Brian Kelly Reveals Why LSU Is Moving Harold Perkins to the STAR Position

In a move that has captured the attention of college football fans across the country, LSU head coach Brian Kelly recently revealed that standout linebacker Harold Perkins is being shifted to the STAR position in the Tigers’ defense for the 2025 season. This decision, which has generated significant buzz, speaks volumes about Perkins’ evolving role in LSU’s defensive scheme and the coaching staff’s confidence in his ability to thrive in this new position.

For LSU fans, this announcement marks an exciting shift in how one of the most dynamic players in college football will be utilized in the Tigers’ defense. Harold Perkins’ versatility and athleticism have been evident since he first stepped onto the field at LSU, and the move to the STAR position could be a game-changer not just for Perkins, but for LSU’s defense as a whole. This article will delve into why Brian Kelly and his coaching staff have made this strategic decision, how the STAR position fits Perkins’ skill set, and what this move means for the LSU Tigers in the 2025 season.

1. Understanding the STAR Position in LSU’s Defense

Before exploring why Brian Kelly and the LSU coaching staff made this change, it’s important to understand the STAR position and its role in the Tigers’ defensive scheme. The STAR is a hybrid position that combines elements of both linebacker and defensive back, requiring a player to possess a unique combination of skills. The STAR is often tasked with covering slot receivers, blitzing the quarterback, and playing both the run and pass equally well. This position requires speed, agility, excellent awareness, and the ability to cover a wide range of responsibilities, often in space.

The STAR position is crucial in LSU’s defensive scheme because it allows the team to remain flexible and adaptable. The player in this position must be able to cover pass-catching threats like running backs and tight ends while also providing run support when necessary. This dual responsibility requires a player who can read the offense quickly, make split-second decisions, and execute both as a pass rusher and a coverage player. It’s a role that is more dynamic than traditional linebacker spots and requires a versatile athlete who can seamlessly switch between defensive duties.

In LSU’s defensive playbook, the STAR position has become an essential part of creating confusion for opposing offenses. By having a player capable of fulfilling multiple roles, LSU’s defense can be more aggressive, unpredictable, and difficult to scheme against. With all these aspects in mind, it becomes clear why Brian Kelly and defensive coordinator Matt House decided that Harold Perkins would be an ideal fit for the position.

2. Harold Perkins: A Star in the Making

Harold Perkins burst onto the college football scene in 2022 as a freshman for LSU. From the moment he hit the field, it was clear that Perkins had a unique skill set that made him stand out. His combination of speed, strength, and athleticism made him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks and offensive coordinators. Perkins was all over the field, showcasing his ability to rush the passer, cover in space, and even create turnovers.

In his freshman season, Perkins quickly became a household name. His performance against teams like Alabama and Arkansas demonstrated just how much potential he had. Perkins finished his first season at LSU with 72 total tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles. He had the versatility to play in a traditional linebacker role, rush the passer from the edge, and even drop back into coverage when needed. His ability to disrupt offenses was a major asset for LSU, and he quickly earned a reputation as one of the best young defenders in college football.

Heading into the 2025 season, Perkins had already shown his ability to dominate in multiple areas, making him one of the most exciting players in the country. His athleticism, ability to create pressure, and knack for making plays made him an obvious candidate for the STAR position in LSU’s defense. However, the move to this hybrid role adds even more complexity and depth to his skill set.

3. Why Brian Kelly Made the Move

Brian Kelly’s decision to move Perkins to the STAR position represents a shift in how LSU plans to utilize their star linebacker. While Perkins was already a dynamic playmaker in his traditional linebacker role, moving him to the STAR position unlocks even more potential for both him and the defense as a whole. Several factors influenced this decision, and each plays a key role in how LSU plans to approach the 2025 season.

1. Maximizing Perkins’ Athleticism and Versatility

One of the primary reasons for the move is the opportunity to fully utilize Perkins’ natural athleticism and versatility. As mentioned earlier, the STAR position requires a player to excel in both pass coverage and as a pass rusher. Perkins has proven time and time again that he has the agility, speed, and strength to be effective in both areas.

