The BYU running back room has some questions to answer during fall camp.
The BYU football program’s fall camp is quickly approaching. The running back room has some questions to answer throughout camp, primarily about the health of starting running back LJ Martin. Today, we’re examining the running position ahead of BYU’s fall camp.
Returning Players
- 4 – Miles Davis
- 7 – Hinckley Ropati
- 21 – Enoch Nawahine
- 27 – LJ Martin
In 2023, LJ Martin became the first BYU running back to lead the Cougars in rushing as a true freshman since Jamaal Williams in 2012. Martin is the unquestioned starter moving into the 2024 season, and if he stays healthy, he has the potential to have a breakout season. Rumors circulated that Martin might be hurt, but he assured Jacob Hatch of Locked On Cougars that he was fit and ready to play. The biggest question mark surrounding the BYU running backs will be if Martin will show up to practice and contribute.
Both Miles Davis and Hinckley Ropati have shown flashes during their BYU careers when healthy, but their availability has been an issue. Davis has struggled to stay healthy when given a larger workload, while Ropati has suffered multiple season-ending knee injuries over the last few years. BYU will need at least one of Davis or Ropati throughout the season, so will 2024 be the season where they stay healthy?
Miles Davis will be an intriguing talent to watch this season. During spring practice, Aaron Roderick stated that Davis is expected to be more than a role player in 2024. “Miles Davis is doing a good job,” Roderick remarked when asked about BYU’s top running backs after LJ Martin. “He has advanced to the point where he can run the entire offense; he is no longer a role player. He’s had moments in his career when he’s performed admirably for us in a limited capacity. Now that he knows how to accomplish everything, he can just enter the game and play. It’s nice to see him at that point.”
Prior Signees
- 23 – Pokaiaua Haunga
- 28 – Jovesa Damuni
Two returned missionaries join the running back room in 2024. Former Timpview standout Pokaiaua Haunga has been praised by the coaching staff since he arrived home from his mission. Head coach Kalani Sitake even compared him to Reno Mahe.
While you can never totally rely on a freshly returned missionary to contribute, Haunga could play an important role in 2024. He has the potential to be an excellent player during his BYU career.
The most pressing question for BYU’s running back room in 2024 is its overall depth. If either Haunga or Damuni is ready to contribute as a true freshman, BYU’s depth will be significantly strengthened.
Other Newcomers
- 30 – Sione I Moa
Sione Moa, a former Timpview outstanding running back, enters the team as a walk-on after rushing for more than 2,000 yards in high school.
Fall Camp Previews
Stay tuned for more Fall camp previews in the coming days. If you missed our earlier previews, you can read them here.
1. Quarterbacks