Interview: Rising 2020 California DB AJ Martinez Updates Offseason and Recruiting
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
A tip of the hat to Roosevelt High School head coach Tommy Leach and his staff stemming from the 2018 season. A big part of the game for student-athletes is their development, and that takes coaching to make happen. During the 2018 campaign for the Mustangs, Class of 2020 strong and free safety AJ Martinez shook off the cloud of uncertainty gearing up to make his first season of varsity football the best possible. His dedication to the game, which included film study, working with outside trainers, and following the guidance of his coaches, led to a 34-tackle, one-pick, one-sack, and one scoop-and-score season. With the athletic talents and understanding of the game coming together for the 6-0, 180-pound, defender, college coaches on the west coast are interested to see how Martinez takes his game to the next level during his senior year.
In an RNG in-depth interview, I sat down with the rising Eastvale area product gaining insight on how the pieces of the game are coming together for him with a look at his growing recruiting process.
Interview
AJ, the 2018 season had to be a load of fun for you. Watching your game footage, you were down on the line playing some free safety, back of the defense playing strong safety, and up on the line in the box against the run. Did I miss any of your defensive alignments from last year?
“No. You got them all.”
With all that you do for the Mustangs defense, how did you prepare week-to-week for your responsibilities?
“This was my first year on varsity, I made sure to come out strong. I did extensive research, especially against Rancho Cucamonga (won 18-14). They are a good school, I made sure I was ready. I went over all the receivers’ Hudl reels to see what they do and to see their tendencies. I watched a lot of film. I also trained with Coach Brown at Ground Zero.”
Which game last season do you consider to be your best?
“The Rancho game. I was well prepared.”
What did you do well in that game to make it your best?
“Nothing was caught on me, except maybe a 10-yard dig in the third quarter. I had a lot of passes defended. That was a big win for our school against a good Division I team.”
With all the challenges you faced, how did you take your game to the next level?
“With each game, I started off as an unproven junior, my confidence was boosted. I got more swag, made more plays, and I was flying around the field. My technique improved greatly. I played mostly man last season. With Coach Brown, he taught me what he knows. He taught me to always look at the hips with man and helped me with play recognition. The line gives away the play. You can see if it will be a run or pass. I was able to make more plays that way.”
What are the foundations to your play in the secondary at this point in your career?
“My physicality is one of my strong suits. My football IQ, play recognition, and knowing what the QB is doing.”
Which areas of your game are you focused on this offseason?
“I am working with my 7v7 team and playing at big tournaments. I am also working with Art hall at TTOGG. I want to thank him for the opportunity he gave me. Coach Brown at Ground Zero has helped me a lot as well. I want to make sure I thank them.”
Where all will you be on the field in 2019?
“I am playing slot, receiver, strong safety, and free safety.”
Have you attended any camps yet this offseason?
“Yes. I competed at a Rivals camp.”
Do you have any upcoming you may attend?
“Yes. I am planning on attending camps at Wyoming, Utah State, BYU, and Nevada.”
Which schools are showing recruiting interest?
“I am receiving interest from San Diego State, Cal-Poly, BYU, Navy, Air Force, New Mexico, and Nevada.”
Have you taken any unofficial visits?
“Yes. I have been to San Diego State and Cal-Poly.”
How did the San Diego State visit go?
“It was pretty cool. They have a huge campus. I went with Art Hall, from my 7v7 team (TTGOG). He helped me with that. His son plays there. I talked to the coaches, they were really cool.”
And Cal-Poly, how did that go?
“I saw one of their practices. It was similar to the way we practice. I was able to talk to my area recruiter and their defensive backs coach.”
Do you have any planned visits on the schedule?
“I am planning on visiting Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah State.”
Do you watch reel on any college or NFL players? If so, who are you watching and what are you trying to learn?
“As a kid, I would watch “Moments of Impact”, especially the section on the defensive backs. I would watch John Lynch (Broncos) and Brian Dawkins (Eagles). My favorite is Ed Reed (Ravens). He was physical and smart. I watched a video of him explaining going against Peyton Manning (Colts). He purposely did his coverage wrong on film in another game, but in the game he would do his coverage correctly to throw off Manning. He picked off Manning by faking him out in another game. That is taking football to another level.”
What personal goals have you set for your own offseason workouts?
“I want to get in the best shape possible. I am working extra hard in weight room, working on my speed, and trying to get that six-pack. I want it to all come together before the season starts. I know it will.”
AJ, I appreciate your time today and wish you luck at all the upcoming camps.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Martinez family; AJ Martinez at San Diego State and Cal-Poly