The LSU Tigers lost a lot of offensive firepower this offseason. Fortunately, at least one playmaker from last year is making a comeback for 2024.
Running back John Emery Jr. suffered a torn ACL back in November of last season. While the rehab process from that injury can take some time, the senior running back is already back at practice and showing minimal rust.
Speaking with reporters after practice, head coach Brian Kelly explained the importance of Emery playing meaningful reps to be back up to speed, instead of easing into things.
“He had to cut, he had to be stressed,” Kelly explained according to NOLA.com's Sheldon Mickles. “He’s cleared, so we wanted every rep that he got to be a high-leverage rep. We didn’t want him out there just blocking or taking a rep that didn’t force him to put his foot in the ground and accelerate.”
Emery nearly played elsewhere in 2024. He went as far as to enter his name into the transfer portal, but opted to withdraw his name and return for his sixth college season.
Prior to his college career, Emery was a 5-star recruit and the No. 1 running back in the 2019 class. His offers included top-tier programs like the Alabama Crimson Tide, Georgia Bulldogs, and Michigan Wolverines, but he decided to stay in his home state to play for the Tigers.
Despite that high school hype, Emery has had a quiet college career. He's only carried the ball 213 times, but averaged a strong 5.0 yards per carry for 1,062 yards and 14 touchdowns. He's also added another 36 catches for 320 yards and two scores.
It's unclear when Emery will be able to get back onto the field for meaningful reps. However, based on the early signs from practice, there's a chance that he could be available for the team's season opener against the USC Trojans on September 1, at least in a limited capacity.
