Blake Baker takes the podium to recap the Tigers 10th Practice

LSU Defensive Coordinator Blake Baker

After the team’s tenth practice of the season, Defensive Coordinator Blake Baker took to the podium, looking every bit the part of a coach who’s both proud of his squad and hungry for more. He didn’t just talk X’s and O’s—he spoke about the “brotherhood” growing among his players and the fire that’s driving his defense to a whole new level.

Baker made one thing crystal clear: this isn’t the same defense as last year. There’s a new energy in the air, and you can feel it. The players have a real respect for each other, offense and defense alike. “I’m really proud of the energy, the brotherhood, and how both sides of the ball are clicking,” Baker said. He’s especially stoked about the team’s depth, which he thinks will be a game-changer as the season rolls on.

The secondary’s been turning heads, with Baker giving a shoutout to the safety group. New guys Tamarcus Cooley and AJ Haulcy are making waves. He couldn’t stop raving about Haulcy’s instincts and how well he communicates—qualities Baker values big time.

But the real buzz was around Harold Perkins. Coming off knee surgery, Perkins isn’t just back—he’s thriving. Baker called him a “sixth-gear” kind of player, someone who’s dynamic and finally settling into his role with confidence.

The defensive line, the heart of any solid defense, is stepping up too. Baker pointed out they’re generating more pressure from the interior this year, a big shift from last season’s edge-heavy approach. Bernard Gooden’s been a standout, despite his smaller size. Baker called him a “great pickup,” praising his speed, energy, and ability to outmaneuver bigger linemen. DJ Pickett also got some love for stepping up his physicality and tackling.

Of course, a strong defense needs a tough offense to test it, and Baker’s gets a first hand look at that everyday. He called tight end Trey’Dez Green an “unbelievable athlete” who’s always creating mismatches. As for Garrett Nussmeier? Baker called him a “pain in the butt” for the defense with his smarts and knack for keeping plays alive—a quality Baker clearly respects.

Baker didn’t shy away from talking strategy either. He admitted the defense needs to tweak things to handle mobile quarterbacks better, a sore spot from last season. Wrapping up, he made it clear that plenty of starting spots are still up for grabs, which he sees as a good thing—a sign of a program built on competition and depth.