John Emery Jr. carved out a notable career as a running back for the LSU Tigers, marked by flashes of brilliance, significant contributions, and unfortunately, setbacks due to injuries. A member of the 2019 national championship team, Emery Jr.’s journey with LSU spanned six seasons, showcasing his talent and resilience despite facing adversity. This article delves into the career of John Emery Jr., highlighting his key moments, statistics, and overall impact on the LSU football program.
Emery Jr.’s LSU career encompassed 38 game appearances, with 5 starts, amassing 1,123 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns, alongside 37 receptions for 328 yards and 2 touchdowns. While injuries curtailed his 2023 and 2024 seasons, his peak performance arrived in 2022 when he rushed for 375 yards and 6 touchdowns, and added 13 catches for 129 yards and 2 touchdowns. He graduated from LSU in May 2024 with a degree in interdisciplinary studies, marking the culmination of his academic and athletic pursuits in Baton Rouge.
Early Years and the 2019 National Championship Triumph
Joining the LSU Tigers as a highly-touted five-star recruit in 2019, John Emery Jr. immediately stepped into a program on the cusp of greatness. As a true freshman, he participated in 10 games, contributing to the undefeated season that culminated in the national championship victory. During this initial year, Emery Jr. provided glimpses of his potential, rushing for 188 yards and four touchdowns. Memorable moments included a 39-yard touchdown run against Arkansas and a touchdown against Oklahoma in the College Football Playoff. While playing a supporting role in a stacked offense, this season provided invaluable experience and a national championship ring early in his college career.
Solidifying Role and Sophomore Success (2020)
In his sophomore season of 2020, John Emery Jr. took on a more prominent role in the LSU offense. Appearing in nine games and starting three, he became the team’s second-leading rusher with 378 yards and three touchdowns. He also led all running backs in receiving, demonstrating his versatility. A standout performance against Vanderbilt saw him rush for 103 yards and a touchdown, marking his only 100-yard game. Additionally, he showcased his explosiveness with a 54-yard touchdown run against Alabama. This season underscored his ability to be a key offensive weapon for the Tigers.
Setback and Resurgence (2021-2022)
The 2021 season was unfortunately lost due to not playing, but John Emery Jr. returned in 2022 with renewed vigor, marking his senior season with significant impact. He played in 11 games, starting twice, and enjoyed his most productive year. Rushing for 375 yards and 6 touchdowns, and catching 13 passes for 129 yards and 2 touchdowns, Emery Jr. became a consistent contributor. He achieved a career-high with 3 rushing touchdowns against Texas A&M, including a crucial game-winning touchdown against Auburn. He also recorded his first career receiving touchdowns, one against Florida and another against Alabama, showcasing his all-around offensive skillset. His Citrus Bowl performance against Purdue, featuring 47 rushing yards and a touchdown, capped off a successful comeback season.
Injury-Plagued Final Seasons (2023-2024)
Hopes were high for John Emery Jr. in his fifth and sixth years, but unfortunately, injuries significantly hampered his final two seasons. In 2023, he played in 7 games before a season-ending injury against Florida cut his year short. Despite the limited playtime, he contributed 121 rushing yards and a touchdown, including a season-high 42 yards and a touchdown against Auburn, and a career-long 49-yard reception in the same game. Returning for a super senior season in 2024, another knee injury in preseason practice tragically ended his playing career after just one game. In his final appearance, he led the team with 61 rushing yards, demonstrating the talent that injuries repeatedly interrupted.
High School Pedigree and Recruitment
Before his LSU career, John Emery Jr. was a standout high school player and one of the nation’s most sought-after running back prospects. Rated as a five-star recruit and the top running back in Louisiana, he was highly recruited. His senior year at high school saw him rush for 1,693 yards and 26 touchdowns, leading his team to the state semifinals. This impressive high school resume set the stage for his arrival at LSU with considerable expectations.
John Emery Jr. Career Highlights and Statistics
- 2019 National Champion
- 1,123 career rushing yards
- 14 career rushing touchdowns
- 37 career receptions
- 328 career receiving yards
- 2 career receiving touchdowns
- Career-high 103 rushing yards vs Vanderbilt (2020)
- Career-high 3 rushing touchdowns vs Texas A&M (2022)
- Career-long 54-yard rush vs Alabama (2020)
- Career-long 49-yard reception vs Auburn (2023)
Conclusion
John Emery Jr.’s career at LSU was a journey of high expectations, significant contributions, and resilience in the face of adversity. From being part of a national championship team as a freshman to showcasing his diverse skillset in later seasons, Emery Jr. left his mark on the LSU program. While injuries prevented him from reaching his full potential in his final years, his talent and dedication are undeniable. John Emery Jr. will be remembered by LSU fans for his exciting plays, his commitment to the Tigers, and his perseverance throughout his college football career.
