**LSU Tigers Running Back John Emery Jr. Set to Make a Return to College Football for 2025 Season**
The LSU Tigers’ football program has seen its fair share of ups and downs over the years, but one constant has been the team’s ability to produce high-caliber running backs who can make a significant impact. As the 2025 college football season approaches, one name that has fans and analysts alike buzzing is John Emery Jr. After a series of setbacks, including suspensions and injuries that have hindered his college career, Emery is set to make his long-awaited return to the gridiron, and his presence on the field could be a game-changer for LSU.
Emery, a former five-star recruit from Destrehan, Louisiana, was once considered one of the top running back prospects in the country. His combination of speed, agility, and vision made him a sought-after recruit, and many saw him as a potential future star in the SEC. However, his time at LSU has been marked by frustrating hurdles that have kept him from reaching his full potential. Now, with the 2025 season just around the corner, Emery is set to rejoin the Tigers and look to make an impact in a critical season for LSU football.
This article will explore Emery’s journey, the challenges he has faced, his potential impact on the LSU Tigers in 2025, and how his return might shape the team’s outlook for the upcoming season.
### **A Glimpse of the Past: John Emery Jr.’s Recruiting Journey**
John Emery Jr.’s rise to prominence began long before he stepped foot on LSU’s campus. A product of Destrehan High School, Emery was a star from the moment he hit the field, earning recognition as one of the top running backs in the 2019 recruiting class. His combination of breakaway speed, elite vision, and ability to make defenders miss in the open field made him one of the most coveted prospects in the country. At the time, Emery was considered one of the top players in Louisiana, a state known for producing high-quality football talent.
Emery’s high school career was highlighted by impressive numbers, with over 2,000 rushing yards and 30 touchdowns in his senior year alone. His ability to dominate at the prep level led many to believe that he would be able to make an immediate impact in college football. LSU, looking to build on its national championship-winning team in 2019, was more than eager to bring him on board.
His commitment to LSU was seen as a big win for the program, as the Tigers were looking to reload at running back after losing star ball carriers like Clyde Edwards-Helaire to the NFL. With a roster that already featured a wealth of talent, Emery’s addition to the team was expected to provide a significant boost to LSU’s backfield. The future appeared to be bright for both Emery and the Tigers, and he was poised to become the next great running back in LSU’s storied history.
### **Early Years at LSU: Potential Meets Frustration**
When Emery first arrived at LSU, the excitement surrounding his potential was palpable. His athleticism and skill set immediately caught the attention of the coaching staff, and he began to show flashes of the greatness that had been expected of him. However, his early years in Baton Rouge would not unfold as smoothly as many had hoped.
Emery’s freshman year in 2019 showed promise, but he was largely used in a secondary role behind senior Clyde Edwards-Helaire. While Edwards-Helaire became the centerpiece of LSU’s offense, Emery still managed to showcase his talent when given the chance. He ran for 378 yards and 3 touchdowns on 75 carries, averaging 5.0 yards per carry. He also added 3 receptions for 17 yards. While these numbers weren’t overwhelming, they gave fans a glimpse of what Emery could potentially do when he became the focal point of LSU’s backfield.
However, in the following years, Emery’s career took an unexpected turn. The 2020 season, which was marred by the COVID-19 pandemic, was a year of inconsistency for Emery. Though he showed flashes of brilliance, he struggled to stay on the field due to off-field issues, including academic concerns and suspensions. These setbacks prevented him from seizing the starting role and fully developing as a player.
Despite these challenges, Emery still showed promise when given opportunities. In his sophomore season, he rushed for 378 yards and 3 touchdowns on 75 carries, averaging 5.0 yards per carry. His performances, especially in key games, gave fans hope that he could eventually break through. Yet, it was clear that his path to success would not be a straightforward one.
### **The 2022 Season: Another Setback and Uncertainty**
By the time the 2022 season rolled around, Emery’s career at LSU had been marked by more questions than answers. After a promising freshman year, the expectation was that he would become a focal point of the LSU offense in 2022. However, the running back room became crowded, with talented players like Tyrion Davis-Price, Kiner, and even former five-star recruit Armoni Goodwin vying for playing time.
Emery’s season was also derailed by another suspension, and he once again found himself on the sidelines for a significant portion of the year. This left LSU with a hole in their backfield, and the team had to lean on a rotation of running backs to fill the gap. While players like Kiner and Goodwin flashed their abilities, LSU’s inability to establish consistent running back play was a major concern in 2022.
