Interview: 4-Star 2022 QB Justyn Martin is Ready to Showcase the Entire Skillset
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Los Angeles area high school football fans got a glimpse of the future for dual-threat quarterback Justyn Martin during the 2019 season, and it was exciting. The Class of 2022 gunslinger backed up senior three-star recruit Doug Brumfield (UNLV) at Junipero Serra earning two starts. The 6-4, 205-pound, talent slung the pigskin for 222 yards hitting 26 of 41 attempts in his limited opportunities. The proverbial wetting of the whistle coupled with early 2020 offseason camps and 7v7 tournaments have helped propel Martin into the stratosphere along the recruiting trail. When Martin suits up with Inglewood High School this fall, the four-star will have 10 offers backing his play with programs across the country watching.
Taking another visit to the RNG Lab, Martin covers ground on his offseason growth and surge along the recruiting trail.
*Click link for Jan. 30 RNG video interview with Justyn Martin
Interview
Justyn, this offseason you made the move from Serra to Inglewood. What style of offense did you play in during the 2019 season and what will you execute with the Sentinels this fall?
“At Serra it was a Spread/RPO type of offense. You had to be open minded with the RPO (run-pass option) with multiple options on each play. At Inglewood, it is a wide spread, all the way out past the hash. That makes the defense choose between the run and the pass. If the linebacker is in, we pass, if he is out wide, we run. That is the difference between the two offenses.”
How have you been mentally preparing for the upcoming season from the playbook to going over defenses and coverages?
“I get with my guys, on Fridays we go at it, offense verses defense. We run our stuff against each other. I watch film on old games. I watch our defense and other defenses – I watch everything.”
From a technical standpoint, what have you been working on with your mechanics?
“Trying to get my elbow up. I used to have a low elbow but I am fixing that. I am using my legs for as much power as possible.”
Where are you seeing the improvements from all the hard work put in this offseason?
“This offseason I have put on some weight, that is one of the biggest things. I have gotten faster; I have been running track. And I am throwing the ball further. I am around 72 to 73 yards now.”
During the spring and summer months, what have you been doing to push your physical talents forward as an athlete?
“Lifting weights, I have been going four times a week to lift, and on the days I don’t lift I am throwing with my teammates. Lifting and track workouts on one day and then I throw with my guys on the other days.”
Which areas of your game are most important for you to continue to work on this summer before the season kicks off?
“For me, proving myself. I am focused on getting bigger, faster, and stronger, but this is a big season for me. I am ready to show people why I have my offers and that I am not overrated. This season I am ready to live up to the expectations.”
Since we last spoke your recruiting process has skyrocketed. How many offers are you up to now?
“Ten.”
Martin’s Offer Sheet: Arizona State, Colorado, Florida Atlantic, Kansas, Michigan State, Nebraska, Oregon, Oregon State, San Jose State, USC, and William and Mary
When you speak with college coaches, what are they telling you they like about your skillset?
“They like that I am a bigger guy and that I can run. I think the running part separates me from others. I have a big frame and I can run, and I am mobile in the pocket. They of course like the big arm.”
No doubt. Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
“The schools showing the most interest are Michigan State, Arizona State, USC, and I have been talking to UCLA; I don’t have that offer yet but I am talking to them a lot. I was talking to Penn State and Nebraska a little bit.”
Before the dead period began, did you take any 2020 visits?
“Yes. After a 7v7 tournament, we visited Oregon, Oregon State, and Washington.”
How did the Oregon trip go?
“It was awesome. I really liked it, liked the facilities and their coaches. I liked the atmosphere there; I liked everything about it.”
And Oregon State?
“That also went really well. The transfer from their weight room to the field, it is connected through garage doors, that stood out to me.”
Last one; and the Washington trip?
“It was good. It was cold but good. I saw the field and locker room. I like the setting, the environment, and people there. The people reminded me of my old school.”
Whenever the campuses open back up, are you planning any trips?
“I wanted to take USC and UCLA, those are close range schools, and I want to get out to Arizona State and Michigan State if allowed to.”
For the rest of the summer, what goals do you have set?
“Before the season, I want to be 215 to 220. I want to add that muscle and be able to move like I am now; that is one of the goals. I also want to run a 4.6 in the 40 before the season starts. I want to get at least 75 to 80 yards throwing too.”
Justyn, it was great catching up with you today. I appreciate your time and wish you continued success preparing for the 2020 season.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Martin family; Justyn Martin at Oregon and Oregon State