Interview: 3-Star 2019 TE Michael Martinez is a Pac-12 Recruiting Secret
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Photo credits: Raymond Joyce Photography
Twitter: @RJPSports
Winning football games at the high school level has a systemic effect that trickles into other areas – namely recruiting. Winning a national title, that takes the game to another level. Being prototypical size for one’s position with talent and ability moves the recruiting trail discussion among college coaches from “what ya think” to “offer him.” Yet, surprisingly, despite all the superlatives padding Michael Martinez’s resume, the Class of 2019 talent has just five offers with the focus primarily limited to Pac-12 programs.
Mater Dei High School was that runaway freight train no one could stop in 2017. The Monarchs will end up being one of those teams that history looks back upon gushing at all the talent up and down the roster. One of the names adding to the luster of the conversation is their 6-6, 246-pound, tight end. Martinez was key in the Monarchs run game and blocking schemes allowing five-star quarterback JT Daniels (USC) to spin the pigskin around the yard. Playing in a pass-heavy offense that featured standout receivers Nikko Remigio, Bru McCoy, Chris Parks, and Amon-Ra St. Brown, Daniels did not have to check down to the tight end often, but when he did Martinez was there to make a play. The big target secured eight passes for 102 yards with a trip into the end zone.
Another dimension to Martinez’s game that college coaches will enjoy learning about, he played his sophomore season at tackle. The extra work in the trenches, along with the hands and the speed, makes Martinez a complete tight end with great upside. College programs seeing the same light includes UCLA, California, Oregon State, Oregon, and Montana State.
In a Recruiting News Guru stylized interview, I sat down with the three-star prospect covering his junior season on the field and offseason workouts with a quick recruiting update.
Interview
Michael, how did your game improve during the 2017 season?
“I did better with my blocking. I feel like my route running was a lot better. I was getting the flow of tight end being new to it after playing tackle last season.”
Mater Dei played a lot of great teams, thus you went up against a lot of very talented ends and linebackers. Was there a team or player that challenged you last season?
“I cannot limit it to one player, I’m not sure who to say. As a team, Bosco was a challenge.”
How did that adversity on the field against St. John Bosco help make you a better player?
“It pushed my game forward. My team was asking more of me – to perform even better. I owed that to my team and that helped improve my game.”
If a college coach or fan wanted to watch a game reel from last season to see your overall talents as a tight end, which game should they watch?
“I’d say the Santa Margarita game.”
What did you do well in that game to make it your best?
“In that game, I caught two passes for like 50 yards with a TD, and I showed some good blocking. Overall, that would probably be my best.”
What are college coaches telling you they like about your play at tight end?
“They like my overall game, my blocking and how I run routes at a high level. They like that I can catch the ball.”
Of all the compliments you’ve received from various coaches, is there an aspect of your game that gets overlooked more often than not?
“I’d say my route running, the technical breakdown of the routes.”
What are you working on this offseason?
“My route running, speed in and out of breaks, and my acceleration.”
Are you playing 7v7 ball this spring?
“I am. I am playing with Ground Zero.”
How is that helping improve your skills?
“It is pushing me by allowing me to be versatile. They have me standing up, in a three-point stance, and lining up at outside receiver. I work on all of it with them.”
Nice. Going into recruiting. How many offers do you have now?
“I have five offers.”
Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
“I have been in recent talks with USC.”
Do you have any plans to be an early enrollee?
“No. I plan to finish out my senior year.”
Some fun questions to wrap up. What is one thing most people would be surprised to find out about you?
“I have really big feet and hands. I wear size 19 with my cleats and a 4X football glove.”
Who is the funniest guy on the team?
“I’d have to say Kody Epps.”
What type of player are you on the field? Are you the strong silent type or do you like to talk to the opposition?
“Last year, I was the silent type. This year I am making more of an effort to be more of a vocal leader.”
What is the funniest thing an opposing player has said to you during a game?
“I don’t know if it was funny, but in our game against Servite, one dude asked me what I got on my math test. I had to laugh. It was late in the game and came out of nowhere.”
Michael, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
Please help keep RecruitingNewsGuru.com a national site aiding in bringing exposure to amazing student-athletes!
If RNG has helped you, a friend, or a family member through an article, video, or stylized interview with our countless hours of free promotion for high school, junior college, and college athletes – please donate. Any amount is appreciated!