Ed Orgeron updates status of LSU running back John Emery

LSU running back John Emery is still fighting to maintain his eligibility for the remainder of the 2021 season. Emery was declared ineligible a couple of weeks ago due to academic issues, but he has since begun seeking reconsideration. LSU head coach Ed Orgeron updated Emery’s status on Thursday.

“Have not [heard anything] yet,” Orgeron said to reporters. “I know there’s some stuff going on. Their lawyers are handling that. When they’re going to meet on it, I’m not sure. I heard rumors that would be today but we haven’t heard anything so I don’t know.”

LSU’s rushing attack has struggled without Emery

LSU rushed for just 49 yards on 25 carries in its season opening loss to UCLA. In week two, LSU averaged just 3.5 yards per carry. Last week, Corey Kiner had a nice day with 74 yards and a touchdown, but the team rushed for just 84 yards on 24 carries.

When Orgeron originally said that Emery was ineligible, the expectation was that would be the case for the remainder of the season. With Emery seeking reconsideration, Orgeron said that if his status changes, Emery will be welcomed back to the field.

“Right now, he’s unavailable,” Orgeron said. “Now, things can change. If they do change, we’ll play him. Could they change? Yeah. But that’s out of my control.”

In two seasons at LSU, Emery has 566 yards on 114 rushing attempts with seven touchdowns, averaging five yards per carry. He sat behind Clyde Edwards-Helaire, now with the Kansas City Chiefs, on LSU’s depth chart during the Tigers’ 2019 National Championship run. Emery is a former five-star prospect coming out of high school. He rushed for 1,693 yards and 26 touchdowns as a senior at Destrehan High School in Louisiana.

LSU is still awaiting word on Kevontre Bradford

Running back Kevontre Bradford has been expected to be eligible to return for multiple weeks now for LSU, but it has not yet happened. Bradford began his collegiate career with the Tigers last season. He transferred to Oklahoma in June, but in August he re-entered the NCAA Transfer Portal and found his way back to Baton Rouge. Orgeron expected Bradford to return in Week 3 against Central Michigan, but he was inactive for the game.

Bradford appeared in five games last season and rushed 10 times for 58 yards with a touchdown catch. LSU quarterback Max Johnson is excited to see Bradford return to the mix in the running back room.

“I think he’s a great runner, he sees the holes,” Johnson said of Bradford. “He’s actually a really good pass catcher as well. I think he brings great energy.”

LSU has seen inconsistencies on offense this season, but the lack of continuity in the running back room is a big part of it. Emery is a very talented back, but he has yet to see the field for LSU this year. Bradford is a dynamic back that could add another element to the offense. Getting Emery and Bradford back would be a big boost for LSU at this point in the season.