Mater Dei OT Frank Martin discusses verbal commitment to USC

Santa Ana, California area native Frank Martin committed to USC on Wednesday but held the announcement to the rest of the world until Thursday, and who could blame him?

The 6’6”, 300 pound, star offensive tackle for Mater Dei High School has over 30 scholarship offers from top programs from across the nation including Arkansas, LSU, Florida, Miami, Oklahoma, Penn State, Michigan, Vanderbilt, Utah, Duke, Washington, Texas A&M, and in-state powers UCLA, California, Fresno State, San Jose State, and San Diego State. That’s a lot of emails, Twitter messages, and phone calls every other day.

In the end, after all of the “getting to know you” communications, the highly rated Class of 2016 lineman decided to stay close to home picking the Trojans over the rest.

I caught up with Frank on the day of his announcement to get some background information on his big decision.

 

Frank, what influenced you to commit when you did?

“I got tired of the recruiting process. I’d gone through it enough and I was ready to make a decision.”

How did the commitment take place?

“Coach (Bob) Connelly (Offensive Line Coach/Run Game Coordinator) and Coach (Clay) Helton (Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach) were at my school on Wednesday and we called Coach Sark (Steve Sarkisian).

What was the reaction of the coaches?

“They were really excited. It’s what I always wanted. They said they were going to develop me to be a first round draft pick.”

What did Coach Sarkisian have to say when you told him?

“He was also very excited. He said he had wanted me for a long time and that it was a great day to be a Trojan. He also said I got the Trojans better with my commitment and they’re going to make me better. It was pretty cool.

How did you feel at that moment when you verbally committed?

“It’s the school I wanted to go to since I was little. I was just excited.”

Is there a sense of relief, that to some extent, your recruiting process is over?

“Yes.”

Have any schools tried to contact you after your announcement was made today?

“After I released the information I have not talked to anyone and I have not been checking my phone.”

Do you plan on recruiting other players to join you?

“Oh yeah! I’ve already started.”

Who have you talked to already?

“Javon McKinley (wide receiver Centennial High School).

Are you going to attend one of USC’s camps this summer to get early work in with the coaches?

“I might go to one USC camp.”

Congratulations on your commitment.

“Thank you.”

 

Frank is the fifth verbal commitment to USC’s 2016 recruiting joining Washington Bellevue defensive end Isaac Garcia, Michigan Skyline linebacker Daelin Hayes, Torrance North High School athlete Mique Juarez, and Mesa High School (Murrieta, CA) offensive lineman Nathan Smith.

 

Written by Ryan Wright

Photo credit: uscfootball.com; Frank Martin