Interview: 2017 Louisiana ATH/WR Davontavean Martin Rising Up Recruiting Boards as NSD Nears
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @HogManInLA
Louisiana is always one of the top states producing next level football talent. Year after year recruits from the Sportsman’s Paradise matriculate onto college campus becoming instant impact players for their respective schools. One Class of 2017 talent ready to make his mark next season is Davontavean Martin.
Martin is quite literally the do-everything athlete all college coaches wish they could clone to fill several positions on the roster. The 6-3, 180 pound, athlete has lined up at cornerback, running back, quarterback, kick and punt returner, and wide receiver but is capable of doing even more. His junior season laid the groundwork of what was to come hauling in 51 receptions for 825 yards with seven touchdowns. On special teams he returned seven kicks for 143 yards but really shinned on defense. Playing all over Ellender High School’s secondary, Martin racked up 71 tackles, 51 solo, two tackles for a loss, two sacks, had 10 passes broken up, forced four fumbles, recovered four fumbles, and had one interception in just 10 games played.
If the Houma area talent had not shown enough of his overall skillset, his senior season added to the growing legend. Adding quarterback to his list of positions played, Martin hit 24 passes for 376 yards with four touchdowns. The all-purpose list continued with 82 carries for 493 yards with five score and 45 receptions covering 751 more yards with another eight scores posted. On special teams he had one kick return for 60 yards but became a feared punt returner catching 14 for 242 yards with a long of 70. On defense he racked up 21 solo stops on the way to 36 total tackles with three forced fumbles, four passes broken up, and two interceptions.
Recruiting sites have Martin as a three-star prospect, but the wealth of adversity he can bring to any college team cannot be understated. His list of offers is growing beyond regional scholarships with Virginia and Toledo recently jumping into the mix in addition to Southeastern, Southern, Tulane, Grambling, and Nicholls State. His list of offers could grow on the basketball side too.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with one of Louisiana’s best all-around pigskin athletes to get the inside scoop on his senior season and his recruiting process.
Interview
Davontavean, you have the ability to play just about anywhere on the field, which position do you like playing best?
“I love playing wide receiver. I like catching the ball and making something happen out of nothing.”
Which position do you feel you can show your play making abilities best?
“Wide receiver. I have jumping ability and speed. I like going up and getting the ball and making plays.”
How did your game improve during your senior year?
“I got faster and added more moves. I started making more people miss with my improved agility. My hands got better and my route running got better too. I am still trying to improve my game. You can always be better.”
Which position are college coaches recruiting you to play?
“Wide receiver.”
Which position would you like to play at the next level, receiver?
“Yes, sir.”
What is the best 40-yard dash time you have ran?
“At Tulane I ran a 4.56 this summer.”
What are you working to improve upon during the off-season?
“My route running, getting faster and stronger to play at the next level. I’m doing a lot of work on my hands and footwork.”
Which schools are showing recruiting interest but have not offered you yet?
“Houston, East Carolina, and Texas – there are a lot of them.”
Which schools do you hold offers from so far?
“Toledo, Virginia just offered, Southeastern, Southern, Tulane, Grambling, and Nicholls State.”
You have some basketball offers too right?
“I have offers from UNO and Southern Miss for basketball.”
Have you taken any official visits yet?
“No.”
Do you have any planned visits?
“I have one scheduled for Tulane on Jan. 12-13.”
Are there any other schools you might visit?
“No, I’m still trying to figure out my basketball schedule.”
How is your basketball season going so far?
“It is going pretty good. We’ve been playing hard-tough teams.”
Do you know your stat line for the season?
“I’m averaging around 23-24 points, 8 assistants, and 8 rebounds.”
Do you have any poster dunks this season?
“I have like five videos of me dunking on people. I’ve posted the videos on Twitter.”
Between football and basketball which do you like best?
“I love both of them to be honest.”
Are you playing any other spring sports?
“Track. I will high jump again this year. I was second in the state last year jumping 6-6.”
Nice. What is your overall GPA?
“I have a 2.67.”
What is your best score on the ACT or SAT?
“I have a 20 on the ACT.”
Do you have a planned date to make your announcement?
“I will probably do it before National Signing Day.”
What will influence your final decision?
“I’ll go where my family thinks I should go.”
Davontavean, thanks for your time today and good luck on the hardwood.
“Thank you.”
Click link to see Davontavean’s highlight reel.
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Photo credit: Varsity Preps; Davontavean Martin hauls in a touchdown pass.
Photo credit: Prep Hoops; Davontavean Martin goes up for a dunk.
Photo credit: LA Football Magazine; No. 1 Davontavean Martin fights for extra yards.