LSU’s running game is the biggest question on offense entering the 2024 season.
The Tigers lose their best running back (autotag)Logan Diggs(/autotag) and their best runner overall, Heisman-winning quarterback (autotag)Jayden Daniels(/autotag). His replacement, (autotag)Garrett Nussmeier(/autotag), isn’t nearly as big a factor in the running game.
LSU is expected to rely much more heavily on its defensive linemen, who initially only had (autotag)Josh Williams(/autotag) and (autotag)Kaleb Jackson(/autotag) as the best returning players at the position.
However, the Tigers received a nice boost with the return of (autotag)John Emery Jr.(/autotag), who initially entered the transfer portal and briefly flirted with UCLA before deciding to return to Baton Rouge.
(Autotag)Brian Kelly (/Autotag) explained why Emery deserves the chance to return to the Tigers.
“Well, there was some uncertainty about Trey Holly’s situation that opened up the opportunity for me at that position. I think that was one thing, I think the other was that he had graduated and we kind of imposed on him that he had to do the academic work. And I think the third thing was that he really did an incredible job of rehabbing from the injury as far as being compliant. He was very determined to get back to playing.
“And when we add all that together … we have a kid here who had a lot of things not go the way he wanted, some of it was self-inflicted, but he really showed that he wants to try again. So we sat down, thought about it and gave him the opportunity. He had other offers out there and he felt like this was the best opportunity and we’re glad he’s back.”
Kelly also stated that Emery deserves a sixth year due to his medical history, although he could not elaborate, saying it was independent of the knee injury that ended his 2023 season.
In four seasons with the Tigers, Emery has rushed for 1,062 yards and 14 touchdowns on 213 carries. He has yet to emerge as a star player in his career, but he has the chance to do so this season.
Contact/Follow us @LSUTigersWire on Twitter and like our page on on facebook. to follow ongoing coverage of news, notes and opinions about the state of Louisiana.
Follow Tyler to continue the conversation on Twitter: @TylerNettuno
This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: Brian Kelly explains the decision to bring back John Emery Jr. in 2024
