Brian Kelly: John Emery has been 'fabulous' in meeting academic requirements

LSU head coach Brian Kelly shared some positive news about running back John Emery Jr., who was absent from practice on Thursday. Emery, who has been away from the team while he’s dealing with academic issues, is slated to be back with the team on Friday.

Emery’s absence on Thursday was not a surprise to many as he’d been away from the team since spring due to academic issues. However, Kelly said his absence on Thursday, specifically, is because he’s been on the straight and narrow and will be back with the team shortly.

“He had to finish up an internship today, a final — he’s in great shape,” Kelly said. “Thanks for asking the question. He has done everything. He has been fabulous to work with. We’re proud of his accomplishments and he’ll be with us tomorrow but he had to get an internship finished up today, finish that paperwork, get that turned in to the registrar’s office.”

Kelly added that Emery probably could’ve managed to handle wrapping up an internship tied to coursework before hustling over to make it to practice. But he and the coaching staff didn’t want to put that on him.

Knowing Emery would be at practice on Friday if he could get things taken care of on Thursday, Kelly gave him the day off to make sure everything is all squared away academically so Emery can go full bore on the football field.

“And instead of rushing out here with his shoes untied and kind of running on the field, we just said ‘Take care of it. You’ve gone this far and work this hard, get that taken care of.’ And that’s what he’s doing today,” Kelly said.

Emery missed spring practice while dealing with academics

The LSU football team concluded its spring practice and it did so without Emery, who was asked to focus on his academic work rather than gracing the gridiron.

“We have not ruled out John Emery for returning. I think I’ve made it pretty clear that John has a path back, but it’s one that is really dictated by what he does academically,” Kelly said. “So, look, we have not made any misleading statements. We love him. But we’re putting academics first and foremost, and he’s got to take care of that first.

Emery is quite the weapon when available.

In three seasons of work for the Tigers, Emery has logged 190 carries for 941 yards and 13 touchdowns. He’s also caught 33 passes for 262 yards and two touchdowns.

The Tigers will be looking to take the next step after a wildly successful first season under Kelly’s direction in 2022.

LSU won 10 games and won the SEC West, earning the right to take on eventual national champion Georgia in the SEC Championship Game. The Tigers return many of the players from last year’s squad that made it possible.