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LSU running back John Emery will be “unavailable” for the season-opener against Florida State on Sunday.
Head coach Brian Kelly shared that news on Wednesday morning.
John Emery is "unavailable" to play against Florida State, Brian Kelly said. #LSU will lean on Logan Diggs, Josh Williams and Noah Cain at running back.
— Wilson Alexander (@whalexander_) August 30, 2023
Emery was not expected to start for the Tigers, but he could have played a role in the game plan if available. Last season, Emery rushed for 375 yards and 6 touchdowns. He also caught 13 passes for 129 yards and 2 more scores in 2022.
Kelly did not specify why Emery will be unavailable. Emery has reportedly dealt with academic issues this offseason. He was away from the team for much of the spring and summer. He was also suspended for the first 2 games of the 2022 season and the entire 2021 campaign for academic reasons.
With Emery out, LSU still has a deep stable of running backs. That room is led by Logan Diggs, Josh Williams and Noah Cain.
Williams and Cain are both returning contributors for LSU. They rushed for 532 yards and 409 yards, respectively, in 2022. Diggs arrived this offseason after transferring from Notre Dame. He rushed for 822 yards and 4 touchdowns last season with the Fighting Irish.
LSU is preparing to face No. 8 Florida State on Sunday in Orlando. Last season, the Noles defeated LSU 24-23 in New Orleans.
Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. ET on Sunday.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
