LJ Martin continues to prove he’s the man
A year ago, we posted the opinion that BYU not getting a big running back out of the portal “was a mistake” and predicted that then-rising sophomore LJ Martin was too fragile to last an entire season and that there wasn’t enough depth behind him if he got injured again.
That was almost true, as Martin was less than 100% when the season began with a shoulder issue and then sustained a sprained ankle a few games into the season. However, guys such as the recently graduated Hinckley Ropati, Enoch Nawahine, Sione I. Moa and Pokaiaua Haunga proved us wrong, filling in admirably until Martin got back.
A sign is held for BYU running back LJ Martin as the team arrives at the Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
The LJ stands for “Little John” because his father is also named John, but suffice it to say the 6-foot-2, 220-pounder is anything but, and his numbers have been big enough: He ended up leading the Cougars in rushing for the second-straight season in 2024, posting 718 yards on 137 carries.
We went with sophomore Sione Moa, who was really coming on last year until suffering a serious injury during the blowout of Kansas State. Roderick said Moa and redshirt freshman Pokaiaua Haunga are both in the running to be RB2, with senior Enoch Nawahine also expected to see some action. Freshman Cale Breslin, from Las Vegas, could also work his way into the mix.
“Sione Moa and Pokai are both very good players. Those guys have had a great spring, and Pokai is one of the most dynamic guys on this team, and Sione, I mean, he looks like a fullback body type,” Roderick said. “But that guy can dunk a basketball any way you want. He is ambidextrous. He throws with both hands. He is a really good receiver, a good blocker. He is a fantastic athlete as well.
“So those three guys have really taken the lead. And then Enoch Nawahine has really stepped up for us and played in some games last year, too. So we know we can still count on him.”
Retzlaff has also been impressed, telling BYUtv that depth and athleticism make this group of running backs special.
“I can confidently say our running backs room is the top running backs room in the country,” he said.
