Senior linebacker Micah Baskerville came back to LSU with a chance to leave a legacy in Tiger Stadium. Despite being buried on the depth chart, he put his head down and continued to work to get the chance to shine this season. He’s done just that.
Leading the Tigers in tackles against Florida, where he has historically played some of his best ball, he’s earned a significant role for this LSU defense. This linebacker room is stocked with talent, with freshman Harold Perkins beginning to emerge, but Baskerville calls it all a blessing to represent the purple and gold.
“It’s really just a blessing,” Baskerville said. “I’m just ready whenever they need me, for whatever and wherever out on the field. So I just make sure I stay ready.”
Seemingly at the bottom of the depth chart in fall camp, it appeared as though Baskerville’s role would be limited this season while sitting behind Mike Jones Jr, Greg Penn, West Weeks, and Harold Perkins, but it’s been the complete opposite.
Baskerville has taken over this linebacker room and become Mr. Reliable for this unit. When a big play is needed, he makes it. The work he put in to close out fall camp set him up for this moment.
“Every rep I’ve got, I just make sure I do it right,” Baskerville said. “I took every play [in fall camp], went hard, and that was my plan.”
Though Baskerville has done the heavy lifting on the field, off the field is where he’s taken the biggest strides in his game. He’s praised the nutrition staff LSU brought in this offseason for his success, specifically Dr. Matt Frakes.
