Interview: 2020 Talent Mario Martinez is That Do-Everything Athlete for Reseda
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Size, speed, athleticism, desire, and a team-first attitude – what more could one want in a teammate and player to coach? Mario Martinez (6-2, 185) has been that guy for Reseda High School breaking out during his junior season showing he can do-all and is willing to do-all. That spirit has not diminished in 2019 taking his game to new heights along the way.
Martinez closed out his junior season earning that athlete label. On defense he posted 24 stops, 12 solo, with three tackles for a loss, three passes broken up, one fumble recovery, and a team-high four interceptions. On offense, he carried the rock 26 times for 400 yards with six trips into the end zone and posted eight more scores after pulling in 33 passes for 623 yards and even slung a 24-yard touchdown pass.
The efforts last season helped his Regents team to a 10-2 mark. The Regents are off to a 3-2 record securing a big win over area rival Canoga Park on Friday. To find out how the season is going for one of Los Angeles’ top overlooked all around senior talents, we sat down for a one-on-one catching up on everything.
*Click link for previous RNG interview with Mario Martinez
Interview
Mario, how has your senior season started off for you?
“We started off with a loss, but we are getting better each week. We have to keep working as a team, and work to get better as a whole. I’m enjoying my senior season. Our quarterback is good and our receivers are creating plays for each other. We have a good system to execute plays.”
You have been that do-everything athlete for the Regents, where all are you lining up this season?
“I am lining up at free and strong safety, kick and punt returner, and I can play corner. Sometimes I’m in at quarterback in a few sets. I am lining up in the slot and at outside receiver. My coaches are putting me in different receiver spots to open up things. We are very versatile in our offense.”
How did you prepare over the summer for the responsibilities you are taking on this year?
“I worked on everything. I did not want to focus on one thing. I worked on route running, catching, breaking on the ball better, playing zone – baiting the QB to make the wrong decision. I worked on the mental part of the game. I worked on staying cool and picking up my teammates when they are down. I worked on all aspects of the game. I worked on my hands a lot; I want to catch everything.”
Each time I have seen you, you show improvements in your game and athleticism. Which aspects of your game do you feel are showing the biggest strides this season so far on offense?
“I am getting up and catching the ball. I am more athletic this season. I am a big bodied receiver. I box out corners and I jump up to the highest point and bring it down. My catching, jumping, high-pointing the ball has improved. I like to show my athletic ability.”
What about on defense?
“I like that I bait. We don’t play man, we play zone. I am breaking better on the ball and being a smarter player. I am making the quarterback think I am playing one route but playing the other.”
Which game has been your best so far and why do you consider that game to be your best?
“The Cleveland game (won 36-6). I had a lot of tackles in that game, and I was banged up in that game. But I had to be resilient and play through it so we could get the win. I played a role I do not normally play, but I was able to help my team out. I was making plays on defense, getting good tackles, and getting my teammates hyped. This is my last year, I want us to win. I love this game.”
The team got a big 43-21 win last night over Canoga Park, how did the team look overall?
“We are getting better. We have a young team with talented seniors. We’re trying to teach the younger guys so they are wiser. We have mix ups sometimes; they have not been in the program that long, but we are getting better.”
What goals have you set for yourself going forward?
“I want to win a championship for my team. These are guys I have been with since ninth grade year on the team. This is what we have wanted since then. I want 25 touchdowns and to lead the area in yards. I feel like I am one of the best receivers in the valley. I go to a small school, so I do not get as much as attention as other receivers. I want to showcase my skillset and show that I am one of the best in the area.”
Speaking of getting that attention, which schools are showing recruiting interest?
“I am receiving interest from Oregon State, San Jose State, Utah, Washington, Fresno, and Nevada.”
Did you take any visits over the offseason?
“Yes. I visited UCLA and I was supposed to go to Oregon State but could not make it. I plan on taking some visits after the season.”
Mario, always great catching up with you. Congratulations on the big win over Canoga Park. Wishing you and the Regents success the rest of the way.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: RNG; Mario Martinez in action