Following the departure of former five-star John Emery, which left the Tigers with just three scholarship running backs, many speculated whether LSU would make use of the Transfer Portal to address the lack of depth at the position. In fact, the personnel checked the gateway and changed Emery to… Emery just declared that he will be returning to Baton Rouge for his last season and removing his name off the portal. His choice offers the Tigers much-needed depth and allows him another opportunity in Baton Rouge to live up to the high expectations he brought with him.
Exuberant Expectations for High School
According to the 247Sports composite rankings, the former standout running back from Destrehan High School arrived to LSU in 2019 as a five-star recruit and the nation’s second-best high school running back. As a true freshman, Emery participated in ten games; naturally, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, a projected first-round selection, received the most of the playing time.
In 2020, Emery’s remarkable five yards per run average came from his sophomore year. With 14 catches, he was useful in the passing game as well. Emery appeared ready to take over as the starting quarterback in 2021 after ranking second on the team in running yards. Regretfully, Emery’s career has always included a persistently depressing element. There were difficulties whenever it appeared that he was poised to realize his full potential. Emery did not play a down and was ineligible academically for 2021.
In the end, Emery battled his way back into the starting lineup, and in 2022 he had his best year at LSU. In the end, he accumulated more than 500 scrimmage yards and eight touchdowns. In 2023, trouble struck once more as Emery tried to cap off a brilliant run against Florida with a score. He made an incredible move to get away from a defender at the line of scrimmage and then burst into open field. The senior’s season was abruptly ended after his subsequent blunder close to the goal line caused an ACL tear.
The Back Room That’s Currently in Use
It seems sense that Emery would think about moving at this time. After so much bad luck in one location, it might be rather comforting to start again. Not to add, Josh Williams, who is unassuming but trustworthy, is back for what appears to be his tenth year in the role. Williams is a valuable receiver, blocker, and runner who was formerly a walk-on. He has worked his way up to a scholarship.
Even though the coaching staff adores Williams, Kaleb Jackson, a sophomore, has what it takes to become the Tigers’ next great running back. Jackson’s 225-pound physique allows him to have track speed, and he has demonstrated lateral quickness to avoid opponents. Lastly, Caden Durham, a true freshman, contributed to LSU’s fifth-place 2024 signing class. Durham runs a 10.4 100-meter time, but he does not avoid contact with the tackles.
It’s difficult to forecast Emery’s position in the 2024 offense because there isn’t much information available regarding his return from injuries. We do know, however, that the Tigers need more than they had during his absence in order to complete the most physically taxing conference schedule in team history.
