Overlooked California TE Stone Martin is Set for a Big Senior Season

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

It happens every year to countless number of players across the country, somehow seniors with next level talent and ability fall through the cracks along the recruiting trail. One big mistake a next level program may be making is passing on Class of 2019 tight end/defensive end Stone Martin.

Martin had a fantastic junior season with Newbury Park catching passes from four-star 2018 University of Texas signee Cameron Rising. Stone hauled in an estimated stat line of 30 passes for 700 yards helping move the Panthers offense up and down the field. During his senior campaign, Martin will apply his trade for the Westlake Warriors suiting up at end and defensive end. The added time on the field is sure to help draw recruiting attention beyond the current programs showing interest; Pennsylvania, Yale, and Holy Cross. Beyond Martin’s size (6-3, 235) and abilities, he is also a standout in the classroom sporting a 3.6 GPA with a 30 on the ACT.

In a Recruiting News Guru catch-up interview, I sat down with Martin covering his offseason workouts, the Warriors fall camp, and his up to date recruiting process.

*Click link for Feb. 6, 2018, RNG video interview with Stone Martin

Interview

Stone, how did fall camp go for you with the Warriors?

“Fall camp went great. We came together as a team. We put in a lot of good work; our coaches really pushed us.”

Where all are you lining up on the field this season?

“I am playing tight end and defensive end this season.”

Are you liking the time at defensive end?

“I do like it. I am still mostly an offensive guy, but it is fun being out there as an athlete.”

After all the hard work put into your game over the offseason, where are you seeing the biggest improvements in your game so far this fall?

“I am seeing the biggest improvement mostly with my mentality. I am ready to be more aggressive with my blocking. I struggled at time with that before. I am firing off the ball quicker and I am finishing my blocks better. I am driving the defenders away from the play instead of just getting in their way.”

The Warriors got a big win on opening night beating a very good Sierra Canyon team 35-30, how did the game go?

“It went really well. I think we came together as a team towards the end. It was exciting and a great way to start the season.”

How did the game go for you?

“I had one catch, and some really good blocks. I played the entire game on offense and I had some tackles on defense.”

What are some of the strengths of the team this season?

“Our defense is a strength. DeGabriel Floyd (linebacker) and Kamren Fabiculanan (corner), they will be in the NFL one day. They are fantastic. I don’t see our defense giving up a lot of points this season.”

You guys get Mission Hills next, I know it is early in the scouting process ahead of the game, but what kind of game are you expecting from them?

“I am expecting a competitive game. I heard they are a good team and are similar to Sierra Canyon in talent.”

Are there any other games on the schedule you are pumped to play this season?

“All of them. I am pumped to play Oaks Christian, they are a high-level team.”

Circling back to the offseason, did you get a chance to go to any college camps this summer?

“Yes. I went to the east coast for some camps competing at UPenn (Pennsylvania), Yale, Holy Cross, and Columbia.”

Of the four, which did you turn in your best camp performance?

“I think most likely it was Yale. I was fresh for that one.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you ahead of your senior season?

“UPenn, Yale, and Holy Cross are the big three for me right now.”

Did you take any visits during the 2018 offseason?

“Yes. Early in 2018, I went to UPenn for a Junior Day.”

Do you have any planned visits upcoming?

“I have an official to Ithaca that I might take after the season is over.”

For a college coach and/or a fan of Warriors football that might not be too familiar with you, what kind of student-athlete is Stone Martin?

One thing I think that makes me stand out is my leadership. I was truly honored and humbled to be voted as one of four team captains by the rest of my team, despite the fact that I am new to the school and new to the program. Along with our other captains, Michael Wood, Kam Fabiculanan, and Victor Cano, and leadership from other great players like Marco Siderman and DeGabriel Floyd and our coaching staff, I know I will help lead this team to success this season.

“College coaches can expect me to be a player that will never be outworked by anyone in any aspect whether that be on the field, in the classroom, in the weight room, or in film study. I am willing to play any position or take any role given to me if I were to be offered an opportunity to play somewhere. I am only 6-3, 230 pounds, but I play with an intense passion and fire that can’t be coached and I believe that I can play tight end at the next level. I face great defensive players in Kamren Fabiculanan, DeGabriel Floyd, and Nate Davis every day in practice, so I know what it is going to take to compete in a Division-I football setting. I also receive coaching on a daily basis from NFL veteran and super bowl champion Billy Miller which has helped to elevate my understanding of the position.”

Any final thoughts?

“I love this game and this team, and I’m ready for a state championship season.”

Stone, I appreciate your time today. Good luck with the upcoming season.

“Thank you.”

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Featured photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Stone Martin

Photo credit: Stone family; Stone Martin in 7v7 action