5 LSU defensive players who can create an impact in 2024 CFB season ft. Harold Perkins

The LSU Tigers will feature a number of defensive players who can make a big impact in 2024

Although many top LSU defensive players will not return to the team in 2024 due to being selected in the 2024 NFL draft, the Tigers will still feature many defensive pieces that could make some noise this season.

LSU was one of the top offensive teams in the country last season, but their defense struggled, giving up 28.0 points per game to opponents, ranking 82nd in the nation.

They'll look to show major improvement on that side of the ball this season, behind some of their top returning performers. Here is a look at five LSU defensive players who could have a major impact this season.

5 LSU defensive players who can make an impact in 2024

#1. Harold Perkins, LB

Harold Perkins will return at linebacker as one of the top LSU defensive players after recording 75 total tackles, 13.0 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks as a sophomore in 2023. Perkins has already proved himself as one of the most versatile linebackers in the country after just two seasons and will be back for his junior season as one of the top prospects for the 2025 NFL draft.

Perkins earned first-team All-SEC honors as a freshman in 2022 and was second-team All-SEC in 2023. On top of his five pass breakups and one interception, his three forced fumbles last season were the most in the SEC.

#2. Da'Shawn Womack, DE

Da'Shawn Womack showed his extremely high potential as a true freshman last season and will be an LSU defensive player to watch out for in 2024. Womack appeared in 12 games for the Tigers last season and recorded 13 total tackles and 1.5 sacks with one fumble recovery.

Womack played 79 snaps for LSU on the defensive side of the ball while also playing 157 snaps on special teams last season. He played well on the big stage of LSU's bowl game against Wisconsin, where he tallied two tackles and a fumble recovery.

#3. Paris Shand, DE

Defensive end Paris Shand is entering his second season with LSU after playing three seasons at Arizona. Shand is an outstanding athletic LSU defensive player who finished last season with 17 total tackles, 5.0 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks.

Shand's athletic versatility also goes beyond the gridiron as a decorated basketball player. He won a silver medal at the FIBA U16 Americas Championship as a member of the U16 Canadian national basketball team.

#4. Greg Penn III, LB

NCAA Football: Florida at Louisiana State

Greg Penn III is returning as one of the top LSU defensive players who offers the Tigers an elite pass-rushing option at linebacker. Penn recorded 4.0 sacks on 89 total tackles last season.

Penn showed his relentless pursuit of ball carries by ranking third in the SEC with 55 assisted tackles in 2023 while also forcing one fumble. His high motor and consistent availability helped him rank second among all defenders in the country with 795 snaps played last season.

#5. Major Burns, S

NCAA Football: Georgia St. at Louisiana State

Major Burns is returning for his fourth season as a member of the LSU defense following his transfer from Georgia in 2021. Burns is one of the most physical defensive backs in the SEC, ranking fifth in the conference with 93 total tackles last season.

Burns also made 3.0 tackles for loss with one sack and an interception that he returned for a touchdown. He is one of the LSU defensive players who is a vocal leader on the field and has now returned to full health after missing time during the first three seasons of his career due to injury.

Which LSU defensive players do you think will have the biggest impact in 2024? Let us know your predictions in the comment section.

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Edited by Piyush Bisht