A few Provo coaches were taken aback by the somewhat unexpected departure of BYU running back Aidan Robbins to the NFL draft a few months ago.
The move sent shockwaves through an offense that understands it needs to make significant improvements to be competitive in Year 2 of the Big 12 for the Cougars.
“I am just concerned with helping the team win. It doesn’t matter if I am RB1, RB5 or RB7,” Martin said. “It is a team effort. We all just have to do our part to help get the wins.”
— BYU running back LJ Martin
LJ Martin, a rising sophomore running back, wasn’t overly worried, though. The native of El Paso, Texas, who filled in for Robbins at RB1 last season after the latter missed games due to a rib ailment, stated he is prepared to assume that position once more in 2024 if necessary.
“My only worry is making sure the team wins. Martin stated, “It makes no difference if I am RB1, RB5, or RB7. It takes a group effort. To assist get the wins, we all simply need to contribute what we can.
The Deseret News was informed last month by offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick that Robbins’ decision to become pro had “a little surprised, but not super surprised” him.
“I believe there were individuals in his life who advised him to move on,” Roderick remarked. “I believe he ought to have stayed, but he left.”
Martin, the Cougars’ most influential freshman on offense last year, is aware that the coaching staff hasn’t added a seasoned workhorse via the transfer portal yet, unlike in previous years with Ty’Son Williams, Chris Brooks, and Robbins.
Martin remarked, “I just took it as a lot of respect toward all of our guys,” pointing out that freshmen like Jovesa Damuni, Pokaiaua Haunga, and Sione I. Moa, as well as veterans like Miles Davis, Hinckley Ropati, and Enoch Nawahine, are all capable of stepping up.
Martin remarked, “I really appreciate them for that because it really shows that they believe in us.”
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