# Darkhorse Figure May Define BYU Football’s Season | LJ Martin’s Thoughts on His Legacy | Backup(s) Who Could SHOCK Cougar Nation

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-cougars-daily-podcast-on-byu-cougars-football-basketball-935433/darkhorse-figure-may-define-byu-football-s-season-lj-martin-s-thoughts-on-his-legacy-backup-s-who-could-shock-cougar-nation
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Podcast: [Locked On Cougars - Daily Podcast On BYU Cougars Football & Basketball](https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-cougars-daily-podcast-on-byu-cougars-football-basketball-935433)
Published: 2026-05-01T07:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-cougars/
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/pdrl.fm/63a296/lockedon.simplecastaudio.com/df3adc55-2f40-437c-852e-1d8b8122e2c6/episodes/0ad693d9-e539-4e3f-a7a3-eba38d18de1f/audio/128/default.mp3?aid=rss_feed&awCollectionId=df3adc55-2f40-437c-852e-1d8b8122e2c6&awEpisodeId=0ad693d9-e539-4e3f-a7a3-eba38d18de1f&feed=DzohBBeS
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Duration seconds: 1660

## Resource

BYU's offensive success hinges on the health of Sione Moa and the depth of the running back room. The episode explores the importance of backup reliability and features an interview with LJ Martin on his return to Provo.

## Highlights
- Main idea: Sione Moa is the critical '1B' piece whose availability determines the stability of the BYU backfield
- Practical takeaway: The Cougars' ability to navigate a Big 12 schedule depends on the development of reserves like Devaughn Eka and Preston Rex
- Failure mode: Previous injuries to LJ Martin and Bear Bachmeier demonstrated how a lack of depth can cause the offense to flatline
- Personal insight: LJ Martin discusses the motivation behind his decision to return to BYU and his long-term NFL aspirations
- Future outlook: The program is actively recruiting to find the next era of lead backs to follow the current rotation

## Topics

BYU Football, College Football, Big 12 Conference, LJ Martin, Sione Moa, Running Back Depth Chart, BYU Cougars, College Football Recruiting

## Chapters
- 3:30 — The Importance of Sione Moa: An analysis of why Sione Moa is the linchpin for the BYU backfield following his recovery from compartment syndrome.
- 11:50 — LJ Martin's NFL Ambitions: A look at the scouting reports on LJ Martin and the high expectations for his upcoming season.
- 14:20 — Interview: LJ Martin on Returning to Provo: LJ Martin discusses his decision to return to the program, his training during spring, and team camaraderie.
- 20:20 — Evaluating the Depth Chart: Examining the next man up, including the transition of Preston Rex and the potential of Logan Payne.
- 26:20 — The Future of the BYU Backfield: A discussion on the long-term recruiting pipeline and the emergence of young talent like Devaughn Eka.

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## Transcript

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