Interview: 2018 California RB/SS Martell Irby Proving No Dream is Too Big

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

There is a multi-million dollar industry built around inspiring others to dream big. Words of encouragement line bumper stickers, posters, coffee mugs – you name it. There are plenty of self-help or motivation books lining shelves in libraries or retail stores pushing the reader to aim higher or strive for something more. At the core of it all is believing in one’s self and that is what Martell Irby has going for him along with a store full of talent.

One of the better motivational quotes, “Forget all the reasons it won’t work and believe the one reason that it will” – unknown. For Irby, that is having a can-do attitude.

Irby hit the varsity level for Morse High School as a freshman and has not looked back. The Tigers really got to feel the impact of Irby’s abilities after five games into his sophomore season. Morse was mired in a 2-3 start to their season and then the sophomore sensation took over. In seven games Irby rushed for 1,245 yards with 13 touchdowns and filled in at safety coming up with 63 tackles, three pass deflections, and one interception – all in just seven games.

When watching Irby, one would not know he was just a sophomore in 2015. He cuts on a dime and is quick in space with the ball in his hands. The 5’9”, 190 pound, talent has great field vision and has an Emit Smith kind of knack for getting to the second level by making people miss or lowering his shoulder for extra yards. His abilities on defense at safety are on par if not better with his offensive skill set. He likes to hit and is not afraid to lower the boom on a running back or on an unfortunate wide receiver targeted in his section of play.

A few teams have already started looking in on Irby; Arizona, Montana State, Northern Arizona, San Diego State, and Nevada. A few more will get to see him once the college camp circuit has been completed with plans to hit up Michigan and Michigan State satellite camps in southern California.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with one of the soon to be rising stars in the 2018 recruiting class to cover his sophomore season, offseason workouts, and recruitment to date. Through the interview the inspirational part of Irby is not hard to miss.

Interview

Martell, I have a couple of important questions for you as we start up.

“Okay?”

How many dimes do you throw down on the field when you practice because in the games you are obviously cutting on them every chance you get?

(Laughs) “About 100.”

Seriously, do you practice cutting like that so you have it down for the games?

“I do. Coach (Eddie) Ford played in the NFL and has me working on cutting. He thought my moves and cuts last year were off-balanced.”

What are some of the strengths you bring to the field as a running back?

“Right now I feel that I am really good at finding a whole when it is not there. I’m not going to lose yards. I’m elusive and I will lower my shoulder to pick up as much yards as I can.”

What about at safety?

“At safety – just coming down and filling in on the run. Being able to play the run and the pass makes me versatile. I just love coming up and laying the wood. I’m good at covering but my forte is coming up. My intensity is another strength.”

Alright, next important question.

“Okay?”

It is my understanding Jaden Smith is going to reprise his father’s roll in a new concussion movie about you.

(Laughs) “That’s pretty accurate.”

You have some vicious hits on your reel.

“Thank you.”

What all are you working on in the offseason to improve upon for your junior season?

“Basically I’m working on getting my body right and getting my legs strong. I’m doing a lot of field work and making sure to take what I can from my brother (Daquirae Irby – 2016 signee with Nevada). Every day he tries to teach me something new. We work on coverages, off-man, or whatever. Overall I’m being serious about everything from what I eat, to my workouts, and I’m not taking days off. I want to perform at the highest level I can my junior season.”

Have you maxed out on bench or squat this offseason?

“My bench is 275 and my squat is 315.”

Have you ran a 40-yard dash this offseason?

“No, but I did last year and I ran a 4.6.”

What are your goals for the 2016 football season?

My goals – the quote I go by is “if they don’t laugh at you, they are not big enough goals.” I want to get 100 tackles and at least five interceptions. Offensively, I want to rush for over 3,000 yards.”

You averaged 178 yards per game last season in seven games. If you were limited to 12 games you’d have to hit 250 a game. You better hope you guys don’t blow people out or you won’t get as many touches in the second half.

(Laughs) “I know it is a big goal but I think I can do it.”

That would be amazing if you did. If you got 2,000 yards that would be amazing. On top of playing both sides of the ball next year, will you also be on special teams?

“My coach told me I will return punts and kicks and be a gunner. I’m going to try to get the ball back and make plays on special teams.”

Did you earn any individual honors last year?

“I’m pretty sure I got All-League for running back. I don’t know any other ones for sure.”

Do you know which camps you might attend this offseason?

“Yeah, I’ve signed up for Arizona, Michigan, and Michigan State. Some of those were satellite camps that were cancelled but then brought back. I’m not sure if I am still signed up or not. I am for sure going to Arizona, ASU (Arizona State), and one more I cannot remember. We just started looking. Nevada in June!”

Which position will you attend the camps as, running back or safety?

“I’m trying to get reps on both sides of the ball. For sure I will go as a running back. I have more to gain at the camps at running back.”

Which position do you like best?

(Pause) “Safety.”

Which are you best at?

“I think I am more effective in the backfield.”

Which schools are showing interest in you right now?

“U-of-A (Arizona), SDSU (San Diego State), Montana State, NAU (Northern Arizona), and Nevada.”

Do you play any other sports for Morse?

“I was playing basketball, now I’m doing track – the 100, 200, 4×1, and long jump.”

What is your best time in the 100?

“11.4.”

Do you have a GPA you don’t mind sharing?

“I have a 3.8.”

Nice. What is your favorite subject in school?

“Honors chemistry.”

What is your favorite part of playing football?

“Being able to glorify God. Going out there and showing all you can do. Show faith in God and trust him with everything you got. I’m showing what I can do through God.”

Martell, thanks for your time today and good luck with the upcoming camps.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: varsityviews.com; No. 6 Martell Irby in action.

Photo credit: hudl.com; No. 6 Martell Irby pre-snap.