Friday Feature #13: LJ Martin
BYU were knocked out of the CFP following a comprehensive defeat at the hands of Texas Tech for the 2nd time this season. With BYU set to take on Georgia Tech in 2 weeks in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, one man who could elevate his draft stock with a strong performance is Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, LJ Martin. Check out my detailed scouting report on Martin below:
Background & Measurables
Name: LJ Martin
Year: Junior
Size: 6’2, 220 pounds
Position/Scheme Fit: Physical Back in a Zone-Running scheme
Former 3-star recruit out of El Paso, Texas, back in 2023 and #37 RB in the country. He committed to BYU, having previously committed to Stanford and Texas Tech. He comes from a sporting family, with both his parents having played basketball and softball at Western New Mexico. Martin made an immediate impact at BYU, leading the team with 109 carries, 518 yards and 4 rushing TDs. That included a 93-yard performance against Texas Tech and 2 TDs vs Cincinnati.
In 2024, he increased his production across the board with 137 rushes for 721 yards and 7 TDs, with a particularly highlight-worthy game vs Oklahoma State where he ran for 120 yards and 2 TDs. He entered the 2025 season as one of the best backs in the Big 12 and was named to the Shrine Bowl 1000 as a possible NFL prospect. He has backed up that hype and then some, winning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, rushing for 1,229 yards and 11 touchdowns for an average of 5.7 yards per carry during the regular season. He punched in another TD but had a fumble as BYU’s playoff hopes ended in Arlington last weekend.
Detailed Scouting Report
Strengths
1. Highly productive RB, who has been the lead back for the Cougars since he was a true freshman. Has improved every year and each week in 2025, showing good durability to play through injuries.
2. Really patient as a runner to let his blocks develop. Processes quickly in the backfield to find the open lane, even if he sees colour and finds extra yardage consistently. Has a natural feel and touch operating as a zone runner.
3. Shows good enough burst to hit the hole. Once the gaps open up, he puts his foot in the ground effectively and has little wasted movement. Allows him to consistently get first downs and has 85 this year, which is 2nd in the FBS.
4. Has shown excellent ball security during his time in college. Only fumbled once all season, which happened to be the Big 12 Championship game in what could be his last college football game. But has solid technique and looks to secure the ball effectively.
Development Points
1. Very little production as a receiver. Has 29 receptions but was held without a catch in 2 games this year and has not eclipsed 50 yards receiving in a single game. May be reduced to more of a 2-down role at the next level, as his hands can be inconsistent.
2. He is quite upright as a runner when bracing for contact, limiting his ability to push in short-yardage situations. Can be stuffed on 3rd and 4th downs and needs to get lower and pump his legs through contact, and allow more opportunity to dive for the marker.
3. Can struggle to make it to the boundary on outside zone plays. Follows his blockers outside, but lacks the real explosion to turn short gains into big plays. Was ranked outside the Top 100 among FBS RBs in 2024 for 15+ yard runs, which has slightly;y improved in 2025 but is still not among the elite in the class.
4. I'm not sure he's an elite athlete in the class. Looks like he will meet most of the criteria for a solid back in a rotation, but won't overly impress in athletic testing.
Conclusion
Martin has been productive throughout his 3 years of college football, particularly in his final year in Provo. He shows patience as a runner, while rarely putting the ball on the ground and should have a high floor and be productive wherever he ends up at the next level. I don't see an elite athlete on film, and he lacks an all-around skillset, which might mean he's limited to a late Day 2 grade but could get pushed up in a wide-open RB class for 2026.
Grade: 6.1/9.0 (3rd-4th round grade)
Player Comp: Ollie Gordon II
Team Fits: 49ers, Ravens, Cowboys, Bills