By Matt Moscona
Former five star running back John Emery, Jr. surprised many in June with his decision to return to LSU for a sixth season. Brian Kelly explained for the first time what went into the decision for Emery to play one final season with the Tigers.
“He’s really shown that he wants to do this one more time,” Kelly told reporters Wednesday. “He had other offers out there and he felt like this was the best opportunity and we’re glad he’s back.”
Emery’s time at LSU has been marred by academic and injury issues. As a prospect, Emery was the No. 13 overall player and No. 2 running back in the 2019 signing class out of Destrehan High School. After playing in 10 games as a freshman on the 2019 national championship team, Emery played in just eight games during the 2020 season. Then the issues began.
Due to academic ineligibility, Emery missed the entire 2021 season and the first two games of 2022. He would show flashes of his elite talent, including an electrifying touchdown reception in the overtime upset win over Alabama in Tiger Stadium.
Opting to return for a fifth season in 2023, Emery once again faced adversity. Lingering academic issues kept him out of the first two games and a torn ACL against Florida in November appeared to cost him the remainder of his LSU career.
“He really did an incredible job rehabbing from the injury,” Kelly said. “He was very committed to playing again. He was committed. He was going to play.”
Kelly could not go into detail but explained that Emery was granted a sixth season due to a medical waiver not related to the knee injury.
“We put a mandate on that he had to do the work academically,” Kelly said. Emery graduated from LSU in May with a degree in interdisciplinary studies.
Kelly also said the uncertainty surrounding sophomore Trey Holly’s legal situation was one of the reasons the door reopened for Emery’s return.
“A lot of things didn’t go his way. Some if it was self-inflicted, but he’s really shown that he wants to do this one more time.”
For his LSU career, Emery has averaged 5.8 yards per carry in 37 games played with 14 rushing touchdowns and two received scores.
LSU has only four scholarship running backs available in fall camp, which could certainly lead to an increased role for Emery in 2024.
