LSU’s Run Game Revolution: A Deep Dive into Securing America’s No. 1 and No. 2 Running Backs

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Introduction

The LSU Tigers’ resurgence under Brian Kelly is not limited to revitalizing its passing game or boosting its defensive front. A quiet—and highly effective—retooling has been underway in Baton Rouge: reestablishing LSU’s powerhouse identity in the running game. Central to that effort is the program’s recruitment focus on the nation’s top young talent, particularly in the 2025 cycle.

Leading these efforts are two of the most sought-after running back prospects in the country: Harlem Berry, the nation’s No. 1 crown jewel, and JT Lindsey, ranked as the No. 2 RB in Louisiana and among the top-10 backs in America. Over recent months, LSU has brought both to campus for visits—unofficial and official—making clear its intent to establish a future one-two punch in the backfield.

This feature explores the significance of Berry’s recruitment for LSU, the strategies being employed, and what this means for the Tigers’ future.

1. The Star Prospect: Who Is Harlem Berry?

Harlem Berry, a standout from Metairie (La.) St. Martin’s Episcopal, has emerged as a national breakout star. Consistently praised by recruiting outlets, he holds the prestigious ranking of No. 1 running back in the 2025 class and is considered among the elite recruits in the country

• Speed and Explosion: His tape shows a back with elite bursts between the tackles and rare laterality, engaging NFL-level instincts as he reads blocks and cuts decisively. One scout labeled him “electrifying,” a shorthand that captures his slashing style
• High-Level Attention: He has compiled a top-five list that includes LSU, Texas, Oklahoma, Florida, and USC—programs with storied traditions and significant pitching power

Berry’s recruitment carries national implications. Among Louisiana’s elite prep talents, he’s emblematic of a next generation of backs that fit both LSU’s physical system and the modern SEC’s demand for multi-faceted runners. The Tigers are pulling out all stops to ensure he signs in purple and gold.

2. LSU’s Strategic Approach: Official Visit Highlights

A. Latest Trip: Death Valley Showcase

On a key Saturday this fall, LSU rolled out the welcome mat for Berry during a high-profile game weekend. The event marked his “official visit,” where recruits are treated to multi-day campus stays complete with dorm tours, facility access, and immersive game-day exposure

• Red Carpet Experience: Running backs coach Frank Wilson took the lead, deepening the recruiting connection and showing Berry the Tigers’ developmental pathway
• Strategic Timing: Tying the visit to a marquee LSU game gave Berry a compelling narrative—witnessing the in-game atmosphere, walking through the locker room on game day, and sensing the band’s energy.
• High-Level Feedback: Already familiar with the campus (having attended an Auburn game and participated in a summer camp), this visit cemented both sides’ seriousness about going all-in

Such visits are tactical: they illustrate to elite recruits what a future at LSU could feel like, not just what it looks like on paper.

3. Coach Frank Wilson: The Recruiting Ace

A recurring theme in LSU’s recruitment of top Louisiana backs is the central figure of Frank Wilson.

• Louisiana Pipeline: Wilson’s reputation within Louisiana’s high school football sphere is formidable. His relationships extend beyond recruitment; he’s viewed as a mentor figure.
• Elite Track Record: The success isn’t accidental—one SI article points out how Wilson “rarely swings and misses on top Louisiana prospects, especially at the running back position” .
• Building Bonds: The link between Wilson and Berry runs deeper than player-coach—it reflects shared values, trust, and long-term vision.

Wilson’s presence at the center of this recruitment isn’t just strategic—it’s personal.

4. Complementing Berry: JT Lindsey and the LSU Backfield Depth

LSU’s strategy isn’t betting all chips on Berry. Alongside him is JT Lindsey, Louisiana’s No. 2 back and a Top 10 national talent.

• Power Matching: Bringing both Berry and Lindsey secures high-end talent across play styles—Berry with his burst; Lindsey with his power and vision.
• In-State Advantage: Competing head-to-head, LSU controlled the situation by securing commitments from both top-tier in-state backs ahead of rivals
• Recruiting Synergy: Both athletes attended the same visits, shared facility tours, game-day experiences, and bonding sessions with staff—strengthening LSU’s recruiting class cohesion.

With the No. 1 and No. 2 Louisiana backs locked in, LSU ensures immediate depth and long-term flexibility at a premium position.

5. Additional Layers: Flip Watch and Surrounding Talent

LSU’s official visits go beyond just the RB room. Berry’s visit overlapped with several other key recruits:

• Jacob Bradford, a four-star safety from Catholic (La.), in the “flip-watch” category after initially committing to Houston
• Other pledge-class members like DB Jhase Thomas, WR Phillip Wright, and LB Keylan Moses, who all joined Berry on the weekend’s activities

This multi-position approach enhances LSU’s pitch as a burgeoning 2025 class, establishing depth and building program culture.

