LSU’s running back group looks to have plenty of options heading into 2023, but there’s a lot of uncertainty regarding a potential key piece in that room.
[autotag]John Emery Jr.[/autotag] has been away from the team during spring camp. Earlier this offseason, coach [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] said that Emery was focusing on academics over football. Asked for an update on the fifth-year running back’s status after LSU’s spring game on Saturday, Kelly didn’t provide much new information aside from reiterating that Emery still has a path to rejoining the team.
“We have not ruled out John Emery for returning,” Kelly said. “I think I’ve made it pretty clear that John has a path back but it’s one that is really dictated by what he does academically. We have not made any misleading statements, we love him. But we’re putting academics first and foremost and he’s got to take care of that first.”
Emery has had eligibility issues stemming from academics in the past. He was academically suspended for the entire 2021 season, and though Kelly said last offseason that those problems largely occurred under the previous coaching staff, he was also suspended for the first two games last fall.
He ultimately played in 11 games, making two starts. On 76 carries, he totaled 375 yards and six touchdowns. He also added two scores through the air.
With Emery unavailable this spring and [autotag]Armoni Goodwin[/autotag] and [autotag]Josh Williams[/autotag] battling injuries, it opened up a lot of opportunities for [autotag]Noah Cain[/autotag] and true freshman [autotag]Trey Holly[/autotag], who led Tigers running backs in rushing yards in the spring game.
Carries will come at a premium for any LSU running back this fall, and it remains unclear exactly how Emery fits in to the group, assuming he’s able to return.
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