HOUSTON – The reasons why NFL teams are intrigued by LSU linebacker and team captain and former Cypress Park blue-chip recruit Harold Perkins Jr. is because of his rare blend of versatility, athleticism and big-play skills.
A once-heralded high school football player ranked as the top player in the state of Texas, Perkins can rush the passer, stop the run, drop back in coverage and excel on special teams. He played the Star position for the Tigers.
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He’s the fastest linebacker in the draft with a 4.38 time in the 40-yard dash and had a 10-4 broad jump with a 35-inch vertical leap at his Pro Day.
“I’m an X-factor,” Perkins said during the NFL scouting combine. “Come get me.”
Perkins, who was given the coveted No. 7 jersey by LSU which is a major nod of respect in the program, can line up practically anywhere from edge to off-ball linebacker to big nickel or safety.
At 6-foot-1, 223 pounds, Perkins is a slightly undersized and instinctive linebacker.
He has made a full recovery from a torn anterior cruciate ligament that cut his season short two years ago.
He has conducted Zoom interviews with several teams, including multiple with the hometown Texans, who have displayed interest in Perkins throughout the draft process, in addition to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers visited several teams, including the Pittsburgh Steelers and Los Angeles Chargers and has met formally with the New Orleans Saints, Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles at the NFL scouting combine. The Green Bay Packers, Eagles, Chargers, Washington Commanders Steelers, New England Patriots, Buccaneers and Las Vegas Raiders have shown consistent interest in Perkins throughout the draft process.
In four seasons at LSU, he recorded 220 tackles, 35 1/12 for losses and 17 sacks.
As a true freshman, Perkins made an immediate impact with 75 tackles, 13 for losses and 5 1/2 sacks with three forced fumbles. He had three sacks in a game against Arkansas.
As noted by East-West Shrine Bowl director Eric Galko, Perkins has played in over 600 snaps as an edge, over 900 snaps at linebacker, and over 700 snaps in coverage as a defensive back and over 200 snaps on special teams.
He led the team with four sacks last season and intercepted three passes.
“He’s a defensive weapon,” Galko said. “He could end up being one of the most impactful defensive front seven players from this draft class.”
Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com