Previewing LSU Football's Running Back Room heading into the 2024-25 Season
Heading into the season, the hardest thing for LSU to replace from 2023 was the rushing production that Jayden Daniels gave the team. Daniels' ability masked an underwhelming rushing attack from the rest of the team allowing the Tigers to keep teams off-balance. Now with Garrett Nussmeier under center, the four running backs still on the team will have to step up if LSU wants to make the College Football Playoff. The group lacks starting experience and a true bell-cow back but, the talent is undeniable.
The Starters:
Josh Williams - Graduate
The LSU Football team has two players still on the roster from the 2019 National Championship team both of which are in the running back room. Williams has been a solid piece over the past four seasons but, this year he'll be leaned upon to lead the team in rushing. Last season, Williams rushed for 284 yards and 5 touchdowns on 55 carries. One of the aspects of Williams game that makes him so valuable is his skill as a pass blocker.
Look at this block from Josh Williams. Just one of many that helped get Jayden Daniels loose last night. https://t.co/jjjVmzZnZZ pic.twitter.com/GnOUeBsOTs
— Glen West (@glenwest21) November 12, 2023
His ability as a receiver also gives LSU a lot to be excited about as he scored via the ground and air against Auburn. Overall, LSU would love more consistency but, Williams should certainly take the next step this season.
Kaleb Jackson - Sophmore
As a True Freshman, Jackson was able to get some very valuable experience at running back with LSU's injuries as he saw time in all but, two games. Jackson finished the season with 165 yards and 4 touchdowns while adding another 53 yards receiving. The bruising style in which Jackson runs will be massive for LSU in 2024 as the Tigers have a ton of rushing production to replace. If LSU can get more runs like the one Jackson had against Mississippi State than LSU will be perfectly fine in the running back room.
The hit that had the whole country talking @Kaleb_TheGreat ⅹ @_fournette pic.twitter.com/RNTnxPhvi1
— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) September 18, 2023
The Rotational Players:
Caden Durham - Freshman
As a true freshman, Caden Durham will be an important piece of the offense and gives LSU fans a lot to be excited about. Durham comes to LSU after dominating at Duncanville leading the team to a state championship with three touchdowns alongside top recruits Dakorien Moore and Keelon Russell. As a recruit, Durham was the fifth-ranked running back in the class and the 103rd-best player overall.
The LSU Football team is getting elite speed with Caden Durham when he's on the field. This season will allow Durham the opportunity to gain key experience while he's going to be a massive piece of the offense in 2025.
John Emery Jr - Redshirt Senior
The LSU Football team got much-needed depth back in the running back room when John Emery Jr returned to LSU after entering the transfer portal in the Spring. Despite being with LSU for five seasons Emery has started just five games as injuries have hampered his career.
As the LSU running back room is filled with younger running backs, the experience of Emery Jr will be massive for this team. Emery Jr is an exceptional pass protector something that will be very valuable with a pocket passer like Garrett Nussmeier at quarterback. Getting Emery back on campus won't be the X Factor that makes LSU a National Championship team but, it gives the team much needed depth rather than heading into the season with three running backs.
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