After exploring the transfer portal, running back [autotag]John Emery Jr.[/autotag] decided to return to LSU for a sixth season of college football.
Emery, a former five-star recruit, has had a roller coaster of a career at LSU. He joined the team in 2019 and was a member of the national title squad. He looked prime for a breakout in 2020, but COVID struck and he began to deal with a lingering ankle issue.
A year-long academic suspension followed that in 2021. He was part of the rotation in 2022 and 2023, but his 2023 came to an abrupt end after he tore his ACL vs. Florida.
Now, Emery’s return provides depth and experience to a running back room that needs it. With fall camp underway, we’ve got our first glimpses of Emery back on the field. Thus far, the reports are positive.
Fellow sixth-year RB [autotag]Josh Williams[/autotag] offered some praise, saying “John looks like he hasn’t even lost a step and I attribute that to his work ethic. Right after the surgery, he was back in the training room getting to work.”
LSU RB Josh Williams: “John [Emery] looks like he hasn’t even lost a step and I attribute that to his work ethic. Right after the surgery he was back in the training room getting to work.”
— Matthew Brune (@MatthewBrune_) August 9, 2024
Williams’ words were backed up by Emery on the field. He looked healthy and moved well.
John Emery looking smooth in the team run drill.
Emery was working with a trainer off to the side towards the end of practice.
Have to be encouraged seeing him wiggle and cut in some of these clips. #LSU pic.twitter.com/9CX2RTLBTG
— John Eads WAFB-TV (@JohnEadsWAFB) August 10, 2024
We know LSU’s rushing attack will look different this fall. LSU’s top two rushers from 2023, [autotag]Jayden Daniels[/autotag] and [autotag]Logan Diggs[/autotag], are gone. That production has to go somewhere.
[autotag]Kaleb Jackson[/autotag] and [autotag]Josh Williams[/autotag] will get a fair share of the carries, but there’s an opportunity for Emery to increase his workload.
In flashes, Emery has shown an ability to make plays. He’s yet to find consistency, but LSU doesn’t need him to be a workhorse.
LSU needs Emery to be a reliable change of pace back. He has the skillset to be a receiving threat out of the backfield and the experience to be trusted on third down.
In 2022, Emery made a couple of big plays that helped LSU secure wins against Auburn and Alabama. Again, he wasn’t a consistent force but he had a knack of making a play when LSU needed it.
If LSU gets that again from Emery in 2024, this running back room will be in better shape.
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