Harlem Berry’s love for his home state led to LSU future
METAIRIE, La. (BVM) — Not too long ago, Harlem Berry was a cheat code in the daily recess football game. The competition is obviously nothing to write home about, but Berry was still unique even at that young of an age. The way he ran, the way he cut, and his desire to score on every single play.
Even if he looked special as an elementary-aged student, no one could have predicted what his future would look like. Except for Berry himself.
The Metairie, Louisiana, native is now the No. 1 running back in the country in the Class of 2025 according to On3, and he is the No. 7 player overall. Berry accumulated 2,481 total yards throughout his junior season with 44 touchdowns.
2025 No. 1 RB Harlem Berry had the defense on skates on a long catch-and-run TD 🫢
LSU, Florida and Texas among the early contenders to land him👀
(🎥: @samspiegs) https://t.co/345me65miH
— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) August 19, 2023
He was of course gifted with natural talent, but he has willed himself into this position.
“It’s always been on my mind,” Berry said. “I prayed and wished that I would be able to go to college and play football to play on the biggest stages.”
His dreams will come true as the St. Martin’s Episcopal School standout announced his commitment to in-state LSU over Florida and Texas at the Under Armour All-American Game on Jan. 3.
2025 #1 RB @HarlemBerry25 just committed to @LSUfootball at the UA Next All-America game with the @Hayesfawcett3 custom art! #UANext pic.twitter.com/sa2tFR9g47
— All-America Game (@UANextFootball) January 3, 2024
Berry, who lives about an hour southeast of Baton Rouge, has always wanted to represent where he comes from at the highest level and he will get the chance to do so following his high school career.
“I love the state of Louisiana. I love being close to my family,” Berry said. “I think LSU is definitely a top school that can develop me to get me to where I want to go, which is obviously to the NFL. It all worked out perfectly for me.”
Berry values his relationships with his loved ones, and with how tight-knit the LSU community is, it is a perfect fit from that aspect as well.
“I know that when I look in those stands, there’s going to be a lot of people I know, whether that is family or friends,” Berry said. “I feel like Louisiana is just different from every other state. The culture and the people down here are just so amazing.”
The high school playmaker still has one more season before he heads to LSU and he will continue to rely on the same recipe that has brought him all of his success thus far: working hard.
Louisiana’s top 2025 back Harlem Berry. pic.twitter.com/P44FX6ilDU
— Julie Boudwin (@Julie_Boudwin) June 17, 2023
“There are times where the workout is hard, but you just have to keep pushing,” Berry said. “You have to have the mindset that you want to be someone at the next level. You have to do things that other people won’t.”
Berry has aspirations of winning the Heisman Trophy at the next level as well as a national championship, and with his relentless work ethic, these goals will be achievable for the in-state star.
He watched the days of Leonard Fournette wreaking havoc in the SEC and then the 2019 Tigers’ historical season. Soon, Berry will look to lead the next era of LSU football.
