Keep an eye out for these BYU football players in 2024.
However, in the midst of all the uncertainty, allowing just negative speculation is not enjoyable for anyone. Even in a horrible 0-12 season–which won’t happen, by the way–we can still see some promise for the team’s future and the bright spots on the depth chart.
In this article, we’ll look at three players on the BYU Cougars’ 2024 roster who might have breakout seasons and become beacons of hope for their alma mater’s sons and daughters. Let’s plunge in!
1. LJ Martin – Running Back – Sophomore
LJ Martin showed promise in his debut collegiate season with the Cougars, despite Kalani Sitake’s club having a difficult year with their running game. Martin topped the team in practically every running metric during his freshman season, totaling 518 yards on 109 runs at an average of 4.8 yards per carry. For a club that failed to keep the offense on the field all season, we can only expect LJ to progress in his second season.
Martin arrived to BYU from El Paso as a three-star prospect, and coaches have praised his potential with the Cougars. LJ won multiple MVP honors and had a season where he carried for over 2,700 yards in high school. His 500-yard freshman season did not reflect his talent level; such figures can be attributed to poor offensive line play.
LJ was named to the Athlon Sports Preseason All-Big 12 Fourth Team, which I believe is an honor. He spent too much time last season under the heat and pressure of Big 12 defenses, and we’ll hope he bursts into the scene like a popcorn kernel ready to make itself known.
2. Parker Kingston – Wide Receiver – Sophomore
Parker Kingston made his BYU debut last season, much to the excitement of everyone on the sidelines. The wide-out speedster was BYU’s jet sweep weapon of choice in 2023, and he has shown flashes of brilliance from his position, despite his most famous outcome from the jet sweep, which saw Kingston receive a forced fumble hit stick against Kansas.
Kingston was a quarterback in high school, and he got a few opportunities to showcase his arm during the season, most notably a 37-yard touchdown pass versus Arkansas. Last season, Kingston had an inconceivable 694.6 quarterback rating, going 2-for-2 for 63 yards and two touchdowns. Needless to say–but I feel compelled to anyway–Kingston provides a diverse arsenal of weapons to the BYU offense.
This year, he will start as a wide receiver for BYU’s offense and will return punts. His open-field speed should lead to some explosive returns if he can find some space.
3. Raider Damuni – Safety – Sophomore
Raider Damuni was a 4-star athlete at Timpview High School in Provo, and he’s been committed to the Cougars since 2017, turning down offers from Oregon, Stanford, and Arizona in favor of his home team.
Damuni had a quietly productive first season, recording 21 tackles (10 solo) and a forced fumble.
Damuni will be the starting free safety on defense this season, wearing a new jersey number: 3.
Damuni is a legitimate athlete, and we may be able to thank him for BYU’s improved pass defense this season. Keep an eye on Raider this season.
