Emery clarifies injury is nothing more than a sprained ankle

Rrunning back John Emery Jr. (4) will not be available to play in Sunday's season opener against Florida State. PHOTO BY: LSU athletics

LSU running back John Emery Jr. is downplaying the nature of an injury he sustained in practice Thursday.

   Wrote Emery wrote on his personal Twitter account late Thursday night: “Just an ankle twist.. everything is fine”

   Emery has drawn rave reviews from new LSU coaches ever since spring practice started.

   “I like the direction that he’s going,” LSU offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock said on Tuesday. “He’s learning how to strain more. He’s ultra-talented. His talent level is off the charts in all areas of playing the running back position.

   “I’m proud of where he’s headed,” Denbrock added, “and I think there’s a huge contribution coming from him in the fall.”

   Emery rushed for 188 yards and four touchdowns on 39 carries in 2019 and had 378 rushing yards with three TDs while appearing in nine games including three starts as a sophomore in 2020.

   But the Destrehan High product didn’t play last year because the NCAA declared him academically ineligible. Efforts by LSU and his own attorney failed to clear him.

   “It’s really about John being in a better place mentally than it is physically,” LSU coach Brian Kelly, who was hired to replace Ed Orgeron late last year, said on April 9. “I think he’s not as distracted. He’s focused on what’s most important, and what is most important is his academics and football.

   “I’m really proud of the progress he’s made since my short time here in making that happen. And I think we’re gonna see him play for us this fall because of that. And that’s all on him, right? He had to make that decision, and good for him.”

   LSU’s next spring practice is Saturday. Its spring game is scheduled for April 23.

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