A Cougar and a Ute were recognized by an NFL draft expert after last weekend’s games. Here’s what he said

With the 2026 college football season well underway, The Athletic’s NFL draft expert Dane Brugler is regularly looking at how prospects for the 2027 draft are performing, and this week he highlighted a BYU Cougar and a Utah Ute . First up was BYU running back LJ Martin , who ran for 176 yards on 15 carries with three touchdowns last Saturday in a win over Colorado State . “The No. 1 criterion for me when scouting the running back position is vision — the NFL wants runners with anticipation who can read blocks and find running room,” Brugler wrote. “That is why I enjoy watching Martin, who marries his feet with his eyes and walks the fine line between being patient but also quick and urgent.” Later, Brugler added, “Instead of running into his own blockers, Martin maximizes the blocking using quick eyes and strong, balanced cutting skills.

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