TYLER, Texas — BYU sophomore running back LJ Martin was named to the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Watch List on Tuesday.
The watch list features 93 athletes from 76 schools and 31 states. To be considered for the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award, the nominee must have played for and graduated from a Texas high school or is currently playing at a Texas Division 1 FBS school.
The Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award recognizes the top offensive player in college football who also exhibits the enduring characteristics that define Earl Campbell—integrity, performance, teamwork, sportsmanship, drive, community involvement and the tenacity to overcome adversity in the pursuit of reaching goals.
In August, Martin was named a preseason candidate for the prestigious Doak Walker Award, presented annually to the nation’s best collegiate running back. Previously he was named to the Athlon Sports Preseason All-Big 12 Third Team.
As a true freshman in 2023, Martin led BYU with 109 carries for 518 yards and four rushing touchdowns. His four rushing touchdowns through the first five games of his career are the most for a BYU true freshman running back since Luke Staley had eight through five games in 1999.
Martin was honored as a freshman of the week by the Football Writers Association of American in week three of the 2023 season after scoring two touchdowns and helping BYU to a 38-31 win at Arkansas. He also rolled up a career-high 93 rushing yards in a 27-14 win over Texas Tech. In 2023, College Football News named Martin to its Midseason All-Big 12 Third Team.
The 2024 watch list for the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award will be narrowed to 16 semifinalists in November and then five finalists in December. The winner will be selected by a panel of broadcasters, commentators, journalists, fans and previous award winners.
The winner of the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award will be announced in January and will be presented a trophy sculptured by noted artist Ken Bjorge.
Additional information about The Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award can be found at earlcampbellaward.com.