Interview: 2021 ATH Andrew Martinez Covers Offensive and Defensive League MVP Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
When Diamond Ranch High School needed a stop on defense or to move the chains on offense during the 2019 season, they knew Andrew Martinez would come through in the clutch. The Class of 2021 receiver/outside linebacker/free safety earned Hacienda League Offensive and Defensive MVP honors after securing 13 passes for 358 yards with four scores while putting an end to 87 plays on defense, 50 solo, with six sacks, and a forced fumble. The play on the field for the 6-0, 210-pound, talent has raised the bar of expectations for his senior year with collegiate eyes of interest following along.
In an RNG exclusive interview, Martinez took a break from his offseason workouts going in-depth on all that he does on the gridiron for the Panthers.
Interview
Andrew, you tore it up on both sides of the ball last season earning Offensive and Defensive League MVP, a true rarity. What were you doing so well on the field leading to the high honors from the coaches on the opposing teams?
“Honestly, it was great coaching. My coaches told me what to do, I studied film, and I went out there and did it.”
Looks like you guys were running a Spread last season. Where were you lining up within the scheme and which routes did the OC have you executing?
“I was in the slot mostly doing short routes or double moves. Double moves are my favorite, I love them.”
What kind of coverages were teams putting on you trying to slow your progress?
“Mostly double teams with a safety up top and in the middle with a linebacker covering the outside.”
How did your game jump to that elite level in 2019 on offense?
“My confidence grew as I got to the varsity level. This year everything came together, I had to be the best on the field.”
On defense, you were crashing down and getting your hands on tackles and/or ends shedding blocks to make plays. What were some of the other tricks to your play that allowed you to disrupt the opposition’s offense in 2019?
“Film. I study film as hard as I can on each team. Once you study them that much, you know where the ball is going and just go.”
With your play as an outside linebacker, where did you show the biggest improvements on that side of the ball during your junior season?
“My coverage, I was new to that. At first, I was the blitzing guy, but then they asked me to do more, so I started dropping back. I am still working on that.”
During the 2020 season, where all are you lining up on the field?
“This season I will assume the same roles, receiver, linebacker, and free safety.”
To cover all that ground while pushing your game to another level, what are you working on this spring and summer to make it happen?
“Speed. I’ve been working the ladders as much as I can and running up hills with speed resistant bands.”
What does that daily routine look like?
“Every morning I do a mile run around the block. I have curl bars and hit my ladder for agility training; that is mostly it. We have a bench outside, I do that to get my chest right.”
Turning to recruiting, which schools are showing interest?
“Sacramento State, San Jose State, Idaho State, and Oklahoma Baptist.”
Have you taken any unofficial visits?
“Yes, I was at South Carolina for the Clemson game and I went to USC for their Media Day.”
How did the South Carolina visit go for you?
“That was great. I got to tour the weight room and some of the campus. Their culture there is beyond amazing. Everyone knew everyone, it was a really cool experience.”
Last question for you. After coming off League MVP on both sides of the ball, what do you want to accomplish on the field in 2020?
“In 2020 I am hoping to get that ring. I am excited for my team; we are praying for that ring. That is our goal.”
Andrew, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your summer workouts.
“Thank you.”
Quote about Andrew Martinez from coach Mike Esquivel:
Diamond Ranch Offensive Coordinator and quarterback coach Mike Esquivel had the following to say about the 2019 Hacienda League Offense and Defense Player of the Year.
“Every football team from the NFL to high school has a player that they go to in critical situations. Whether it’s third and short trying to get a first down or in four down territory inside the 10-yard line trying to score, Andrew Martinez for Diamond Ranch is that player.
“He comes up with big time catches for us. He makes those very tough tight window catches that you see at the next level. Andrew brings four years of varsity experience. As a freshman he made big plays for us that helped the team get into the playoffs that season. Since Upland Pop Warner till now going into his senior season, Andrew has always been one of the best players on the field and involved in clutch moments resulting the outcome of the games. He just has that extra gear and he never comes off the field.
“On offense he plays receiver and running back in certain situations. On defense he plays outside backer and safety. He simply just makes plays on both sides of the ball and that is why as a junior he received Player of the Year on offense and defense that was voted by the other team league opponent coaches. It is very rare to get those two awards as an under classmen in the same season. The year before we had a nationally rank standout in receiver Cristian Dixon who was one vote away from those honors. Andrew came in and stepped in for Dixon’s absence right away as Dixon transferred to Mater Dei.
“Andrew lays everything out on the field for the team. He is a big team player and a kid with great character who is very well-liked by his teammates. With Andrews dad (Eric Martinez) being the head coach, the expectations are very high and he has met and has had to exceeded those expectations on varsity the past three seasons.
“You hear of quarterback and receiver duos from the NFL, duos like Steve Young/Jerry Rice, Troy Aikman/Michael Irvin, and Phillip Rivers/Antonio Gates, last season we had League MVP Cade Miller and Andrew Martinez. Those two played a big part in Diamond Ranch winning the Hacienda League. To hear rivalry opponent coaches tell me regarding Andrew’s style of play is funny in a way. The opposing offensive and defensive staffs say that it’s hard to scheme for him because he finds a way to make impact plays on both sides of the ball. They tell me that they know he is getting the ball, there players know, the coaches know, even the fans scream it out from the stands and Andrew still finds a way to make the play. That is a testament to what Andrew is all about.
“At the college level there will be no different. With 19 years of experience around college recruiting, I know one thing, Andrew Martinez will be making plays like he has always been at critical moments for a college football program who is competing for a football championship.”
Photo credit: Martinez family; Andrew Martinez at USC and South Carolina