Brian Kelly explains why he isn't concerned about LSU's running back room

LSU‘s rushing attack was a key element of their offensive that helped guide them to an SEC Championship appearance under Brian Kelly in his first season as head coach. The Tigers reloaded in the backfield, returning their five leading rushers from a season ago. Which is why Kelly feels pretty confident in his running back room heading into the 2023 season.

“No I’m not concerned there, I think we’re gonna have really good depth, I think another year in the program for everybody understanding what we want from that position,” Kelly said.

Quarterback Jayden Daniels was an integral part of the Tigers’ run game last season, leading the team with 885 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground in 2022. But when his number wasn’t called, he was handing the ball to one of four running backs who averaged close to or above five yards per carry.

Josh Williams ended the year with 532 rushing yards to lead all Tiger running backs, but Noah Cain led the room with 10 touchdowns on the ground to go along with his 409 yards on the ground in his first season at LSU. And after serving a suspension and battling through some injuries last season, former five-star recruit John Emery is returning for a fifth season with the Tigers after rushing for 375 yards on 76 carries last season.

“I don’t know that there was gonna be one player that’s gonna be getting all the carries, but I think a number of those guys are going to contribute at a high level for us,” Kelly explained. “And I think when you look at LSU’s running backs you’re going to to say wow, they keep bringing in fresh backs throughout four quarters and that’s what makes them so difficult to defend.”

Will Williams lead all LSU running backs again this season? Or will Emery have the breakout season he’s been poised and due for? It sounds like Kelly doesn’t know, and frankly doesn’t care, as he plans on utilizing as many ball carries as he can through games and the season next year to give defenses fits.

The Tigers rushing attack will be on display for the first time this upcoming season on September 3 when they take on Florida State in their season-opening matchup from the year before.