Identifying a dark horse at LSU’s competitive running back spot

If you examine the running back spot for the LSU Tigers heading into 2023, you’ll see as many as eight prospects vying for snaps. A feature runner has not yet been clearly identified as the team heads into fall camp. Even a running back by committee approach may only narrow the field down to three or four primary options, if head coach Brian Kelly so choose.

The quest to improve LSU’s running game from last season involves the following candidates at the position.

Logan Diggs transferred from Notre Dame where he totaled 822 yards and 4 touchdowns for the Irish in ’22. The junior out of Archbishop Rummel is versatile.

Noah Cain had 409 yards and 10 touchdowns last season after arriving from Penn State. The senior Baton Rouge native may show more explosion this year if he can continue to stay healthy.

Josh Williams, the former walk-on, was LSU’s top back last year. In 34 games wearing Tiger stripes, he has 767 yards rushing with six scores. The Houstonian does all of the little things. Injuries impeded his his progress as last season progressed but Williams had 118 rushing yards at Arkansas and 106 on at Florida. He’s a solid receiver and blocker.

Armoni Goodwin, the speedy junior, suffered an injury against Arkansas last season. He managed 267 yards and 5 touchdowns in 7 games.

John Emery, Jr. has been a bit of an enigma since his arrival as one of the top rated backs in the 2029 class. He has been limited to 375 yards and 6 touchdowns missing all of 2021 as well as this past spring drills due to academics. If he is 100%, Emery can display his NFL potential. Call it a “contract year” for the Destrehan alum, to use a NFL term.

Tre’ Bradford has played in 6 games for the Tigers, although his time with the program has been interrupted by a temporary transfer to Oklahoma. LSU welcomed him back, showing that the coaching staff recognizes the redshirt sophomore’s potential.

True freshman Trey Holly, Louisiana’s all-time leading ground gainer on the high school level with 10,523 yards, was able to participate in spring drills but the adjustment period was said to be a challenge for him.

So I’ve named seven running backs but it’s possible I left the best – or at least the one with perhaps the most potential to surprise – for last.

True freshman Kaleb Jackson, a four-star signee from Liberty Magnet, was unavailable for spring drills, which puts him at a slight disadvantage. Still, he has the talent to emerge as a key contributor this season. I would not be surprised if he earns meaningful reps, depending on how quickly he digests the playbook and how well the veterans ahead of him perform.

Jackson just looks like a high-level runner. In fact, he reminds me of former LSU running back Stevan Ridley (2008-2010), who shared the backfield during his Tiger time with notables Jacob Hester, Charles Scott, Keiland Williams, Richard Murphy, Michael Ford, Spencer Ware and Alfred Blue. Most of them continued onto the NFL. Ridley, who ran for 1,147 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2010, was drafted in the third round by the Patriots in 2011 and carved out an eight-year NFL career.

I’m not ready to anoint Kaleb as an NFL back, but his build, style and speed present an enticing package. The 6-foot, 225-pound Jackson may also be the fastest running back on the roster. He has posted a 10.66 time in the 100 meters and 6.95 in the 60.

Jackson totaled 1,031 yards on a healthy 10.6 per carry average in just eight games as a freshman at Liberty Magnet. His junior campaign was a coming out party with 2,031 yards (14.7 per carry) and 29 touchdowns. On just his fourth carry in the 202 season opener against Southern Lab, he fractured his left ankle after breaking 5-6 tackles on the play. The injury prematurely cut his final prep season short.

Kelly, along with running backs coach Frank Wilson, made Jackson a recruiting priority. He was heavily recruited by other national powers like Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, Florida, Auburn, Baylor, Arkansas, Ole Miss, Florida State, Penn State and Texas A&M. Despite advice from his mom to leave the state and see the world, Kaleb’s heart was with LSU. He gave strong consideration to the Aggies.

“I think that I was leaning toward Texas A&M just because I didn’t have much love coming from LSU back then,” stated Jackson prior to signing day.

Wilson changed the direction of Jackson’s recruitment by driving home the importance of playing in your home state where your parents, family and friends can see you play and support you.

Jackson is explosive, reaching the second level in a flash. He pulls away from defenders in the open field. Jackson is not particularly shifty but the one-cut runner will look to get straight the field to daylight and challenge would-be tacklers.

Armed with a unique skill set among LSU’s potential option at running back, Jackson may find opportunity knocking for him this fall.