LSU fifth-year running back John Emery missed the first day of spring practice on Thursday and won’t return until he meets academic requirements, coach Brian Kelly said.

A Louisiana native, Emery was a five-star prospect and ranked as the nation’s No. 2 running back — No. 13 overall recruit — in the 2019 class by the 247Sports composite. But he has failed to live up to expectations, largely because of academics.

Emery missed the 2021 season and the first two games of 2022 because of academic ineligibility.

“John is focused strictly right now on his academics,” Kelly said. “He’s got some marks that he has to hit from an academic standpoint before we talk about football with him. That was the deal with John and talking to his family. If his primary focus was academics and taking care of his degree, then we would have a conversation about football.”

Emery has appeared in 30 career games (five starts) and run for 941 yards with 13 touchdowns at LSU. He has caught 33 passes for 262 yards and two scores.

The Tigers enter spring practice undermanned at the position. Josh Williams and Armoni Goodwin are out with injuries, with Goodwin’s ailment expected to keep him out until preseason camp. Both players had their 2022 seasons cut short by knee injuries.

Noah Cain and freshman Trey Holly are the only available scholarship players, NOLA.com reported.

–Field Level Media