JD PicKell: Harold Perkins is top defender in mix for Heisman Trophy in 2023

Rarely do you ever hear defensive players in the mix for the Heisman Trophy. Michigan‘s Aidan Hutchinson was a finalist back in 2021 and many believed Will Anderson from Alabama should have been one as well. History was made with an edge player making the trip to New York City, even if Bryce Young wound up the winner.

It’s hard to even project a potential Heisman candidate before the season begins. But On3’s J.D. PicKell believes the LSU Tigers have one on their roster. Linebacker Harold Perkins broke out in the latter half of last year as a true freshman. PicKell thinks due to his abilities, Perkins is the best chance a defensive player has of lifting college football’s most prestigious individual award.

“If you had to pick someone on the defensive side of the ball to compete for the Heisman Trophy, you’re looking right at Harold Perkins,” PicKell said. “He is the No. 1 pick for me when it comes to defensive guys competing for that trophy at the end of the year.”

Perkins played in all 14 games for LSU last season, recording 72 total tackles. However, he was a real contributor in the backfield, having 13 tackles for a loss and 7.5 sacks. While Perkins might have been listed as a linebacker, he was really all over the field for the Tigers last season.

For those who paid attention to his recruitment, the potential of Perkins was known.

Perkins played high school football at Cypress (TX) Cy-Fair, where he was a five-star prospect. He was the No. 9 overall recruit in the 2022 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Thinking about Perkins potentially getting better is scary for the rest of the country. Head coach Brian Kelly says something Perkins has learned since the end of the season was actually playing the linebacker position.

Last season was just Perkins getting onto the field to make plays. Now, LSU will fully utilize him at linebacker.

“I think just understanding where he fits on the defense,” Kelly said before the spring game. “We kind of moved him around and tried to get his athleticism on the field, and maybe didn’t spend as much time on the position itself. 

“Now he clearly understands where he fits at that linebacker position. So understanding coverages, down and distance, things of that nature. I think that’s really where he’s made great strides this spring.”