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BYU’s LJ Martin Out for Pop-Tarts Bowl After Shoulder Surgery

Coaches selected Enoch Nawahine, Jovesa Damuni and Preston Rex to share carries in his place.

Overview

  • Head coach Kalani Sitake said the surgery was timed within a narrow recovery window as Martin weighs entering the NFL draft or returning for his senior season.
  • BYU’s bowl-week depth chart names Nawahine, Damuni and Rex as co-starters at running back, while Sione Moa was not listed.
  • Offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick plans a running-back-by-committee approach and highlighted Damuni as a player he is eager to evaluate in a larger role.
  • Martin, the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, led the league with 1,305 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, underscoring the significance of his absence.
  • Sitake said Martin participated in pre-bowl practices and is expected to be on hand in Orlando to support teammates against No. 22 Georgia Tech on Saturday.