Recruiting update with Mater Dei OT Frank Martin

Exclusive interview with Frank Martin

 

We were able to catch up with Class of 2016 offensive tackle Frank Martin to get an update on his recruiting process.

For those of you unfamiliar with Martin, he is a 6’6”, 300 pound, starting left tackle for Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, California; for those outside of Southern California that is the Orange County area (the “OC”) or better known by others as the Anaheim area.

Also, for those of you outside the immediate area, who maybe unfamiliar with Mater Dei High School, the football program is a gridiron juggernaut on the national scene. The Monarchs have twice won a National Championship, won nine CIF Championships, have been League Champions 26 times, and have produced two Heisman Trophy winners (John Huarte 1961 and Matt Leinart 2001). Some of the school’s alumni include Matt Barkley (2009), Khaled Holmes (2008), Colt Brennan (2002), Matt Grootegode (2000), Lenny Vandermade (1999), and Cameron Meredith (2008).

The current Class of 2015 crop of players carrying the school’s football rich tradition include tight end Kyle Penniston, committed to Wisconsin, linebacker Ben Humphreys, committed to Duke, defensive tackle Olive Sagapolu, with three Division-I scholarship offers, and quarterback Jack Lowary, a 6’3”, 233 pound, pro-style quarterback that is sure to play at the next level. Mater Dei’s Class of 2014 saw defensive back Jonathan Lockett head to USC and quarterback Chase Forrest sign with Cal.

Among the top players in the nation for the Class of 2016 includes Mater Dei wide receiver Andre Collins and offensive tackle Frank Martin.

 

Frank, what schools are recruiting you right now?

“I’ve got some SEC and Pac-12 offers. Nine total offers including LSU, Arizona, ASU, Washington, Washington State, Cal, Arkansas, Utah, and Oregon State.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?

“I’ve visited University of Arizona and Arizona State.”

Do you have an early favorite after receiving some offers and making a couple of campus visits?

“I don’t have an early favorite right now. I’m going to look into recruiting and the different colleges more after the season.”

You received an offer from the Arkansas Razorbacks, how has your relationship with offensive line coach Sam Pittman gone?

“Coach Pittman and I have talked a lot. I’ve told all colleges I’m taking a break during the season and will get back on recruiting sometime in the middle of the season.”

To date what type of feedback have you received from these colleges about your type of play and skill level on the field?

“The coaches have said I am a technician. They like my passion for the game and like how aggressive I am with my blocking.”

What are your strengths on the field?

“I think I’m a really good pass blocker, my run blocking is good but can always be better.”

What are the main factors you will consider in choosing a college?

“My relationship with the coaches, how I fit with the team, and what type of offense they run, and how do I fit into their offensive scheme?”

What position(s) are you projected to play at the next level?

“I honestly don’t care. I’ll play guard, center, tackle whatever, but I’ll probably play tackle.”

Looking ahead, do you plan to go to any college camps during the offseason?

“I’m going to try to get into the Nike Opening. All the other camps I will play it by ear. Whatever my dad lets me do. I’d like to go to Washington and Washington State for camps. If I make the Opening then I’ll go to Oregon State to visit the campus.”

Are there any schools that haven’t offered you yet that you would like to receive an offer from?

“Local schools like UCLA and USC. I’d like an offer from (University of) Oregon.”