Arguably the nation’s top running back, John Emery calls Destrehan High School his home. His next home was thought to be the University of Georgia.
However, as of late last week, that’s still to be determined. The senior and highly-recruited Wildcats star decommitted from Georgia, announcing his decision via Twitter. Emery initially committed to Georgia in July, noting at the time he wanted to play his senior season free of distraction.
After rushing for 114 yards and two touchdowns in helping to lead Destrehan to a 28-23 victory at Jesuit last week, Emery talked about the process that led to him reopening his commitment.
“Which college I go to, that’s one of the biggest decisions of my life,” Emery said. “As the season’s gone on, seeing their rotation of running backs, I tried to envision myself in that rotation … they have a lot of good backs, great backs, five-stars (recruits).
“I do have to give so much love to the Georgia staff and their program over there. I just have to make sure I’m making the best decision … I’m not mad about anything or stressed.”
Destrehan is 8-1 with Emery as its offensive focal point. Emery has rushed for 1,141 yards and 15 touchdowns this season.
His Tweet triggered a major reaction among football fans, college and prep alike.
“It kind of blew up,” Emery said, adding with a smile, “The good thing is I turned off my Twitter notifications.”
Emery has received offers from the majority of Southeastern Conference schools, among countless others in the nation. He’s rated as a five or four star recruit among scouting and recruiting site consensus, and is regarded as the nation’s top running back recruit in the Class of 2019 by ESPN.com.
He decommitted on the heels of LSU’s 36-16 victory over Georgia this month, a game Emery reportedly attended. LSU has long been known to covet the star back, and recently LSU coach Ed Orgeron reportedly cited his belief that LSU “should get the best running back in the country” and that the Tigers “have our target on one. He’s not far from here” while speaking at a luncheon for the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation Quarterback Club.
Emery, however, says he’s not rushing into anything this time around.
“Nobody’s the leader in the clubhouse,” he said when asked if LSU topped his list.
“A lot (reached out to contact him). I didn’t want this to happen. I wanted to commit before the season. But I have to evaluate everything and make sure I get to the right team.”
His original plan to sign his official letter of intent during December’s early signing period has been changed, as he said he will now sign in the spring. He said there will likely be no updates on his status until after the prep season.
That’s because for now, Emery’s mind is elsewhere — right at home, in fact.
“My main focus is getting a championship with my guys,” Emery said, nodding to his teammates.
Be the first to comment