LJ did his thing. During the testing portion, LJ easily set himself apart from the pack.

More important than testing, LJ was the best RB during the 1-on-1 portion. He’s continuing to prove himself as a pass catcher, running clean, quick routes to all areas of the field. Great hands and runs routes like an elite high school slot WR.

I like LJ’s upside in a West Coast offense. He’s one of the few RBs I’ve scouted that I would call a receiving HB.

One of the only backs I’d consider a receiving RB. Does excellent outside the tackles. Catching screens, LJ does a great job navigating tight traffic- usually with a sidestep or quick spin. Contact balance is good in the open field. Looks like a mini CMC in the open field.
Worse in between the tackles. Also, lacks the explosiveness to be a Power 4 prospect. Still, a phenomenal running back for midland and absolutely a G5 prospect.

I’ve talked about LJ here way more than most. He was a major riser this past summer, and he’s continuing to impress on tape. Long story short, I’ve watched two games of his on NFHS, and I’m as confident as ever that LJ has the talent to play at a G5 program. He does his best work outside of the tackles and plays similarly to, say, Christian McCaffrey.

A receiving RB who is powerful enough to run through arm tackles and athletic enough to weave his way through traffic in the open field. I know LJ is also extremely capable as a slot receiver. Still, I like him best as a receiving RB.

LJ is someone in the running for RB1 in the class of 2027.

LJ’s tape against Cadillac helps his case. Right off the bat, you can see the explosiveness. LJ recognizes the hole, and explodes through, barely allowing the defense to react. Blocked well, and LJ takes full advantage of the opportunity. Most RBs turn that opportunity into a 15-yard run, and LJ takes it to the house because of his superior speed.
Next, at 0:33, LJ does a good job following his blocks and working his way through contact. I like the contact balance quite a bit, but I feel LJ could have bounced it outside at 0:37.
Finally, 0:43 may be LJ’s best run of the day. The play begins to fall apart, but LJ spins past a tackle, ducks another tackle, and grinds his way to an extremely difficult 10 yards.

Again, I’m really looking forward to LJ’s full-season tape. I’m loving what LJ is showing at the point of contact!

It’s LJ Gallihugh LJ Gallihugh 5'9" | 175 lbs | RB/ATH Midland | 2027 State MI season!

One of those RBs who has risen to the occasion. Few RBs have improved as much as LJ. Physically, LJ is incredibly well-built. It’s obvious that he’s spent a ton of time in the weight room.

LJ has a very unique skillset. He’s one of the few RBs I’d consider a receiving back first and foremost. Yes, LJ is able to deal damage between the tackles, but he’s likely going to do his best work in the passing game. Screens, outside toss, reverse, and some reps at slot. More opportunities LJ receives in space, the better Midland’s offense is going to be. Now is his time to trulty breakout.

LJ is still a pretty underrated prospect from Mid-Michigan.

Interestingly, he’s the only running back on this list (and one of the few ever) who I’d consider a receiving back first and foremost. LJ is currently built a little more like a running back than a slot receiver (strong lower-body, excels in short routes out of the backfield). Though he could also easily transition to being a slot receiver.

Like I said, LJ’s routes are impressive. Explodes out of his break, little wasted movement, and developing hands + RAC. I am very bullish on LJ’s development.

Another player that I was looking forward to seeing, especially since he was just offered by Miami (OH).

In my opinion, LJ has the most upside as a receiving running back. Something that I very rarely say.

I didn’t get an incredible look at LJ’s athleticism, as none of the drills were too intense. Though I can tell from the route running that LJ has an excellent athletic profile. Quick feet, very fast cuts, and some extremely impressive yet simple routes. In other words, LJ is a great athlete, and he knows how to use his athletic ability to get open without trying to overdo it.
LJ showed off solid ball tracking on deep balls. I didn’t see any drops, but I’d still say hands and getting upfield after the catch are things to work on. LJ struggled at times to secure the catch stay balanced through the catch.

It’s obvious that LJ has been hard at work. He’s gained muscle and improved his all-around athleticism. If he keeps up the trajectory, I could see LJ being a phenomenal Running Back or Slot WR at the next level.

LJ has great testing numbers, great tape, and a recent offer from Miami (OH).

LJ’s biggest strength has to be his ability to change direction. Several instances on tape where LJ is able to put a foot in the ground and explode east-west like very few RBs can. My 40-yard dash is a tad slower than the 40 listed on his Twitter, but the point is that he’s definitely in that 4.45-4.66 range. I’m also pretty impressed by LJ’s contact balance, especially for being on the lighter side.

I am genuinely considering ranking LJ #1 in the running back group. Though, with five really good RBs fighting for the spot, it’s tough. Either way, he’ll definitely skyrocket up from RB14. I’m looking forward to watching LJ at Gateway to North, assuming he’ll still be in attendance.