Brian Kelly Explains Why Freshman LB Harold Perkins Didn't See Much Action vs. The Vols

A bright spot on LSU's defense through the first part of the season has been the play of freshman linebacker Harold Perkins.

The five-star defender has made an immediate impact with 26 total tackles, ten quarterback pressures, 1.5 sacks, and one interception.

However, his presence on Saturday's 40-13 loss to Tennessee, was obviously missing as Brian Kelly and defensive coordinator Matt House went with more nickel packages which left Perkins sidelined most of the game.

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"As you guys know, we moved him to SAM linebacker, Kelly said. "Last week was not a position where -- and you know the game. The game was a spread game. You've got two receivers that are out on the numbers."

"Harold would have had to be standing out on the numbers playing the game as the SAM. We nickeled out, so we were in a nickel situation."

"We would have had to change his position back to inside linebacker for that game. We weren't going to do that."

"This is a game that suits him really well. You'll see a lot of Harold Perkins this weekend."

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