LSU DC Matt House Talks Harold Perkins' Role, Defensive Line Depth

Defensive coordinator Matt House has his work cut out for him this offseason. From evaluating the secondary to using the next few weeks to get healthy up front, there are a few hurdles to be jumped.

The Tigers added several newcomers to their secondary and spring camp gives this coaching staff a better understanding of where they stand from a depth perspective.

When it comes to the defensive line, a position group battling the injury bug, spring camp is a chance to give others an opportunity to get significant snaps under their belts.

House detailed what he’s seen from Harold Perkins as camp rolls on, the defensive line and how the Tigers plan to use their weapons in the secondary:

Harold Perkins’ Growth, Inside Linebacker

LSU has a superstar in Perkins, and as he gears up for year two in Baton Rouge, he has All-American written all over him. Perkins put together one of the most dominant freshman campaigns Tiger fans have seen in Death Valley, but the sky’s the limit. There’s more to come, and as he gets more comfortable at linebacker, Coach House believes he can continue evolving into something special.

Perkins came to Baton Rouge to learn the linebacker position. It’s what he’s going to play for a long, long time, which has this coaching staff locked in on getting him fundamentally sound ahead of the season.

“We know Harold has elite ability, but he came here to learn to play linebacker. Not necessarily just a hybrid and the spring is kind of a great time to do that,” House said on Tuesday. “You learn the techniques and fundamentals associated with playing the stack position, still playing out in space some. It's going to enhance his game and really it's what he came here to be.

“I think the number one thing is he has a better understanding of our process and how we prepare. That's the biggest thing. His habits are much more consistent, and as I said last year, that hasn’t changed. He just loves football. Really coachable.”

Defensive Line Leadership, Dealing With A Thin Group

LSU lost defensive line coach Jamar Cain to the NFL when he made the decision to join Sean Payton’s coaching staff with the Denver Broncos. One of the top DL coaches in college football, it’s a massive void to fill for the Tigers, but Coach House has seen his players pick up the slack from a leadership perspective.

Another key piece to spring camp this time around is limited numbers. LSU is battling a few injuries up front, but despite dealing with the injury bug, House has been impressed with the play of his guys that have been suiting up.

“I’m really pleased with Jacobian’s [Guillory] growth. He’s doing a nice job. I’m really pleased with Saivion’s [Jones] growth. You still have Mekhi Wingo, he’s at every practice. He may not be on the field. You still have Maason Smith, he may not practice but he’s on the field. I’m excited about the potential depth of that group. A lot of guys that are growing and that’s exciting,” House said.

As both Mekhi Wingo and Maason Smith attack their rehab processes over the next few weeks in order to be at 100% this summer/for fall camp, House already knows what he’s getting from his stars. He’s seen what they’re capable of and feels comfortable with where they will be at for the 2023 season.

“Mekhi played so many snaps for us, we know what he can be. I have a pretty good feel for what Maason can be because he did go through a whole training camp and a whole spring,” House said. “I think what you see is the opportunity to work with guys who really need more reps. Not that those other guys don’t but it’s the next man up, it gives you a chance to see that growth. To me, spring is all about setting the stage fundamentally for how you’re gonna approach summer and training camp. I feel like we’re in a good spot with our growth there.

Evaluating The Secondary

LSU is in an interesting spot with their secondary. A loaded position group, the talent is certainly there, but making it gel while putting players in the right position is key.

Southeastern Louisiana transfer Zy Alexander has been a bright spot during camp, as has early-enrollee Javien Toviano, but how will they work this season?

Coach House detailed the evaluation process and how spring camp gives this staff a chance to figure out where each player can work best as they find the most effective rotation.

“Both as a staff and as players playing together, you’ve got to learn how we communicate amongst ourselves and how they play,” House said. “You gotta play snaps together, whether you’re a corner, a safety. Then as coaches it’s a great opportunity for us to learn on the field what they’re true strengths and weaknesses are so we can put them in better positions to succeed.”