“I felt really good about Harold Perkins last year, you know, and unfortunately got hurt,” Baker said. “I think the most encouraging thing that I’ve seen is it never looked like he had knee surgery. He’s moving around very, very fluid. You know, we’re going to be smart with him according to his reps and make sure that he’s ready to go on the 30th.”

Under Baker, Perkins continued developing as a versatile weapon. He emerged as a pass rush threat during his true freshman campaign then moved to inside linebacker as a sophomore. Baker and head coach Brian Kelly confirmed Perkins will take up the STAR position, combining all his skills.

“He’s just so dynamic,” Baker said. “I think out there in space, when you see his ability to close, if there’s a check down to the flat or obviously coming off the edge or even internally, he just has a sixth gear that not many guys in college football possess. To have that luxury, I think he’s more comfortable out there. You know, I really do.”