LSU running back John Emery Jr. has been ruled academically ineligible this season, head coach Ed Orgeron said Monday, according to The Athletic's Brody Miller.
The junior was expected to have a significant role in LSU's backfield. Emery rushed for 378 yards and three touchdowns in 2020, averaging 5 yards per carry. He also added six receptions for 60 yards.
He didn't play a snap for the Tigers in their first two contests of the season. In his absence, Tyrion Davis-Price has struggled as the featured runner, rushing for 67 yards on 21 carries.
But with Emery sidelined for the rest of the season, help appears to be on the way for LSU.
Orgeron revealed that Tre Bradford should be eligible to compete this week after rejoining the team prior to the opening game. Bradford initially transferred after his freshman campaign with the Tigers, joining Oklahoma this offseason. However, the former four-star recruit opted to return to Baton Rouge ahead of the 2021 campaign.
LSU will attempt to spark its ground game when it hosts Central Michigan on Saturday.
