BYU Coaches Provide Update On Status Of LJ Martin

Aug 13, 2024, 11:33 AM

Follow @kslsports...

PROVO, Utah – There has been a lot of intrigue surrounding the status of BYU running back LJ Martin.

That’s because, during media observation windows of fall camp practices, Martin has not taken any snaps in the 11-on-11 segments.

 

Martin, BYU’s leading rusher last season, is working through an upper-body injury. Despite the injury, he has been at practice.

Martin told reporters earlier in camp on August 2, “I’m participating in everything. I’ve been out here with the guys, just out here competing. So it’s been real fun, just being out here for the first couple days of camp.”

BYU coaches expect LJ Martin to be ready for week one

After Monday’s practice, BYU head coach Kalani Sitake mentioned that LJ Martin was working his way back to normal.

In a follow-up question, Sitake was asked if Martin took any snaps in the 102-play scrimmage. Sitake said Martin did not. But later, Sitake added that they are still expecting to have Martin for week one against Southern Illinois.

Sitake also expects to get Martin some “live work,” which typically means 11-on-11 snaps, before game week.

BYU offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick shared similar expectations for Martin to be available for week one against the Salukis.

“He’s cleared. He’s practicing,” Roderick said. “We’re just not letting him get tackled or get hit very much. Same with Folau (Ropati). He took a few live reps in a practice last week. Then, in the scrimmage, we didn’t let those two guys [play]. There’s no need to get them tackled.”

BYU’s RB Unit

Along with LJ Martin, BYU has Hinckley Folau Ropati and Miles Davis as the top three ball carriers. True freshman Pokaiaua Haunga has emerged as a candidate for playing time if BYU has to dig into their depth.

Former Navy commit Sione I. Moa has shown well in his first season at BYU, taking advantage of his snaps in place of Enoch Nawahine, who continues to work his way back from an undisclosed injury.

BYU football kicks off the 2024 season on August 31 against Southern Illinois at 6 p.m. (MT) on Big 12 Now on ESPN+ and KSL NewsRadio.

Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and hosts the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (12–3 p.m.) on KSL Newsradio. Follow Mitch’s coverage of BYU in the Big 12 Conference on X: @Mitch_Harper.

Take us with you wherever you go.

Download the new & improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. You can stream live radio and video and stay up to date on all of your favorite teams.

KSL 5 TV Live

KSLSports Feed

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Takeaways From Utah Basketball’s 72-61 Loss To West Virignia

Utah Basketball was on the road in Morgantown but fell 72-61 to the West Virginia Mountaineers, here are the takeaways from the game.

9 minutes ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Andy Reid Highlights His Faith In Choice Of Favorite Book Trilogy

At Super Bowl LIX opening night, Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid gave a great answer when asked about his favorite book trilogy.

53 minutes ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Scoreless Final Minutes Doom Utah Basketball In 72-61 Loss To West Virginia

Unlike their previous game, Utah's final minutes were mostly scoreless as they watched West Virginia rebuilt a double-digit lead and win.

1 hour ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Former BYU WR Puka Nacua Reacts To Cooper Kupp Trade News

Puka Nacua took to social media after finding out his receiver running mate and mentor Cooper Kupp would be moving on from Los Angeles.

4 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

The Hat Trick: Utah Hockey Club Overwhelmed By Carolina Hurricanes In Lopsided Loss

Despite two goals from Clayton Keller, the Utah Hockey Club was completely overwhelmed by the Carolina Hurricanes in a one-sided game.

4 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Utah Hockey Club Thrashed By Carolina Hurricanes In Blowout Loss

The Utah Hockey Club couldn't keep the magic from their previous games alive as they fell to the Carolina Hurricanes in a blowout loss on Saturday.

5 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

BYU Coaches Provide Update On Status Of LJ Martin