Interview: 2021 Arkansas DT Tyas Martin is a Beast in the Making

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

In the football universe, when a team is going on the road the old adage is to have your best player walk off the bus first if not your scariest looking player. For the opposition having to face Jacksonville High School, there can be nothing scarier than seeing 6-5, 308-pound, Tyas Martin walking off the bus giving a scowl to the home team fans as perhaps the Titans best player with an immediate intimidating physical presence. What is even scarier, Martin is just a sophomore.

The word upside coupled with Martin cannot be used enough or overstated. Martin’s physical giftings puts him in another realm on the gridiron but his work ethic and desire to dominate is what will set him apart as his career moves forward. His raw abilities worked to a 65-tackle, five tackle for a loss, two sack, two forced fumble, and one fumble recovery season playing against Arkansas 6A competition. What does not show up in the stat sheet is the dedication opposing offenses wisely put forth to try to slow his roll. Be it double- or triple-teams, down blocks, chop blocks, or the old fashion run the other way plan, Martin would not be stopped. Once college football programs find out about Martin, his recruitment may never stop until he puts pen to paper on National Signing Day.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Martin for an overview on his breakout sophomore season learning more about the beast in the making.

Interview

Tyas, you obviously have incredible size, ideal size for a defensive tackle. How were you able to put the God given physical talents given to you to work disrupting plays during your sophomore season?

“I used my hands a lot and I worked on my craft every day. I did what the coaches told me to do, and I used technique to make plays.”

How did your game come along from a skill viewpoint in 2018?

“My coaches are always preaching at me at staying low because I am a tall guy. I always work on that and using my hands for separation to make big plays.”

Which moves do you like to move to get linemen off of you?

“I like to use push-pull, swim, rip, club… all of them.”

What were offenses doing to scheme against you throughout the season?

“I had to face double-teams, down blocks, traps, and a lot of times they would run away from me, but it did not work.”

Which game was your best in 2018, and why do you consider that game to be your best?

“My best game was against West Memphis. I was in the zone in that game. I knew some people from that school, I wanted to show out and make big plays.”

What was one area of your game that was not as strong as you wanted it to be by season’s end?

“My pass rush, that is the biggest thing I am working on this offseason and my speed.”

What else will you work on this offseason?

“My speed, footwork, pass rush moves, getting stronger, and staying low coming off the ball. I will work on having better overall technique.”

What other sports do you play for Jacksonville?

“I play basketball. I will play basketball again this year and I will participate in track and field.”

Are you the speedy point guard dropping dimes down the middle of the lane?

(Laughs) “No, but I could. I have handles. I play the four.”

Did you get any dunks last season?

“Yes, sir. I got about one a game.”

Impressive. Tyas, thanks for your time today and good luck with your offseason workouts and with the basketball season.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Jacksonville HS; Tyas Martin