Summer is here, sort of, and it is everyone’s favorite time of the year, scouting time. Every year, we do Summer Scouting to preview college football for Vikings fans, but also give them an idea of names to follow and watch in the fall as needs pop up for Minnesota.
Are we going to write about quarterbacks? Offensive tackles? Edge rushers? You know it, but why? Because other NFL teams will draft them, just as they will draft every other position. It all matters whether these players end up on the Vikings, the Bears, or the Steelers. We write these so Vikings fans can be the most informed fans.
So if you are still with us, enjoy our latest Summer Scouting report as we prepare you for the Fall.
Film
- Cincinnati
- West Virginia
Background Info
- Listed at 6-2/220 lbs.
- 4-Star prospect according to 247 Sports
- First-team All-State in high school
- Two-time All-district selection in basketball in high school
- Ran track in high school
- Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year in 2025
- First-team All-Big 12 in 2025
Notable career stats heading into 2026
- 482 Carries
- 2,541 Rushing yards
- 5.3 Yards per carry
- 57 Receptions
- 398 Receiving yards
- Received 72.8% of the carries out of the backfield in 2025
Notable numbers from PFF heading into 2026
- 3.56 Yards per carry after contact
- 119 Missed tackles forced
Strengths
- Good vision out of the backfield as a runner or receiver
- Showcases strength and contact balance
- Can break through arm tackles and make defenders miss in space
- One of the better receivers in the class
- Short area quickness can flash
Player Summary
LJ Martin is a nice combination of thumping power, as well as a nimbleness that allows him to make defenders miss. He showcases his elusiveness whether he has the ball in his hands or not, as he can find holes in the defense. He also showcases his power not just as a runner but as a pass blocker. And to round everything out, his contact balance allows him to make the most out of every touch he gets.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: 2027 NFL Draft Summer Scouting Report on BYU’s LJ Martin
