Brian Kelly updates where John Emery stands in the LSU pecking order moving forward

LSU will have much closer to a full complement of running backs this weekend, in part thanks to the return of veteran John Emery this week.

Emery missed the team’s first two games for undisclosed reasons, limiting LSU. The Tigers were also dealing with some injuries at the position, but Emery’s return should provide an instant pop in the backfield.

“I don’t think he’s going to be limited by a conditioning element, like we had with Maason (Smith),” coach Brian Kelly said. “So we feel like he’s ready to play and should be able to impact the game.”

Kelly praised his senior running back, who has a history of being productive in the LSU backfield. In three seasons, Emery has recorded 941 yards rushing and 13 touchdowns. He’s also racked up 262 yards receiving and two more scores.

Above and beyond his physical ability, Kelly has seen some real maturation from Emery on the mental side of things.

“He’s in a much better place than he was last year at this time,” Kelly said. “Physically, mentally. I wouldn’t say that there’s any comparison to the John Emery from last year to the John Emery this year. He was on scout team for the last, you know, three weeks. He’s physically fit. He’s a plug-and-play guy. I think he’s going to get as many carries as anybody would be in this situation where you have a deep and talented room.”

Logan Diggs also getting going for LSU

In addition to John Emery returning this weekend, the Tigers also debuted Logan Diggs last weekend. A Notre Dame transfer, he figures to slot right into the rotation.

“We knew what we were getting with Logan,” Kelly said. “He played for me at Notre Dame and I knew what we were going to get from him. It was just a matter of getting him healthy. We weren’t going to play him unless he felt really good. He felt good and he had a good week of practice.”

The Notre Dame transfer made his LSU debut and did not disappoint, going for 115 yards and a touchdown. In addition to his rushing total, which came on just 15 carries, Diggs also contributed a catch for 18 yards. He’s got the ability to be a staple in the LSU backfield.

While at Notre Dame, Diggs racked up 1,050 yards and seven touchdowns across two seasons. He also added 267 yards receiving and three touchdowns.

Kelly’s obviously familiar with his work.

“You’ve got to prepare the right way. He prepared the right way,” Kelly said. “He was ready to play and I think we saw the kind of back that is going to help us.”