Brian Kelly provides significant update on Josh Williams, Jarrick Bernard-Converse

IMG_0985by:Griffin McVeigh•12/01/22•

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LSU ended the regular season on a damper note, dropping a game against Texas A&M on the road. Not a game many expected Brian Kelly to drop, some of the momentum was halted Saturday night in Kyle Field. Luckily it’s a quick turnaround for the Tigers in the SEC Championship against Georgia.

To get back on the right track, LSU will want to get back to full health. Kelly provided a couple of injury updates on Thursday, beginning with Josh Williams. The running back has been dealing with a knee problem but Kelly seems confident in his progress.

“Yeah, I was really pleased with Josh yesterday. I think he looked like himself finally. This is an injury that takes some time because of the way he runs. He’s such a physical runner. He plays so hard. His physical exertion and effort is one where he’s not a guy that’s going to go at less than 100%.

“I think yesterday was really the first time where I felt like, Okay, we’ve got Josh back to where he needs to be, to be confident and effective.”

In 10 games played this season, Williams has rushed for 477 yards and six touchdowns on 91 carries. LSU does have a stacked running back room but adding Williams back into the equation against a tough Georgia defensive front would be a positive development.

Jarrick Bernard-Converse good to go per Brian Kelly

Cornerback Jarrick Bernard-Converse was the other player discussed by Kelly, who suffered a concussion. The LSU head coach said he has cleared protocol and is going to play an “important role” against the Bulldogs.

“Jarrick was cleared through our concussion protocol,” said Kelly. “He is obviously going to play an important role for us, as well.”

Bernard-Converse did not play in the season finale against Texas A&M, last appearing in Baton Rouge against UAB. He transferred into the program from Oklahoma State and instantly made an impact in the secondary for LSU.

Eleven appearances have led to 35 tackles, an interception (against Alabama), and four passes defended. If LSU is going to have any kind of chance of pulling off the upset against Georgia, Bernard-Converse will have to be a huge reason why defending against the passing attack.