LSU without RB John Emery for third straight opener

No. 5 LSU will be without running back John Emery for its season opener against No. 8 Florida State on Sunday, the third straight opener that the former five-star prospect has missed.

Tigers coach Brian Kelly told reporters Wednesday that Emery is "unavailable" for the game. He didn't provide a reason, but Emery missed spring practice, the entire 2021 season and the first two games of 2022 due to academic ineligibility.

Emery missed the first day of fall camp but returned the next day, with Kelly saying Emery was "in great shape" with his academics.

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

LSU RB Armoni Goodwin is listed as doubtful against FSU, leaving Logan Diggs, Josh Williams and Noah Cain at the top of the RB rotation.

A Louisiana native, Emery was a five-star prospect and ranked as the nation's No. 2 running back -- No. 13 overall -- in the 2019 recruiting class by the 247Sports composite.