LSU RB John Emery Rejoins The Tigers After Reaching Academic Requirements

LSU running back John Emery has returned to the practice field for the Tigers after making his debut on Friday.

Emery, who has been absent from offseason training due to academics, has rejoined the program for the 2023 season after being cleared.

LSU Head Coach Brian Kelly discussed Emery’s status during SEC Media Days as the senior back jumped the final hurdles before being cleared to get back to the field.

“He is in the process of being cleared. I think we’ve got another thing we have to get through, but I feel really good that it's imminent and he’s going to be with us when camp starts,” Kelly said.

Emery missed all of spring camp as he got his schoolwork in check, and after a rollercoaster offseason, he joins a loaded LSU backfield this season.

The decision to focus on academics was a decision Coach Kelly and Emery’s family came to during the offseason as Emery focuses on getting his degree from LSU.

“That was the deal with John [Emery] when talking with his family,” Kelly said during spring ball. “If his primary focus was academics and taking care of his degree then we would have a conversation about football. So right now his focus is 100% on that.”

Now, he returns to the practice field for the Tigers as he locks in on his final season in Baton Rouge. Emery’s story has been complicated, but now the Louisiana native looks to make an impact for a program looking to take that next step.