LSU football signed the No. 1-ranked running back recruit in the class of 2026. Harlem Berry, a New Orleans product, arrived at LSU expecting to make an immediate impact. In LSU’s win over Louisiana Tech, Berry put the talent on display.
Late in the fourth quarter, with LSU already in control, Berry took a handoff and hit the crease. That’s where the fun began. Berry wiggled out of a tackle, made another defender miss, and turned on the jets in the open field. Yes, the opponent was Louisiana Tech, but Berry looked like a five-star running back on that play.
Aside from a few big plays, LSU’s run game struggled against the Bulldogs. But Berry’s moment was a bright spot. He finished the night with six carries for 56 yards. Two of those touches went for 10+ yards. Could the true freshman inject some life into LSU’s running game?
Caden Durham is LSU’s RB1. Last year, it was Durham who carved out a role as a true freshman back. But LSU’s backfield is thin and depth is a concern. LSU can’t afford to give Durham 20 carries a game, especially because LSU envisions playing late into December. LSU has tried to mix in Kaleb Jackson, but he’s struggled. The Tigers have worked Swiss Army Knife Zavion Thomas into the run game, but Thomas is needed as a receiver.
Earlier this week, LSU head coach Brian Kelly was asked about upping Harlem Berry’s touches. Kelly said it required a conversation, but was noncommittal, hinting that Berry still has areas to improve.
“Running the football is so much more about next level and making people miss. He did a great job,” Kelly said. He made a couple guys miss, extended a play. We knew he was talented, right? I mean, this is much more about catching up to the system that we run, right? Protections out of the backfield, right reads, those things. But it required a conversation that this is a guy that we’ve got to keep an eye on,” Kelly said.
Reading between the lines, Berry isn’t about to see his workload skyrocket, but he’ll continue to earn chances here and there. LSU’s offense needs playmakers and few have Berry’s natural ability. Don’t be surprised if he steadily becomes a bigger part of this unit.
