Interview: 2021 3-Star Arkansas DT Tyas Martin Details Verbal Commitment to Virginia Tech

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

A dream taken down a long road full of hard work, grit, and determination was realized on Friday for Class of 2021 three-star talent Tyas Martin with his verbal commitment to Virginia Tech. The 6-4, 315-pound, defensive tackle had yet another big season eating up 6A East Arkansas offenses tallying 55 stops, 20 tackles for a loss, 10 sacks, and three forced fumbles in Jacksonville High School’s 10-game season. Going into the offseason, Martin had six offers on the table from Kansas, North Texas, Southern Miss, Tennessee, Virginia, and Virginia Tech. The recruiting process for one of the Natural State’s top prospects has ended with another phase ready to begin.

In an RNG catch-up interview, Martin sat down detailing how the Hokies won his verbal commitment.

*Click link for Oct. 29, 2019, RNG interview with Tyas Martin

Interview

Tyas, congratulations on your commitment to Virginia Tech.

“Thank you.”

There are not a lot of Arkansans that head out east to play at Virginia Tech, that speaks volumes to the Hokies staff landing your commitment. If you will, tell me what was the recruiting process like between you and their coaching staff beginning with them showing interest in you.

“I have a very good relationship with their coaching staff. Coach (Beau) Davidson (player personnel) and Coach (Darryl) Tapp (DL) were recruiting me at the beginning. They were in my ear telling me about the school and how I would fit in with the program.”

At what point did you start to lean heavily towards Virginia Tech?

“About a month ago, that’s when I started looking at them heavily.”

How do they see you fitting into their scheme?

“They see me fitting really well in their 4-3 defense. They see me being able to play the 3-tech and nose guard. They can use me at either and move me around in their 4-3.”

What was the final tipping point that put you in Blacksburg for college?

“The academic program, the school, their facilities, and the football. They have something special there, I wanted to be a part of it.”

When did you make the private decision to verbally commit to Virginia Tech?

“The night before. Coach (Bill) Teerlinck (DL), my mom and I were talking; that’s when I decided it was a best fit for me.”

Which coach on the staff got the good news first?

“Coach Teerlinck and coach Davidson.”

Right before you made that call, what was going through your mind?

“I was very happy. I know they have big time recruits coming in and now I am one of them. I was very excited.”

Once you notified them of your decision, what was their reaction?

“They were very happy and shocked. It was a very special moment for me.”

No doubt. Now that you’ve accomplished an amazing goal of getting to play football in college while attaining a degree, how does it feel?

“It feels good. This is something you dream of as a kid. It is a very good feeling.”

Things are limited, but did you get to do anything special to celebrate your commitment?

“No, sir.”

When do plan to visit Blacksburg?

“When everything opens back up, I will visit then.”

Last question. What have you been doing during this downtime with your daily workouts to keep the grind going?

“My daily routine, I wake up and do my school work, the I run two miles. When I get back, I lift with my dumb bells and do push-ups and sit ups.”

Tyas, thanks for your time today and, again, congratulations on your commitment.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Twitter/Martin family; No. 35 Tyas Martin