LSU’s offense is getting a fresh look this fall, but one of the most intriguing names in the backfield is already familiar to Tiger fans. Harlem Berry, the former five-star recruit, is positioned for a much bigger role in his sophomore season after flashing real upside as a true freshman.
Berry arrived in Baton Rouge with plenty of hype behind him. A Louisiana native in the class of 2025, he was rated the No. 1 running back in the country and the No. 1 player in Louisiana, a recruiting profile that made him one of LSU’s biggest adds last season.
He wasted little time making an impression. By the second game of the year, Berry had already rushed for 56 yards, and he closed the season with 491 rushing yards, 37.8 yards per game and two touchdowns. That production now has him lined up for a potential jump in Year 2.
Berry currently sits behind Caden Durham, but he finished the season with momentum and took over the starting running back job for the final six games. That stretch gave LSU a clearer look at what he can do when given the lead role.
The Tigers also added Wisconsin transfer Dilin Jones to the running back room as a redshirt sophomore, giving LSU another option alongside Durham and Berry. Even with that competition, Berry is still expected to break out and become one of the names that defines the Tigers’ backfield.
There’s reason to think the fit works. Berry has already shown he can handle SEC speed, including a 37-yard burst against Alabama last season, and his quickness gives him a chance to stand out in LSU’s offense. He also appears well suited for Lane Kiffin’s high-paced system, especially with new offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. in place.
Berry’s recruiting stock once made him a national talking point. Last season offered a first glimpse of what he can do on the field. This fall, he gets the chance to turn that promise into something much bigger.
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