LSU Football: State of the Running Back Room, John Emery Returns

Brian Kelly and the Tigers continue searching for that picturesque offensive attack, and after hitting their stride in the run game against Grambling, we could see this program carry its momentum on the ground in SEC play.

It all starts against Mississippi State in Week 3 and all eyes will be on Notre Dame transfer Logan Diggs. After rushing for 115 yards on 15 carries with a touchdown, the first-year Tiger has the chance to take control of the running back room.

Along with Diggs, we could see true freshman Kaleb Jackson begin to carry a major workload against the Bulldogs. It’s clear the attention he’s received over the last few weeks and it’s for good reason. The youngster continues growing as a player.

The State of the Running Back Room:

Logan Diggs

Diggs has the chance to become the stable back in this running back room. Kelly and Co. have been searching for that one player to take control, and with Diggs back and healthy, he could solve questions surrounding this position group.

A player who has the ability to be a versatile piece to the offense, Diggs can both catch the ball out of the backfield while being a powerful downhill runner. 

We saw him shine against Grambling, and despite it being an inferior opponent, there was much to like about the junior back.

Kaleb Jackson

Jackson has emerged as a critical piece to this program. He’s handling kick return duties while carving a role in the running back room as well. 

A physical speedster with the ball in his hands, he plays well above his age and it’ll be key to watch his usage this week against Mississippi State.

The true freshman rushed for 62 yards and two touchdowns in the Tigers’ Week 2 victory, but continuing to trend in the right direction is of the utmost importance.

“I think he’s made really good progress. He played quite a bit in week two as a true freshman. He will play this week as well against an SEC opponent so I think it’s steady progress,” Kelly said Wednesday. “Again in a very crowded room so I think that speaks volumes of what he’s been able to do. He’s serving us well as a kickoff return player. I think he’s made a very large impact immediately on this program.”

Josh Williams and Noah Cain

Josh Williams and Noah Cain will continue serving as reliable backs for this program. A pair of Tigers who have been consistent from a production perspective when thrown on the field, Kelly speaks highly of his veterans.

Cain handled RB1 duties during Fall Camp with both Williams and Diggs battling the injury bug, and moving forward, the two “old heads” will be utilized in a variety of ways this season.

Look for the two to take reps this weekend against the Bulldogs and become reliable in their production in a crowded running back room.

John Emery Returns

LSU running back John Emery was unavailable for Week 1 and Week 2, but with SEC play arriving, Emery will be suited up on Saturday morning against Mississippi State.

“Physically and mentally, there’s no comparison to the John Emery from this year to the John Emery last year,” Kelly said on Wednesday’s SEC teleconference. “He’s a plug and play guy. 

"I think he’s going to get as many carries as anybody would in this situation. He’s ready to play and should be able to impact the game.”