EdEcEko77
Elite ★★★★★ Poster
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-VQ“I was really excited number one and two I’m just extremely blessed. It was amazing,” Martin said of getting the offer. “They really love my size and athleticism. They really think I have the potential to play at the next level.
“It’s more physical, but it’s a great experience. Overall my caliber of physicality and athletic ability allows me to play that position,” Martin said of playing inside. “I have only played defensive end for about a year. Two years ago I was playing receiver. Over time and through quarantine I gained and maintained the weight.
“They really like me at both but they told me at the next level I could really make some good money on the inside.”
“I will be committing in December. Right now I’m just taking my time and enjoying the process,” Martin said. “I’m just asking as many questions as possible. Make sure my dad knows what’s going on and we just keep rolling.”
“I will be back after the dead period for an official visit,” Martin said. “I don’t plan on doing anything till December. I’m taking an official visit to Virginia Tech this month then the rest in the fall.”
With more miles to travel, more questions to ask and more offer likely coming, the class of 2022 prospect is just trying to soak it all in.
“It’s been exciting. I didn’t expect any of this at all to be honest," Martin offered. "My dad just told me to enjoy the process which is what I am trying to do, but it’s exciting. My thing right now is just focusing on playing ball. Do what I love to do and everything else will fall into place. I’m thankful for it.”
Tee’s son IMO
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100%. Spitting image. Definitely won’t be a Vol.Tee’s son IMO
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-CallahanThe 6-foot-3.5, 293-pound Martin, who’s originally from Durham, N.C., said Vols defensive line coach Rodney Garner informed him of the offer after working with him on the field Thursday morning during Tennessee’s camp.
“One of the coaches followed me prior to the camp,” Martin said. “But I really was just coming out here, really, just to work. I felt like, if (an offer) was meant to be, then it’ll happen. Thank God it did.
“I was excited, and I was just grateful to be able to have this type of offer.”
Martin said Garner “made it clear” that first-year Vols head coach Josh Heupel’s staff wants him at Tennessee after getting a firsthand look at him.
“They really love the athleticism and the size,” Martin said, “so that really kind of took it over the top for them.”
He said he enjoyed getting to work with Garner during the camp and getting to know Tennessee’s staff throughout the visit.
“They’re going to push you to the max. They want you to be better,” Martin said.
“Coach Garner is definitely the kind of coach that’s going to push you to that limit. He’s not laid-back, but he’s not excessive. He’s a great coach.”
Getting to see Tennessee’s campus in person also impressed Martin and made it easier for him to envision himself returning to Knoxville in the coming months to take another look at the Vols.
“It looked really good,” he said. “It was great. Gorgeous school. It looks like home.”
Martin said he’s not sure “right now” where Tennessee stands among the seven Division I schools that have extended offers to him. Virginia Tech, Florida State and Virginia all gave him offers between June 7 and June 14.
“I’m just grateful to be able to say I have those types of schools that have potential and see potential in me,” he said.
-CallahanDL D'ANDRE MARTIN
Martin, a Durham, N.C., native who plays at Life Christian Academy in South Chesterfield, Va., earned an offer from Tennessee in June with a strong showing at one of the Vols' camps. But he narrowed his focus to Virginia Tech and South Carolina before committing to the Hokies on Aug. 1. Tennessee has made a stronger push for the 6-foot-3.5, 293-pound Martin in recent weeks, talking with him almost on a daily basis, with the Vols still searching for defensive-line help in the 2022 class. He hasn't indicated that he's planning to return to Tennessee this fall, but the Vols haven't given up on getting him back on campus. Tennessee has received commitments from only two projected defensive linemen in the 2022 class, and Martin is one of a handful of defensive-line targets committed to other schools who have been in contact with the Vols this fall.