Despite the frustrations surrounding his situation, Emery remained a highly talented player. When he was on the field, he showed glimpses of his potential with his explosive speed and ability to make defenders miss in tight spaces. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield and make plays in the open field also gave LSU an added dimension. However, his struggles with staying on the field and his inconsistency kept him from taking the next step in his development.
By the end of the 2022 season, it was unclear what the future held for Emery at LSU. The running back room was crowded, and LSU had a new head coach in Brian Kelly, who would be looking to shape the team’s future. Fans and analysts alike wondered if Emery’s time in Baton Rouge had come to an end, or if he would have one last opportunity to live up to his potential.
### **The Return: What Can John Emery Jr. Bring to LSU in 2025?**
As LSU heads into the 2025 season, there is renewed optimism surrounding John Emery Jr. and his potential to contribute to the team’s success. The news of his return to college football has brought a sense of excitement to LSU fans, many of whom are hopeful that the talented running back can finally put his off-field issues behind him and take the next step in his career.
Emery’s return comes at a crucial time for LSU, as the team is looking to build on the momentum of a strong 2024 campaign. The Tigers have a talented roster, and the return of a dynamic player like Emery could be a key factor in their ability to compete for an SEC title and a spot in the College Football Playoff.
#### **1. Physical Tools and Skills**
At his best, John Emery Jr. is a dynamic playmaker who has the potential to be one of the best running backs in the SEC. His combination of speed, agility, and vision make him a dangerous weapon both between the tackles and on the outside. He has the ability to hit the home run on any given play, and his skill set allows him to contribute in both the running and passing games.
Emery’s explosiveness is what sets him apart from other running backs. He can change direction on a dime, making defenders miss in the open field and breaking away for long runs. His speed is elite, and when he’s healthy and playing with confidence, he can be a game-changer. Additionally, his ability to catch passes out of the backfield adds another dimension to LSU’s offense, making him a versatile threat for opposing defenses.
In the 2025 season, LSU will be looking for Emery to finally put it all together and take advantage of his immense talent. With the coaching staff fully invested in his development, there is hope that Emery can return to the form that made him one of the top recruits in the nation.
#### **2. A Crowded Running Back Room**
While Emery’s return is exciting, it’s important to note that LSU’s running back room will be crowded in 2025. The Tigers have a wealth of talent in the backfield, and Emery will have to compete with other players who have proven themselves in previous seasons. Armoni Goodwin, who has shown flashes of brilliance, will likely be one of the top competitors for the starting job. Other players, such as Josh Williams and Noah Cain, have also made an impact in the past and will be vying for playing time.
The competition in the running back room will be fierce, and Emery will need to prove that he can stay healthy, consistent, and effective to earn the starting role. However, if he can regain his form and stay on the field, he has the talent to be the lead back for LSU and take the pressure off quarterback Jayden Daniels as the Tigers look to compete for an SEC championship.
#### **3. Leadership and Experience**
Beyond his physical talents, Emery’s experience and leadership could play a crucial role in LSU’s success in 2025. As one of the more experienced players in the running back room, Emery can provide guidance to the younger players and help develop a sense of cohesion within the unit. His presence on the field could also have a positive impact on the overall morale of the team, as his return signifies resilience and determination after years of adversity.
#### **4. Impact on LSU’s Offensive Scheme**
With Emery in the backfield, LSU’s offensive scheme could become even more dynamic. The Tigers already have an explosive offense led by quarterback Jayden Daniels, and the addition of a talented running back like Emery could open up additional opportunities for big plays. The running game, which will need to complement the passing game, will be vital to LSU’s success in the SEC, and Emery can help provide that balance.
### **Conclusion: A Fresh Start for John Emery Jr.**
John Emery Jr.’s return to college football in 2025 is a moment of redemption, both for him personally and for the LSU Tigers. After years of challenges and setbacks, Emery has the opportunity to finally fulfill his potential and become the impact player that many believed he could be when he first arrived at LSU.
For LSU, Emery’s return could be a game-changer, adding depth, speed, and versatility to their offense. With a crowded running back room, Emery will need to prove that he can be consistent and stay healthy, but his physical tools and experience make him a valuable asset for the Tigers moving forward.
As LSU enters the 2025 season with high expectations, John Emery Jr.’s journey serves as a reminder that the road to success is rarely linear. For Emery, this is his chance to write the final chapter of his college football career, and for LSU, it’s an opportunity to take their offense to the next level. If everything falls into place, Emery could play a key role in helping the Tigers chase their SEC and national championship dreams.
