LSU’s recruiting class heading into the 2022 season was ranked No. 12, according to 247sports. In Brian Kelly’s first offseason with the Tigers after he was hired away from Notre Dame, LSU was able to pick up 15 commitments heading into the new season. Some of the most notable names that stepped up for the Tigers this season were linebacker Harold Perkins, tight end Mason Taylor and offensive tackle Will Campbell. In what was an offseason filled with question marks these three freshman rose to the occasion helping LSU to a 10-win season.
Harold Perkins, Linebacker:
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Perkins received a lot of attention coming out of high school as he was rated as the No. 4 overall prospect in the Class of 2022. He would be listed as a five-star prospect and would be the nation’s top-rated outside linebacker commitment. Perkins would receive praise before heading to LSU as he was seen as a playmaker on the defensive side of the ball.
The New Orleans native wouldn’t waste any time of making his mark on the Tiger defense as he was twice named SEC Defensive Player of the Week in wins against Arkansas and Alabama. The accolades didn’t stop there as he would earn National Defensive Player of the Week for his performance against Arkansas and would earn SEC Freshman of the Week for his performance against Ole Miss.
Perkins would continue to be honored after the season as he was named to first team All-SEC honors and the Freshman All-SEC team. He would also be named to the Football Writers Association of America Freshman All-America team.
He would cap off his freshman campaign by registering 72 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 13.0 tackles for loss and 14 quarterback pressures. Perkins’ 72 tackles would rank third on the team and would lead the Tiger defense in every other defensive category. He showed that this is only the start of what will be an electric career with LSU and is in line to be the next great Tiger linebacker to come through the program.
Mason Taylor, Tight End:
Taylor showed his versatility at the tight end position during his high school career and was known for his pass-catching ability. He was listed as the No. 7 ranked tight end prospect in the country and rated as a four-star recruit. Taylor showed what he can do during fall camp and would catch the eyes of Brian Kelly.
“Probably one of the biggest, pleasant surprises has been Mason Taylor. He’s ready to help us win this year and play for us. He’s been outstanding. I feel so much better about the position because of his presence and the way he’s shown himself.”
Kelly would know early on that Taylor would provide a spark to LSU’s offense heading into the season and that he can be regarded as one of the best tight ends in the country. Taylor proved that Kelly was right as he had a stellar freshman campaign with the Tigers. On the season, Taylor hauled in 38 receptions for 414 yards and three touchdowns.
He would quickly become one of Jayden Daniels favorite targets and he would serve a vital role in helping the Tigers knock off No. 6 Alabama at home with one of the plays of the college football season. In the win against the Crimson Tide, Mason Taylor had three receptions for 36 yards and a touchdown. The most important catch of the night came in overtime where Taylor hauled in a two-yard catch to send the Tiger faithful into pandemonium.
Will Campbell, Offensive Tackle:
Campbell would be listed as one of the nation’s top offensive tackles prospects in the Class of 2022 and would be the top-rated recruit in the state of Louisiana. The Monroe, Louisiana native would be an early enrollee and would start to become a factor during spring ball. Campbell earn the start of the offensive line during spring practice and would prove to be one of the best freshman in the Class of 2022.
LSU’s offensive line had major question marks heading into the season as the Tigers lost key starters to the NFL Draft and was in need of a rebuild heading into the 2022 season. Campbell started 13 games at left tackle and would help pave the way for LSU to set a school record with 39 rushing touchdowns on the year.
He would play a total of 973 offensive snaps and allowed just three total sacks on the year. Like Perkins, Campbell earned accolades throughout the season as he was named SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week for his performance against Florida. Campbell would also be listed on the second team All-SEC and the Freshman All-SEC team. He would also be named to the Football Writers Association of America Freshman All-America team.
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