on one specific position group, as they needed some big-time improvement. While the offensive line had solid pieces when he first arrived, he saw the potential for them to be much better.
As it turned out, he was very correct, and now, heading into year three, the Tiger head coach has the purple and gold absolutely rolling along the offensive line. In fact, former five-star recruit Lance Heard just transferred away due to a lack of available starting spots.
One of said starting spots will be taken by incoming junior offensive tackle Will Campbell, who’s already looking like a sure-fire 2024 All-American.
When ESPN released its predicted team, it was almost assumed that third-year offensive lineman would end up on the list. He showed some serious potential from the moment he walked on campus, and already has two All-SEC selections to his name to go along with being a Freshman All-American in 2022.
Now, All-American is up next on his list of potential accomplishments, and if he continues to improve at the rate he has, it’s hard not to see him landing it.
Harold Perkins Jr is once again an easy selection for the way-too-early 2024 All-American team
One of the more disappointing performances of the 2023 season was that of linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. Coming off a freshman season in which he recorded 72 tackles, four passes defended, 7.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and one interception, expectations were sky-high.
In turn, he followed it up with a sophomore campaign in which he “only” recorded 74 tackles, four passes defended, 5.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and one interception.
In reality, outside of sacks, his numbers were as close to equal as you’ll find. Still, much of the disappointment came due to the lack of a jump in productivity, which very well could have been due to a defensive coaching staff which has since been completely redone.
With new defensive coordinator Blake Baker in charge, look for Perkins Jr to play a massive role throughout the 2024 campaign. Who knows, we may even see him in on offense a time or two, as he recorded a rushing touchdown on his first career collegiate carry vs. Wisconsin in the ReliaQuest Bowl.
Similarly to offensive tackle Will Campbell, the junior linebacker’s appearance on ESPN’s way-too-early 2024 All-American team was largely unsurprising. Still, if he finds his way to that kind of a season, it’s safe to say the Tiger defense will have taken a major jump forward after an abysmal 2023 showing.
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