Interview: California 4-Star DE Jeremiah Martin Readies to Impose Will on 2017 Season

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

There is no off-season anymore for football with players working year round on fine-tuning their craft trying to gain that edge over the competition. For Jeremiah Martin, Cajon High School’s rising star, he takes the no breaks mentality to another level working through the off-season, season, each snap, and on both sides of the ball.

Martin is that ball of focused chaotic energy unleashed at the snap of each play terrorizing opposing California high school teams. The brunt of his pain felt is by high school offenses pummeling left tackles, running backs, quarterbacks, and even guards in the trenches lining up at defensive end and sometimes at tackle. Exact stats on the slimmed down 6-5, 230 pound, playmaker have not been released but the estimated stat line had 22 solo tackles, 22 tackles for a loss, 13 sacks, six passes batted down, and two interceptions.

The approach to the game mixed with production and physical abilities Martin possesses has drawn the eye of college recruiters nationwide. Nine offers have been dropped on Martin’s doorstep from teams like UCLA, Michigan, Arizona, San Diego State, Nevada, Washington State, Wyoming, and Texas A&M. The offer total should rise as the camp season kicks off with teams like USC, Alabama, Miami, Florida, Boise State, and Tennessee showing reported interest.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with the four-star prospect from San Bernardino covering his 2016 season, camp circuit plans, and got an update on his recruiting process.

Interview

Jeremiah, you played all over the field during your junior season, where all did you line up in 2016?

“I lined up at defensive end, wide receiver, outside linebacker, defensive tackle, and tight end.”

You are highly recruited at defensive end, is that your favorite position of all them?

“End is my favorite position. I like it because you get to hit people instead of people trying to hit you on offense.”

What is your motivation out on the field?

“What gets me fired up, being in the game playing in front of people that are excited to see the game. It fires me up playing for my teammates and sometimes the music gets me going.”

Is there a no-no, if you will, that if the opposing team does gets you even more fired up out there?

“Oh yeah. Anything negative, that pumps me up. They start talking, I’m getting fired up.”

What are the strengths to your game out there at defensive end?

“The use of my hands and my pass rush. I do that well.”

What are some of the things you want to improve upon before your senior year?

“Being able to play anywhere at any time on the field. If the coaches need me at linebacker, safety, cornerback, or wherever, I want to be mobile enough for each position. I want to improve my skills at wide receiver. AT defensive end, I’m working on getting my hands in the dirt more. I work on that a lot.”

Have you maxed out in the weight room since the end of the season?

“Not really. I maxed out three plates on bench. I know my squat was 385.”

What camps are you planning on attending this off-season?

“The Nike Opening, Rivals Three Stripe, and a UCLA camp.”

What is your goal for the camp season?

“My goal is to compete and get better. I want to absorb a lot from players and coaches to get better.”

Which schools are showing interest in you?

“Alabama, UCLA, Arizona, Cal, USC, Boise State, Baylor for a little bit, Washington State, Washington for a little bit, Nevada, Wyoming, San Diego State, Michigan, Florida State, and Tennessee. A lot of colleges.”

Yes. For minute there I thought I was going to have to type of over hundred schools.

(Laughs)

How many offers do you have right now?

“I have nine offers.”

Which schools are in regular contact with you more than the others?

“It is all equal. I’m focused on getting better and then see what program I fit into. At the end of my senior year, that is when I will commit.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?

“I have been to UCLA and USC.”

Do you have any planned visits?

“I’m visiting Alabama (March) and Arizona on my spring break (end of March).”

I know you are playing basketball, how is the season going on the court?

“We are in the semifinals.”

How are you doing personally?

“I’m doing well but it is a team game. You have to have a team to win.”

Are you playing any other sports this off-season?

“I played baseball before but not this season. I might run track this year.”

What is the legacy you want to leave behind at Cajon?

“The legacy I want to leave for my school is no matter what you do always stay focused. All it takes is one good thing to turn into many good things. Do not settle.”

Jeremiah, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of you basketball season.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: 247sports.com; Jeremiah Martin at school.

Photo credit: Martin family; Jeremiah Martin at USC.

Photo credit: dailybulletin.com; No. 5 Jeremiah Martin goes up for a layup.