Kalen DeBoer and Kadyn Proctor are on high-alert for 'game-wrecker' LSU defender who everyone wrote off as a bust

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It’s been three years since LSU last toppled Alabama, a thrilling 32-31 overtime victory sealed by a gutsy two-point conversion that sent Tiger Stadium into a frenzy. That night in Baton Rouge, while the scoreboard lit up with points, it was a defensive standout who arguably made the most lasting impression.

Then, as a freshman, linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. emerged as a game-changer. His stat line—eight tackles, one for loss, a sack, and a pass breakup—earned him SEC Defensive Player of the Week honors and marked the beginning of his reputation as a disruptive force.

Fast forward to 2023, Perkins again made his presence felt against Alabama, registering eight tackles and a tackle for loss in a 42-28 defeat. However, his momentum was halted shortly after when an ACL tear in September sidelined him for the rest of the season. Despite his and LSU’s struggles, Ty Simpson and the Crimson Tide are concerned about every possible x-factor in this game.

Harold Perkins remains on Alabama’s to-do list entering LSU battle

Now a redshirt junior, Perkins is trying to return to form, appearing in all eight of LSU’s games this season. While his numbers—35 tackles, 3.5 for loss, two sacks, three pass breakups, and an interception—don’t quite match his breakout campaign, Alabama isn’t taking him lightly ahead of Saturday’s showdown in Tuscaloosa.

“I mean, he’s a guy that’s going to be around the ball and be a playmaker,” Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer said during Wednesday’s SEC coaches teleconference. “We are certainly aware of where he’s at. We know what he’s capable of doing, you know, from a playmaking standpoint.”

Alabama left tackle Kadyn Proctor, who was still in high school during Perkins’ breakout in 2022, faced him last season as a freshman starter. The experience left a strong impression.

“He’s a physical guy,” Proctor said. “I mean, I’ve obviously gone against him. He’s not small by any means. He’s hungry and you can see that on film. He chases the ball. He’s a game wrecker. That’s how I see it as I watch the film.”

While Proctor won’t be matched up with the 6-foot-1, 222-pound linebacker on every snap, he’s preparing for a fierce battle in the trenches. He also acknowledged the depth of LSU’s defensive front.

“You’ve got Patrick Payton, you’ve got No. 44 [Jack Pyburn], No. 12 [Jimari Butler], they’re all really great players,” Proctor said. “It’s LSU. It’s always a great team. No matter what their record is right now, I know they are going to come out here ready to play. We’re just trying to get prepared for that.”

Adding to LSU’s defensive concerns, AP Preseason All-American linebacker Whit Weeks is “probably more doubtful” for Saturday’s game due to a bone bruise in his ankle, according to interim head coach Frank Wilson. Wilson, stepping in for Brian Kelly following his dismissal, shared the update during Wednesday’s teleconference.

Despite LSU’s uneven season and Perkins not quite hitting his previous highs, Alabama remains vigilant. The Crimson Tide knows that when Perkins is on the field, he’s capable of flipping momentum in an instant.

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This story was originally reported by A to Z Sports on Nov 6, 2025, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add A to Z Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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