A running theme for LSU football's spring practices was an ultra-thin running back group, but that will soon change.
John Emery, whose status has been a near-constant question throughout his LSU career, is expected to be back with the Tigers when they open fall camp.
“He is in the process of being cleared," head coach Brian Kelly said this week at SEC Media Days. "I think we’ve got maybe another thing that we have to get through from a couple of things that were put out in front of him, but I feel really good that that’s imminent."
Kelly has been tight-lipped regarding the specifics of what's kept Emery away from the team this offseason, but he has indicated it was related to academics. Asked multiple times during spring practices, the Tigers coach was coy about whether the veteran RB would be returning. Emery missed the entirety of the 2021 season due to to academic issues, and his status was also in question at points in 2022 though he appeared in 11 games.
Emery, a Destrehan native, arrived at LSU in 2019 as a highly touted 5-star recruit and the No. 1 running back recruit in Louisiana.
Over his three active seasons Emery has seen action in 30 games, logging 190 rushing attempts for 941 yards and 13 rushing touchdowns, along with 33 catches for 262 yards and 2 more TDs. If and when Emery does arrive he'll immediately be one of LSU's most veteran players, and join a suddenly packed running back room. Josh Williams, who led the backfield committee in 2022, and Armoni Goodwin both missed spring practices due to injuries, but both are expected to be back healthy and have big roles in 2023. The Tigers have also added Notre Dame transfer and Louisiana native Logan Diggs, and could also expect contributions from senior Noah Cain and freshman Trey Holly.
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"I think any time you can strengthen [the RB] position … it just bodes well for a team that wants to be physical," Kelly said, "and we want to play physical football, and sometimes you need three or four backs to be on the ready in this league.”
LSU will open up its 2023 season against Florida State at Camping World Stadium in Orlando on Sept. 3.