Good news for LSU Tiger:he is back

What does each running back contribute to the team as LSU enters a deep running back rotation for 2023?
When the LSU Tigers prepare to play Florida State in their 2023 season opener, all eyes will be on the formidable backfield that head coach Brian Kelly assembled during the offseason.

For the Bayou Bengals, the passing game is the foundation of stability as they welcome back veteran quarterback Jayden Daniels for his senior season. For LSU, though, success might depend on their running strategy.

There are eight scholarship running backs available to the Tigers in the locker room this year, and there will be a significant player rotation all through the season.

Noah Cain, a senior who is back, is the foundation of the Tigers’ running back strength. Kelly may use Cain, who transferred from Penn State the previous season, as his primary running back.

Cain is a trustworthy returner, but suspicions might grow. Cain had a history of injuries while playing for Penn State. At the start of his sophomore year, he sustained a leg injury that ended his season.

Many people think Cain never achieved the same level of success as his freshman year after his injury.Last season, he was the Tigers’ most dependable option and the team leader in rushing touchdowns. He can be a reliable option for the Tigers in the event of an injury.

When he returns for his senior season, John Emery Jr. might prove to be a valuable asset for the Tigers. With his strength and downhill running, he has demonstrated great potential. He is also known for his explosive plays, which have the ability to leave an impression.

Emery establishes himself physically and with his ability to shoot through gaps, but he has trouble receiving and generating opportunities when there are gaps in the defense.

But given his history of off-field difficulties, receiving is by no means his biggest problem.

Emery’s tenure in Baton Rouge has been marred by controversy because he was suspended for the entirety of the 2021 season and the first two games of the 2022 season due to academic ineligibility.

Kelly reports that Emery won’t play in the season opener against No. 8 Florida State and won’t be available until Week 3. Given Emery’s past off-field problems, the veteran may find it difficult to play in the backfield rotation if additional problems crop up.

Kelly does have additional options for going back, though. Another member of the rotation is graduate student Josh Williams and junior Armoni Goodwin, but both have struggled with injuries during the offseason.

Regardless of his injuries, Williams will give the Tigers much-needed leadership in the locker room. Trey Holly and Kaleb Jackson, two incoming freshmen, will benefit from Williams’ experience in Baton Rouge, as he led the Tigers in rushing yards the previous season.

Williams gives the Tigers the consistency they need. Williams was a walk-on when he first joined LSU, but since 2019, he has been a dependable option. The younger players can look up to him because of his responsibility and focus; he is the best role model.

Williams will be a leader in the locker room in addition to being a crucial third down option for the team.

Jackson, a native of Baton Rouge, is one of the top candidates to enter Kelly’s starting lineup. The true freshman has the potential to be the all-around back the Tigers have been lacking because he provides the speed and inventiveness that the team’s current backfield lacks.

Jackson impressed coaches and scouts at LSU’s fall camp, demonstrating his ability to succeed in the transition to collegiate football. His adroit running and remarkable vision demonstrated his talent. Jackson has already established himself as a tackle breaker, and thus far, he has lived up to the expectations.

Because of his versatility, Jackson has the chance to develop into Kelly’s all-around running back and turn into a valuable player for the Tigers this season.

The Tiger backfield is not without good news, though. The reason for Kelly’s optimism stems from Notre Dame, where Logan Diggs, a native of Louisiana, was transferred.

All eyes are on Diggs, who played for Kelly before joining the Fighting Irish as a freshman in 2021.

Diggs is well known for his versatility in the backfield, serving as both a vital pass blocker and a reliable receiving back. Diggs has established a strong relationship with Daniels and shown he can operate well in a balanced offense with more than 200 receiving yards at Notre Dame.

Talent won’t be a problem for the Tigers against Florida State in the season opener. As the season goes on, injuries and off-field problems may become crucial, but LSU’s current eight-man backfield has a lot of potential.