6. Why It Matters: LSU’s Offensive Blueprint

The pursuit and fusion of Berry, Lindsey, and young guards in the trenches signal LSU’s offensive ambitions:

• Power-Spread Identity: LSU is aligning roster shape and coaching philosophy around a hybrid offense that blends physical inside runs with wide-zone playmaking.
• Fresh Talent: While veteran backs like Caden Durham shone in 2024, LSU seeks long-term bookends that thrive in the evolving SEC (sbnation.com).
• Recruiting Momentum: Landings like Berry and Lindsey power LSU’s class rankings and visual narrative—as a dominant force rebuilding elite-level recruiting in-state.

With LSU pitching a vision of two elite backs and a rejuvenated front, the Tigers have positioned themselves to rebound as an SEC offense to fear.

7. The Competitive Context: Other Schools in the Box

Berry’s recruitment hasn’t gone unnoticed:

Schools like Texas, Oklahoma, Florida, and USC remain in contention—each pitching elite environments and developmental resources (si.com, si.com). That said, LSU’s strategy aligns with several competitive advantages:

1. In-State Gravity: Louisiana recruits often value proximity and cultural fit.
2. Game-Day Impact: Showcasing Death Valley’s environment is hard to replicate.
3. Personal Bonds: Players consistently cite Wilson’s mentorship and pressing recruiting message as a tipping point.

Still, the recruiting game remains open. With NIL and talent mobility at an all-time high, LSU must maintain focus through signing day and beyond.

8. What Next: The Countdown to National Signing Day

Key future dates include:

• Early Signing Period (Dec 2024): When signature agreements become binding. Sources suggest Berry is expected to sign during this window
• Continued Official Visits: LSU is likely to host additional recruits during its December open weekend to build momentum.
• Final Ascension: Berry and Lindsey signing together would mark a recruit class of historic weight for LSU.

Beyond these, the Tigers remain focused on defensive flips (e.g., Bradford) and other offensive stars. They’re aiming for a class ranking inside the top 10 nationally.

9. Repercussions for LSU’s Future

Securing both Berry and Lindsey prompts several downstream effects:

• Long-Term RB Depth Chart: LSU secures three or four years of elite running back performance, addressing lingering concerns about turnover.
• Elevated NCAA Perception: Elite classes signal momentum to recruits, donors, and media.
• Offensive Flexibility: Concurrently recruiting top OL targets (e.g., Solomon Thomas) shows planning for next-level blocking schemes (sbnation.com).

Collectively, these moves mark LSU’s leap back into SEC contention and national competitiveness.

Counterpoint: Exit Transfers and Competition

Recruiting isn’t the sole storyline:

• John Emery Jr., a former LSU standout, transferred to UTSA after injuries and eligibility issues
• The Tigers will need to fill production needs via NIL deals, transfers, and incoming recruits.

But the weight of Berry and Lindsey could close talent gaps and reassure fans.

A Broader SEC Shift

LSU’s strategy reflects an evolving recruiting arms race:

• NIL-Driven Recruiting: High school stars like Bryce Underwood drew a whopping $10.5 million NIL offer from Michigan despite an initial LSU pledge .
• The emphasis is shifting to not just winning games—but outspending rivals in recruiting efforts tied to culture and promise.

LSU has responded by focusing on high-value, in-state players and national-level prospects—a strategy that’s paid immediate dividends.

Between now and formal signing day, LSU stands at a critical junction:

• Berry is expected to sign during the early signing period
• Lindsey has already announced his intent to sign with LSU on December 4
• Recruiting class rank: If LSU closes well across positions and prevents flips, the Tigers are projected to land in the top 10 nationally.
• Legacy implications: A backfield featuring Berry and Lindsey could restore LSU’s historical identity and spark national attention once again.

A Recruiting Win in the Making

Harlem Berry’s recruitment was never just about adding another elite player. It’s a statement:

• It signals LSU’s return to national prominence.
• It shows that LSU can attract top-tier in-state talent over major programs.
• It sets the stage for a spellbinding run game that resonates with recruits, fans, and pundits alike.

When Berry—and Lindsay—eventually lace them up at Tiger Stadium, they won’t just symbolize recruiting wins. They’ll embody a path forward: a rebuilt powerhouse of physical offense and relentless ambition.

LSU’s signed a blueprint. With these back-to-back commitments, the Tigers are laying the cornerstone of a new era—and it all begins in Death Valley.