Going into the 2023 football season, LSU Wire will be looking at each player listed on the Tigers’ roster.
Over the preseason, each profile will cover where the player is from, how recruiting websites rated them coming out of high school, and what role they will play for Brian Kelly this season.
We’re looking at the biggest question mark in LSU’s running back room this season, [autotag]John Emery Jr.[/autotag] A former five-star recruit, Emery is a talented player that has shown flashes at times but hasn’t lived up to the expectations.
Academic issues have limited his ability to get on the field over the past couple of seasons, and it’s unclear if he’ll be with the team for his fifth season this fall.
John Emery Jr. Preseason Player Profile
Hometown: St. Rose, Louisiana
Ht: 5-10
Wt: 220
247Sports Composite Ranking
Five Stars | No. 2 in Louisiana | No. 2 Running Back
Class in 2022: Senior
Career Stats
| Year | G | Att | Yards | YPA | Rec | Yards | Total TDs |
| 2019 | 10 | 38 | 188 | 4.8 | 6 | 60 | 4 |
| 2020 | 9 | 75 | 378 | 5.0 | 14 | 73 | 3 |
| 2021 (Suspended) | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 2022 | 11 | 76 | 375 | 4.9 | 13 | 129 | 8 |
Depth Chart Overview
A former top-15 recruit nationally coming out of high school, Emery largely saw a rotational role in the running back room in his first two seasons, though he started three games as a sophomore in the COVID season in 2020.
Emery entered 2021 with high expectations but ultimately sat out the entire season due to academic suspension. He returned to the field in 2022, though he missed the first two games due to an extension of the suspension.
It ended up being his most productive season. He didn’t see a lot of carries on the ground but had a career-high in receiving with 13 catches for 129 yards. His eight total touchdowns (six rushing, two receiving) also marked a career-best.
Emery’s future with the team is unclear. He has been away from the program during the offseason as he focuses on academics, Kelly has said. The Tigers have been reticent to give updates on his status, and it’s unclear if he will be on the active roster this season.