Brian Kelly revealed that LSU running back John Emery will be away from the team during spring practice.

Emery will use the time away from the team to focus on getting his academics in order during the spring semester. As spring practice opened up at LSU, several players were absent for different reasons. Kelly addressed Emery’s absence and noted Emery’s primary focus in the spring.

“He’s got some marks that he has to hit from an academic standpoint,” Kelly said.

While it is unclear what Emery needs to focus on academically, he will take time to reach certain benchmarks in the classroom during this semester. Emery chose to return to LSU for his 5th season. Emery had an opportunity to enter his name into the 2023 NFL Draft, but he opted to use his final year of eligibility at LSU.

When he returns to the program, LSU will insert Emery in the backfield. He is coming off of a 2022 season where he rushed for 375 yards and 6 touchdowns in 11 games. Last season was his 1st season back after he was suspended for the entire 2021 season. His suspension in 2021 was due to academic issues. Emery also missed the 1st two games in 2022 as a result of his academic issues from 2021.

Emery will be an important part of LSU’s offense in 2023.