We asked the team at 104.5 ESPN Baton Rouge how LSU will handle the running backs rotation in 2024. Here’s what they had to say:
Jacob Hester, Co-Host Off the Bench: It will be a running back by committee approach for LSU, which is perfectly fine. LSU has won or played for a national title in 2003, 2007 and 2011 with the same approach. All three backs (Williams, Jackson, and Emery) have a different skill set, so this coaching staff is tasked with making sure you put the right player in the right situation without creating obvious tendencies.
T-Bob Hebert, Co-Host, Off the Bench: I think Josh Williams is your starter. I think Kaleb Jackson is clearly the second option. I believe that John Emery is a wild card in this scenario, as he could continue to ascend as his health and mental confidence in his health continue to improve. I can’t pretend to know what it will look like in the end. Right now, as I write this, it feels as if there is a ton of momentum building for Jackson, but it is very early. Josh Williams has made a career of being cast aside and doubted.
Taylor Sharp, Video Producer, Off the Bench: Josh Williams will be “the guy”. Kelly and Sloan have said as much, and I believe he’s earned their trust and the No. 18. Kaleb Jackson will be the first guy in behind Williams. He’s just too big and too athletic to keep off the field. I’ll be interested to see how he does with a bigger workload. Finally, I view Caden Durham and John Emery as situational pieces, at least to start the season.
Charles Hanagriff, Co-Host, Live at Lunch: I think that Josh Williams will lead the team in carries, and Kaleb Jackson will lead the team in rushing yards.
Hunt Palmer, Host, The Hunt Palmer Show: I think running the ball is the key to LSU’s season. It makes Garrett Nussmeier’s life easier and keeps your own defense off the field. I like Josh Williams and John Emery early in games and Kaleb Jackson late. That offensive line and a fresh Jackson, basically a Jeep wearing No. 28, after three quarters of playing defense? That’s a recipe for a bad time. Williams and Emery are better in the passing game. I’ll take Jackson as the closer.
Jacob Beck, Audio Producer, The Hunt Palmer Show: John Emery Jr. and Josh Williams lead the way with Kaleb Jackson filling in the gaps. Emery Jr. and Williams have ten years of experience between them and over 400 carries. They’ve gotten the bulk of work with the 1st team in fall practice, and I expect that to continue into the season. Kaleb Jackson showed flashes last season as a true freshman, and his ability to make plays with the ball in his hands should garner at least a few touches a game. It’s just a question of whether or not he’s improved enough as a blocker and pass-catcher to warrant more playing time.
Matt Moscona, Host, After Further Review: Brian Kelly has made it clear they plan to ride Josh Williams. They trust him and he should get a career-high number of carries in his sixth and final season. John Emery’s role should be exactly what it’s been: 3-5 touches per game. The wild card is Kaleb Jackson. He’s the guy nobody in the SEC knows today that they will by November. If he makes the most of his early opportunities, it will be impossible to keep him off the field.
Matthew Musso, Audio Producer, After Further Review: They will go into it with a by committee approach, and they should. They have a lot of great options that can be effective. I do want to see someone emerge as THE guy though. With the heavy emphasis on diversifying the run game there will be plenty of opportunity for that to happen. Can Josh Williams or Kaleb Jackson separate themselves?
