Brian Kelly announces LSU RB John Emery is 'unavailable' vs. FSU

On3-Social-Profile_GRAYby:On3 Staff Report•08/30/23
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LSU will be without top running back John Emery for its season opener against Florida State, coach Brian Kelly revealed on an SEC teleconference call on Wednesday.

Kelly didn’t provide much information, simply unveiling Emery’s status for the game.

“Unavailable,” Kelly said.

Emery ran for 375 yards and six touchdowns a year ago, while also catching 13 passes for 129 yards and two touchdowns. He was one of a handful of backs the Tigers feel comfortable with, but his status has been unclear for a while now.

The veteran running back missed some team activities this offseason and missed all of spring ball as he focused on academics.

Kelly had previously provided an update at SEC Media Days in July.

“He is in the process of being cleared,” Kelly said. “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.”

In his career, Emery has logged 190 carries for 941 yards and 13 touchdowns. He has also caught 33 passes for 262 yards and two touchdowns.

Assessing the impact of Maason Smith’s absence

John Emery won’t be the only player unavailable for LSU in the season opener. Star defensive tackle Maason Smith will also have to sit out while serving a one-game suspension handed down by the NCAA over impermissible benefits.

On3’s Jesse Simonton evaluated what the lack of Smith will mean for LSU in the game in his Ask Jesse mailbag on Thursday.

“As for his impact, Smith is a freak and has ‘best player in the SEC’ upside, but he’s coming off an ACL injury, has been dinged up throughout LSU’s fall camp and probably wasn’t going to play 40-50 snaps. The line didn’t budge after the news dropped last week. LSU remains a 2.5-point favorite. 

“If this were Harold Perkins Jr. or Malik Nabers, it would be a much bigger deal. If this were later in the season, Smith’s impact (or lack thereof) would likely be felt more, too. So the Seminoles are catching a small break, but considering Smith’s current health and previous production (13 career tackles), let’s not make this a bigger deal than it really is.”

LSU and Florida State will meet at 7:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, with a national broadcast set for ABC.