LSU linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. is known for his versatility
Why LSU do-everything defender, former Cypress Park star Harold Perkins Jr. is an NFL draft ‘X-factor’, KPRC 2 Houston Texans Reporter– 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.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.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.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.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’s a defensive weapon,” Galko said. “He could end up being one of the most impactful defensive front seven players from this draft class.”Copyright 2026 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.Aaron Wilson is an award-winning Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and www.click2houston.com. He has covered the NFL since 1997, including previous stints for The Houston Chronicle and The Baltimore Sun. This marks his 10th year covering the Texans after previously covering a Super Bowl winning team in Baltimore.Data says about 70% of Houston drivers use their phones while driving!0:45Heavy rain turns Highway 288 in Houston into riverDefense challenges inappropriate relationship charges for former Goose Creek CISD counselorHouston mayor looking to revise immigration ordinance as funding freeze hurts HPD, FIFA prepsRain and storms this weekend as cold front pushes through HoustonWelcome to your new home, Tierra 💛▶Party like a CROCKstar with this merchant at the Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market SPRING4-month-old dead at apartment complex in west HoustonThe latest on Houston's Saturday storm chancesHow to save 20% at Blushington, River Oaks's newest beauty bar'I love my baby girl': Father learns about pregnant daughter's deathHouston postpones special City Council meeting as state deadline on funding dispute extendedExtreme drought dropped after 70-day rainfall in Southeast Texas▶Storms are heading towards Houston this Saturday!Pastor’s daughter shot arriving home from church; boyfriend uses car to stop suspected shooterHouston mayor rejects filing Temporary Restraining Order as ordinance fight threatens fundingMagnolia mayor arrested, charged with felony assault of pregnant womanAstros pitcher Josh Hader seen on the mound as he recovers from biceps tendinitisTroy Finner hired as Missouri City Police Chief nearly 2 years after HPD scandal, retirementFormer Goose Creek CISD high school counselor wanted for alleged sexual relationship with studentTexas EquuSearch joins search for missing 8-month pregnant woman last seen in HoustonPrevious photo
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