LSU Fall Camp Evaluations: The Running Backs
Brian Kelly and the LSU Tigers have an embarrassment of riches in the running back room this season.
With eight scholarship backs, this program has a myriad of weapons, but remaining healthy is key.
The Tigers saw Josh Williams, Logan Diggs and Armoni Goodwin miss significant time during preseason practice, and heading into the 2023 season, it’s imperative this unit gets its health in check.
How did this group look during Fall Camp? What could rotations look like?
The Running Back Evaluations:
Josh Williams
Williams returned to Baton Rouge with the chance to put it all together in his final season with the program. After serving as the Tigers RB1 a season ago, it’s been a struggle to get on the field this offseason.
Williams missed spring camp while nursing a knee injury he suffered towards the backend of the 2022 season. Fast forward to fall camp and the Tigers running back was once again sidelined for a majority of preseason practice.
In limited snaps, Williams looked the part, but it will be key to remain healthy in order to make an impact this season.
Logan Diggs
Diggs missed most of the summer after suffering a hamstring injury during the offseason, and after participating in a handful of Fall Camp practices, Diggs was sidelined for the final week.
The Tigers remain cautious with the Notre Dame transfer. Diggs is a player this program will rely on in a big way this year and it’s imperative he’s ready for the season opener against Florida State.
During the practices Diggs participated in, he looked twitchy and explosive. A strong, tenacious back, he’ll be key as both a pass catcher and rusher in 2023.
Noah Cain
Cain has been as durable as one could ask for during the offseason. He looked strong and powerful during spring camp and carried the momentum into August.
After taking a majority of first team reps during camp, Cain has the chance to take on a major role in 2023 for this program. It’ll be key he continues on his upward trajectory, but the Tigers will rely on Cain in a big way this fall.
Armoni Goodwin
Goodwin was sidelined for much of camp. It’s difficult to evaluate the third-year Tiger after missing most of the offseason while battling back from a knee injury he suffered in 2022.
Goodwin served as LSU’s starting running back when healthy last season and it’ll be imperative he gets back to his old ways sooner rather than later with seven other backs pushing for playing time.
John Emery
Emery missed spring camp while he continued getting his academics in order. It was an agreement Brian Kelly and Emery’s family had as the fifth-year senior looks to earn his degree this year.
After missing the first practice of camp due to an internship, Emery returned to the playing field looking physically ready. It was clear he remained in the weight room and is ready to go out with his head held high.
Running backs coach Frank Wilson was seen with his arm around Emery on several occasions during camp as he coached him up. While this running back room battled injuries, Emery took a handful first team reps.
Tre Bradford
Bradford returns to Baton Rouge for his third stint with the LSU program. Brian Kelly gave Bradford another chance and he’s embracing it with open arms. He earned “Freak of the Week” during summer workouts and is looking physically ready.
We got a good look at Bradford during camp where he earned his fair chance at playing time, and once getting a few snaps in the scrimmage, he took advantage of his reps.
It’ll be a challenge for Bradford to get on the field this season, but this coaching staff isn’t shying away from giving him an opportunity.
Kaleb Jackson
LSU running back Kaleb Jackson stole the show on Saturday in Tiger Stadium after a standout performance in the Fall Camp scrimmage. The true freshman continues playing above his age, doing it once again in the Tigers final preseason practice.
Jackson broke open roughly a 20-yard touchdown run to get his day started during the scrimmage and capped it off with a 71-yard touchdown off of a check down by Garrett Nussmeier.
It was as impressive of a run as we’ve seen from this running back room during Fall Camp as Jackson continues to shine.
After catching the pass out of the backfield, Jackson turned up field, shedding three tackles before showcasing his track speed down the left sideline to the end zone.
Trey Holly
Holly enrolled early in January where he took part in LSU’s spring camp. With a banged up running back room, Holly took significant snaps alongside Noah Cain and shined when given an opportunity.
Fast forward to August and Holly earned first team reps on several occasions during camp and into the Fall Camp scrimmage. When this running back room is healthy, the expectation is that Holly won’t see the field much this season, but look for the true freshman to make an impact in some capacity sooner rather than later.