Perkins’ ability to cover running backs and tight ends in the passing game has already been well documented, and his pass-rushing prowess is among the best in the country. By moving him to the STAR position, LSU is allowing him to capitalize on these strengths, creating more opportunities for Perkins to make plays. The STAR role will also enable him to be more disruptive in the backfield, applying pressure to the quarterback while still being able to cover the passing lanes when necessary.

2. Creating Defensive Flexibility and Mismatches

The flexibility that the STAR position offers is a major reason why it appeals to Brian Kelly and his coaching staff. Moving Perkins to this hybrid role allows LSU’s defense to be more unpredictable and dynamic. The defense can easily switch between coverage and pass rush, depending on the situation, and the STAR position is often the key to this flexibility.

Perkins will be able to match up against a variety of offensive threats. Whether it’s covering a slot receiver, shadowing a running back out of the backfield, or rushing the quarterback on passing downs, Perkins’ skill set allows LSU to create mismatches. Offenses will have a difficult time predicting how LSU’s defense will line up or which players will be attacking at any given moment.

In the modern college football landscape, offenses are constantly evolving to create mismatches. A versatile defender like Perkins is exactly what LSU needs to counter those schemes. His ability to adapt to different roles on the fly makes him an ideal candidate for the STAR position, and it gives LSU an advantage in defensive game planning.

3. Putting Perkins in Position to Make More Plays

Another key reason for the move is the opportunity to increase Perkins’ impact on games. The STAR position allows players to be more involved in various aspects of the defense, and it puts them in positions to make plays on the ball. Whether it’s intercepting a pass, sacking the quarterback, or forcing a fumble, the STAR position allows Perkins to contribute in more ways.

With his ability to rush the passer, cover in space, and read plays quickly, Perkins is primed to be an even more significant playmaker in this new role. LSU has already seen what he can do in a traditional linebacker spot, but with the STAR position, Perkins has the chance to be even more involved in critical moments. His ability to disrupt plays from various spots on the field makes him a potential game-changer for the Tigers’ defense.

4. Scheme Fit with Matt House’s Defense

Brian Kelly has worked closely with defensive coordinator Matt House to build a defensive scheme that is both aggressive and adaptable. The STAR position is a key part of this scheme, and moving Perkins into this role is a natural fit within the defense.

House’s system relies on creating confusion and putting pressure on opposing offenses. The STAR position is a crucial piece of this puzzle, as it allows LSU to blend different defensive philosophies while maintaining a cohesive unit. Perkins’ move to the STAR position will enable House to be more creative in how the defense is structured, allowing for more blitz packages, coverage options, and line stunts that can keep opposing quarterbacks on their toes.

4. What This Means for LSU’s Defense in 2025

The decision to move Harold Perkins to the STAR position is a major development for LSU’s defense heading into the 2025 season. With Perkins’ unique blend of skills, LSU now has one of the most versatile and dangerous players in college football operating in the heart of their defense. This shift should allow the Tigers to create more pressure on quarterbacks, provide better coverage in the passing game, and create more turnovers, all of which are key elements of a successful defense.

In addition to Perkins, LSU’s defense is loaded with talented players at every level, including star players in the secondary and along the defensive line. The move to the STAR position should allow LSU to put more players in position to make plays, creating a more aggressive and disruptive defense that can match up with any offense in the SEC.

The increased versatility of LSU’s defense should also make them harder to scheme against. Offensive coordinators will have to account for Perkins’ ability to switch roles on the fly, making it more difficult to predict how LSU will deploy their defense. The unpredictability of the STAR position will create confusion for opposing offenses, giving LSU an edge when it comes to executing their game plans.

A New Chapter for Harold Perkins and LSU’s Defense

Harold Perkins’ move to the STAR position is a bold and exciting decision by Brian Kelly and the LSU coaching staff. It reflects their confidence in Perkins’ abilities and their commitment to maximizing his potential within the defense. By placing Perkins in this versatile hybrid role, LSU is ensuring that their defense remains dynamic and adaptable, while also giving Perkins the chance to make even more of an impact on the field.

For LSU fans, this is a thrilling development. Perkins has already proven himself to be one of the most exciting young talents in college football, and this move positions him to take his game to the next level. As the 2025 season unfolds, all eyes will be on Harold Perkins as he takes on the STAR position and continues to make his mark as one of the top defenders in the nation.