Quick Hitters: LSU DC Blake Baker says there’s still “work to be done”

LSU defensive coordinator Blake Baker was hired in January, and he’s tasked with rebuilding a defense that finished among the worst in the NCAA during the 2023 season.

With the Tigers at the midway point of 15 fall camp practices, Baker met with the local media for the first time during the preseason.

He opened up on the transition to a new defensive approach, the challenges still ahead before the season kicks off, an impressive start to camp for linebacker Harold Perkins and more.

***** Baker opened his presser with comments on how much improvement has come from the defensive unit from when he installed the new defense in spring to how they have picked it up and executed in fall camp. After LSU finished outside the Top 100 in total defense a year ago, the hope is Baker and the new defensive staff’s coaching results in a much better showing this fall.

***** When it comes to players emerging into starting spots and roles in the two-deep, Baker said the back half of fall camp will bring answers. “The cream will start rising to the top,” he said.

***** Baker was asked about the progress of Harold Perkins at linebacker, a move he made after playing an EDGE role to begin his career at LSU. Baker said Perkins has been “on fire” in fall camp. The first-year DC added he’s been moving Perkins around to bring different looks for the defense.

***** LSU starting cornerback Zy Alexander went down with a season-ending knee injury during the 2023 season, but he’s since been cleared to return to the field for fall camp. This past week, Alexander – working with a knee brace – went through reps at practice, including matchups with wide receivers. For Baker, there’s no timetable for a return, but Alexander is trending ahead of the schedule he had in mind. “It’s hard to put a timeline on an ACL injury, because it can be mental,” Baker said. “He hit over 20 (mph) the other day for the first time. I don’t want to put a timeline (on his return), and I didn’t have an expectation (for a timeline) going into fall camp, but he has exceeded what I thought he could do.”

***** LSU second-year cornerback Ashton Stamps battled injury a year ago when he was thrust into a starting role as a result of depth concerns at the position. While Stamps has earned plenty of praise for his work in fall game, Baker said he continues to challenge the Louisiana native as he inches towards a starting role as the top cornerback on roster. “He has stepped his game up, but he’s not where we need him to be,” Baker said. “That’s not a knock. We have two more weeks to get him ready.”

***** When it comes to the defense coming together as a unit ahead of the 2024 season, Baker continued to challenge the unit, adding that he feels one thing is now becoming paramount. “I want to see more player-led accountability,” he said. “If we do that, we can have a really good year. But we are not there yet.”

***** Baker was asked about the start to fall camp for second-year linebacker Whit Weeks, who shined in spots coming off the bench as a true freshman during the 2023 season. “Whit never takes a play off. His effort is second to none,” Baker said. “He is going to play. He will be an integral part (at linebacker). He’s not just a backup. He has really improved his game. I am really pleased with where he is at.”

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