Harlem Berry, a sophomore running back (RB) at LSU, has seen Lane Kiffin’s fast-paced offense before — from the opposite sideline. In September 2023, he watched Ole Miss run LSU’s defense into the ground, remembering how linebacker Whit Weeks struggled through the tempo, even vomiting during the drive. Now that he’s part of that high-speed offense, Harlem Berry is preparing to fit right in.
“Definitely trying to get that size up, at least maintaining it within this offense because this is a real fast offense,” Berry told the media on April 5. “So definitely trying to get the size up and most importantly my stamina. Being able to go with the tempo and all that, so just being able to do that was a big thing.”
Balancing Strength and Speed
Standing at 5’11 and weighing 190 pounds, Berry is working on building “armor” without losing the speed that made him the No. 1 RB in the 2025 class. It’s a tricky balance. Too much muscle can slow him down, but too little endurance means he won’t last in the high-tempo offense. After seeing how this approach can transform his game, Berry is starting to love the challenge.
“This is definitely a different type of offensive scheme,” he said. “A lot of different things I’m seeing and just being able to get us out the backfield more in routes and in space is something we’ve seen a lot and I’m loving it.”
A Fresh Start for LSU’s Offense
LSU’s ground game needed improvement last year, with just 3.58 yards per carry. Now, under Lane Kiffin’s leadership, the offense is being called an “expansion team” with a new quarterback, Sam Leavitt, and several transfers. However, Kiffin has managed to retain key players, including Harlem Berry, who had considered transferring when RBs coach Frank Wilson moved to Ole Miss. Still, Berry’s heart remains with LSU.
“I’m from Louisiana. I’m from New Orleans. All I knew was LSU growing up,” Berry said. “I’m committed to LSU. When I was getting recruited, I was trying to fake it like I was going to go somewhere else, but I always wanted to come here.”
Harlem Berry’s Freshman Year and Potential for Growth
In his first year, Harlem Berry didn’t dominate but showed promise, rushing for 491 yards on 104 carries. His workload increased late in the season, and with added confidence, he now looks to thrive in an offense built for speed and space.
“This is different,” Berry said. “But we embrace it… We’re just trying to get in the best shape we can.”
Believing in the program and with Lane Kiffin’s offensive genius leading the way, Harlem Berry is excited about what’s to come.
From Watching Lane Kiffin’s Speed to Living It
Harlem Berry is now learning the difference between witnessing Lane Kiffin’s fast offense and being a part of it. Through five spring practices, LSU’s offense hasn’t fully clicked, but that’s expected.
The Tigers are still working on their timing and chemistry, especially as the offensive line, bolstered by transfers like Aliou Bah and Devin Harper, continues to come together. However, Lane Kiffin has a plan to get them there.
“It’s our job to set the tempo,” Kiffin said. “We get hired as coaches not just to draw up plays. We’ve got to set the tempo by the way that we work, by the standards that we have, by the habits that we develop. We show them and then I believe that trickles down.”
The Future of LSU’s Backfield
The LSU backfield is crowded with transfers like Dilin Jones, Stacy Gage, Raycine Guillory, and Rod Gainey. But the spotlight remains on Harlem Berry and Caden Durham, the projected lightning-and-thunder duo that could define the offense.
Although nothing is guaranteed, the expectation is clear: Lane Kiffin wants speed as LSU’s identity, and it’s up to the backfield to execute that vision and make a big impact in 2026.
