Coach O says LSU running back 'ready to go' once he's cleared by NCAA

LSU fans could see running back John Emery back on the field soon, according to head coach Ed Orgeron. Emery is currently ineligible due to his academic standing.

“He’s been practicing, he’s ready to go,” Orgeron said Wednesday on the SEC coaches teleconference. “He’s been working just like everybody else – he took some first-team reps because we were short on running backs yesterday. So as soon as they tell us he’s cleared, he’s going to play.”

Last season, Emery made ten appearances, starting three games for the Tigers. Emery rushed for 378 yards on 75 carries and caught 14 passes for 73 yards.

Emery’s eligibility status up for second review

The NCAA is reviewing John Emery’s status again this week. According to his lawyer, Don Jackson, we could know the outcome as soon as Thursday or Friday.

WFAB reporter Jacques Doucet shared an update from Emery’s attorney, Don Jackson, on Twitter Wednesday morning:

“All documentation has been submitted. It is my understanding that Mr. Emery’s case is docketed for a review tomorrow (Thursday). We hope to have a decision either tomorrow or Friday.”

Emery has already filed one appeal to the NCAA, which was denied, but Jackson has submitted new information.

The Alabama-based attorney told Doucet on Sept. 18 that the Destrehan, Louisiana, native has been through “the worst circumstances imaginable” over the past year.

“At the onset of the virus, (Emery’s) stepfather tested positive for COVID, and as a result of the virus he had two strokes,” Jackson said. “His grandmother died in the last year, year and a half. All of these things came together at one time and impacted his ability to focus on his academics.”