After LSU lured in another Top-10 recruiting class, two true freshmen have drawn more intrigue than any of the 23 total signees. 5-Star Cornerback DJ Pickett has become a key player the fanbase is drawn to due to the likelihood he'll be able to start as a Freshman as he's that talented. 5-Star running back Harlem Berry went wire to wire as the top running back in the class and LSU's struggles running the football make him a massive addition.
On Saturday, the LSU Football team hosted a Spring Open Practice in lieu of the Annual Spring Game as programs are concerned over the televised game leading to other teams poaching players in the transfer portal. Not involved in the practice was starting running back Caden Durham who was held out as a precaution with an ankle injury.
As Durham was sidelined it opened up reps for LSU's other running backs to prove themselves looking to get carries in 2025. Leaving the Spring, the true freshman Harlem Berry may leave the Spring with the most momentum in the room with a solid showing on the field.
Here's all the Harlem Berry runs I was able to capture at today's #LSU open practice.
— John Eads WAFB-TV (@JohnEadsWAFB) April 12, 2025
The freshman can be lethal in the flat and in open space.
Though Berry is only 5'10, 185 lbs, he seems to not stray away from running between the tackles. pic.twitter.com/Gndmpzp7pg
After the Spring Practice, Brian Kelly was asked about the 5-star freshman to which he gave Harlem Berry a glowing review.
"He’s a natural runner of the football, he sees things that you just don’t coach. The great backs have that natural, uncanny ability to see things on the move, and you just let it go. He’s got to be coached on protections, schemes, how to eat. He’s very receptive. He’s really good. I think he lives up to the billing of the best (prep) running back in the country because of his natural instincts. He’ll play for us as a freshman, yeah."Brian Kelly
The LSU Football team will need Harlem Berry to step up as a Freshman if LSU is going to vastly improve its rushing attack. The Tigers will need contributions from the entire room, especially if LSU goes on a deep run to the College Football Playoff to keep everyone fresh. Where Berry can have the biggest impact is as a receiver out of the backfield and running to the outside getting in space where he can make explosive plays.