LSU football head coach offered an update on the recovery of two key LSU defenders. According to a report from The Advocate’s Wilson Alexander, Kelly said Whit Weeks and Harold Perkins will miss spring practice, but they’re on pace to return when LSU starts fall camp.
Perkins missed most of 2024 after tearing his ACL in LSU’s win over UCLA. Weeks had ankle surgery after an injury that forced him to leave LSU’s bowl win over Baylor. When healthy, the two are among the SEC’s most talented linebackers.
Weeks enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2024. According to PFF, Weeks totaled 56 stops and 25 pressures. He ranked second among SEC linebackers in both categories. Weeks signed with LSU as a four-star recruit in 2023 and will be a junior in 2025.
Perkins burst onto the scene as one of college football’s top pass rushers in 2022 as a true freshman. Perkins moved to inside linebacker in 2023, but there were growing pains. It was a productive year for Perkins, but he didn’t take over games like he did as an EDGE rusher. LSU decided to keep Perkins at inside linebacker in 2024 and it’s hard to glean any takeaways from a season where Perkins only played four games in a brand new system under a new linebackers coach.
Earlier this month, it was reported that LSU defensive coordinator Blake Baker plans to play Perkins at the STAR position. The spot is traditionally manned by a defensive back, but Perkins is an elite athlete and LSU is hoping his playmaking ability can translate.
News: LSU star linebackers Harold Perkins and Whit Weeks are expected to be fully cleared before workouts in June, Brian Kelly told @theadvocatebr. They’ll miss spring ball, but they’re on track for preseason practice. pic.twitter.com/6zUUnc14km
— Wilson Alexander (@whalexander_) February 27, 2025
With Weeks and Perkins, LSU’s linebacker room is one of the fastest in the SEC. Both players can make sideline to sideline plays. Both have the speed to get after the passer and make an occasional play in coverage. When at their best, Perkins and Weeks can post one of the top havoc rates in college football.
In 2025, LSU wants to see Weeks and Perkins develop consistency defending the run. If that happens, LSU’s defense will take another massive step forward.
LSU will also return linebacker Dahvon Keys. As a true freshman in 2024, Keys made a significant impact down the stretch, capping his year off with a pick-six in the bowl game. With Perkins at STAR, Keys remains in the discussion for a starting spot.
This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: Brian Kelly updates injury timeline for Harold Perkins and Whit Weeks
