LSU might tweak its defensive strategy to get junior Harold Perkins and sophomore Whit Weeks on the field together more often.
Before No. 16 LSU faces South Carolina on Saturday, Coach Brian Kelly mentioned that Weeks’ impressive performance will likely lead to some tough decisions regarding the linebacker positions, potentially resulting in more formations with three linebackers.
“His performance has been exceptional,” Kelly noted. “He’s clearly our top performer, and it’s going to be challenging to keep him off the field.”
In the first two games, Weeks has recorded 12 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss, tying him with Perkins and defensive back Major Burns for the team lead in tackles. Weeks has made six of these tackles unassisted.
“He’s too good to be in a rotation,” Kelly said.
Both Weeks and Perkins have been playing as weakside linebackers this season, so increasing Weeks’ playing time will require a positional adjustment. Perkins has logged 102 defensive snaps, while Weeks has played 60.
“We have great flexibility with both of them,” Kelly explained. “It’s crucial that we get our best players on the field.”
Perkins started the first two games alongside senior middle linebacker Greg Penn. Despite his athleticism, Perkins has only accumulated two solo tackles and half a tackle for loss.
LSU had trained Perkins as an inside linebacker during the offseason, a position he’s projected to play in the NFL. He briefly played inside linebacker last season before moving to a hybrid strongside linebacker role against spread offenses.
Kelly emphasized the need for “creative defensive strategies” and expressed a willingness to adjust player positions to feature the team’s top talent.
On Thursday, Kelly indicated that LSU will implement more three-linebacker sets, particularly against run-heavy teams and those with mobile quarterbacks.
Burns might return to safety in these situations, a position where he has 23 career starts. LSU aims to strengthen its safety position, with freshman Dashawn Spears expected to see more action against South Carolina.
The Gamecocks lead the SEC in rushing attempts, tied with Tennessee at 90 through two games, and their freshman quarterback LaNorris Sellers has been effective on the ground with 22 carries for 68 yards and a touchdown in their opener.
“Ultimately,” Kelly said, “we’ll use more three-linebacker sets due to the types of offenses we’re facing.”
