Harlem Berry development is emerging as a key storyline for LSU’s offense heading into the fall. The sophomore showed signs of added physicality in practice and the closed scrimmage, which matters because Kiffin’s plans rely on backs who can sustain contact and create yards after contact.
Lane Kiffin offered praise after practice and hinted at growing confidence in Berry’s progress, and original reporting is available from LSU Tigers On SI. The scrimmage was closed to media, so coach observations and practice reports are the clearest window into how the backfield is shaping up.
Key Takeaways
- Harlem Berry development has added a more physical element to his game and keeps him in the mix for significant carries this season.
- Dilin Jones from the portal has stood out in camp and is described as having the starting job to lose.
- Berry rushed for 491 yards on 104 carries last season and finished the year as the starter for the final six games.
- Kiffin projects two or three main backs sharing a large portion of the workload rather than a single bell cow.
Harlem Berry development reshapes LSU backfield
Berry’s added physicality changes how Kiffin can deploy multiple backs without losing a pounding runner on early downs.
Kiffin said, “I think he started to run the ball more physical,”
Kiffin also said, “He had a good long touchdown run Saturday.”
Kiffin added, “So, I’m very excited about where he can get to.”
Those coach comments carry extra weight because the scrimmage was closed to media and limited direct observation.
Berry versus Jones and Durham role competition
The running back room is crowded and competitive as camp progresses.
Dilin Jones, a portal addition from Wisconsin, has stood out in camp and Kiffin summarized that, “Dilin’s been great.”
Caden Durham returned for his junior season and remains part of the primary rotation.
Kiffin warned that “[Berry and Durham] still have a lot of work to go and improve.”
He added, “And so this is where they’re at now, but we want to push them more.”
How Kiffin wants backs to run and translate to game reps
Kiffin’s offensive approach typically leans on two or three main backs who split carries and keep defenses off balance.
He noted his Ole Miss offenses typically “featured two or three main backs that shared a relatively similar amount of carries.”
The staff’s focus on developing multiple reliable options aims to preserve tempo and physicality across four quarters.
Running back background and recent roles
| Player | Last season role and production | Experience and background |
|---|---|---|
| Harlem Berry | Starter for final six games; 491 yards on 104 carries | Returned for his sophomore season after stepping into SEC play last year |
| Dilin Jones | Portal addition who has stood out in camp and is pushing for the lead role | Arrived from Wisconsin with Power Five experience |
| Caden Durham | Returned for his junior season and remains in the rotation | Continuing as a complementary option within LSU’s backfield group |
SEC and College Football Playoff implications for LSU backfield
Depth at running back matters in the SEC because conference defenses are physical and the schedule tests rushing attacks over a long season.
A multi-back approach gives LSU a roster-construction advantage against heavy fronts and helps manage wear across games.
From a recruiting and roster perspective, demonstrating clear development for players like Berry and integrating portal additions such as Jones supports LSU’s pitch to prospective players seeking playing time in the SEC.
