As the college football season draws near, the LSU football team continues to receive nominations for watchlists for awards. Will Campbell and Harold Perkins lead the Tigers’ watchlist of nominees for almost every category, with a large number of nominees.
With 89 nominees from 67 schools, the Associated Press unveiled their watchlist for the 2024 Comeback Player of the Year Award today. Three players earn the award year, although since its inception in 2018, the LSU Tigers have never had a champion.
Running back John Emery Jr. was the first member of the LSU football squad to be nominated. Emery’s season came to an end after just seven games due to an injury he sustained in November versus Florida. This off-season, Emery registered on the transfer portal but ultimately chose to come back to LSU. Emery will face competition for the award in a crowded backfield, but his experience will be a valuable asset to LSU’s offensive.
Another candidate from the LSU football squad is JK Johnson, a redshirt junior defensive back. Johnson missed the entire season due to an injury he sustained during training camp the previous year. Although Johnson hasn’t yet been seen in an LSU uniform, his rotational role at cornerback for the second team suggests that he could play a significant role in the rebuilding of LSU’s secondary.
These players can be underappreciated assets for the LSU football squad.
Neither player is anticipated to have a significant impact on the season going into it, but they will be valuable pieces. Emery will be a seasoned leader in a younger LSU backfield, and his pass-blocking skills will be essential. In the secondary, following the disastrous 2023 defense, all hands are on deck in terms of defense. Johnson will undoubtedly see the field at some point, but he will be among the players vying for playing time.
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