Interview: 2021 Arkansas DT Tyas Martin Talks Sooners and Razorbacks Visits

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

There is a hidden college football recruiting gem in central Arkansas, hiding in plain sight – after all, it is hard for a 6-4, 315-pound, beast on the gridiron to really hide. That destructive force haunting opposing Natural State offenses is Tyas Martin. Martin jumped onto the recruiting scene as a sophomore putting an end to 65 plays with five tackles for a loss, two sacks, a fumble recovery and a forced fumble. His junior campaign is much the same, a rag-doll toss of the offensive lineman in front of him and then hunting down a running back or quarterback who is fearing for their life.

That ability to dominate a game has brought about an offer from Virginia with other Power 5 Conference schools taking notice in Martin. The Jacksonville High School standout has unofficially visited the University of Oklahoma, has a November visit to TCU on the books and is trekking up north to visit the Razorbacks on Saturday. To cover ground on and off the field, we sat down for a quick confab.

*Click link for previous RNG interview with Tyas Martin

Interview

Tyas, when we last spoke over the offseason you listed off the things you were focusing on to prepare for the 2019 grind, that was your pass rush, footwork, and conditioning. How has the preparation helped you this season?

“It has helped a lot. I have more sacks, more QB pressures, and I am getting into the backfield more this season.”

Where are you showing the biggest gains in your development as a tackle?

“My pass rush and my get-off are showing the biggest gains, and my pad level is way better.”

Which areas of your game are you constantly working on in practice?

“In practice, I am always working on my hands, get-off, pass rush, and getting low.”

Did you max out in the weight room before the season began? If so, what numbers did you put up?

“Bench was 310, squat 420, and my power clean was 250 over the summer.”

How are opposing offenses trying to slow your impact in games?

“Teams are sending double-teams and down blocks my way. They are trying to whatever they can to stop me.”

Of the games played, which has been your best so far?

“I would say the Catholic High game was my best.”

What about the CHS game made it your best this season so far?

“I had eight tackles, six tackles for a loss, and two QB hurries.”

Are you getting any snaps in on offense this season?

“A little bit at tight end.”

How is playing some on offense going for you?

“It is going good so far. I am ready to get a touchdown.”

Going into recruiting. I know you picked up that great first offer from Virginia. Congratulations on that.

“Thank you.”

Which schools are showing interest?

“TCU, Arkansas, Baylor, and Oklahoma are showing interest. There are a lot, but I cannot think of all them right now.”

No worries. Have you visited any programs this season?

“Yes, sir. I took a game invite to Oklahoma for the Texas Tech game.”

How did your trip to Oklahoma go?

“It went well. It was a great experience. That was my first time being there.”

Being in Norman, with all that is going on for a game, what impressed you during the visit?

“I like their facilities and their coaching staff.”

Coming up, are there any planned visits on the schedule?

“In November I am going to TCU and I am going to Arkansas this Saturday (vs. Mississippi State).”

I know you have visited Arkansas before, what has you excited about going to Fayetteville again?

“They are showing more interest now. I am hoping to get an offer on this visit.”

Tyas, thanks for your time today and good luck with your upcoming visits and closing out the season with Jacksonville.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Martin family; Tyas Martin at Oklahoma