Interview: Starting Experience for 2022 Salesian QB Marcus Martin Pushing Offseason Workouts
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
There were some lumps taken by the Salesian High School football team during the 2019 schedule (1-9), but the experience garnered in those tough defeats should turn the Mustangs’ fortunes around this fall. And no one on the team is more hyped to get back on the field than Class of 2022 quarterback Marcus Martin. Martin’s baptism by California varsity fire a year ago will propel him forward faster than others in his peer group. The 6-1, 185-pound, dual-threat executed both a Spread and pro-style offense and learned valuable leadership skills through the ups and downs of his sophomore campaign.
In an RNG catch-up interview, I caught up with Martin for an update on his spring workout sessions.
Interview
Marcus, when the 2019 season ended for you and the Mustangs, what did you feel were your strengths on the field as a quarterback?
“Being more of a dual-threat QB, if things were not open, I was making a play out of nothing. In each game, I was doing my best to score and give it all I got. On each play, I gave it 100 percent and I was giving my coaches feedback during the game. I was able to see more on the field throughout the season and my confidence went up. During the first couple of games I was nervous, last year was my first season staring varsity, but as the season went on I was able to more, I was reading defenses better, giving feedback to my coaches, and all of those things.”
How would you describe your talent, abilities, and style of play as a QB?
“We ran a lot of different formations last season. We did a lot under center, some Power I, but the majority of the time we ran a Spread. I was constantly reading defensive ends and linebackers. After last season, I see myself as more of a dual-threat than pro-style QB.”
Over the offseason, what have you been working on with your mechanics?
“Trying to shorten up my release, make it a lot quicker, being more accurate, and lining up to my target. One of the goals is being consistent with each rep and making the next one the next best rep.”
Throughout the spring months, how have you expanded your knowledge of the game?
“By talking with my QB coach and offensive coordinator. We have been going over coverages, route beaters against Cover 2 or Cover 3 defenses, route combos, and more of the mental approach to the game. We have a new offensive coordinator this year; I have been picking his brain to be on the same page with him.”
Developing chemistry with your skill guys is vital as a quarterback. How have you worked to gel with your guys for the 2020 season even during these challenging times?
“We’ve been meeting at a park lately working on our chemistry and timing. Even on Zoom, we are talking and going over plays together. We have been communicating a lot more; we are doing what we can to be on the same page with each other during this time.”
Switching gears going into the classroom. After the school year ended, what is your new cumulative GPA?
“3.5.”
What is your favorite subject in school?
“Probably math.”
And my last question. As we get closer and closer to when fall camp should be starting, what do you want to accomplish in the coming weeks before the 2020 season begins?
“I want to accomplish being more knowledgeable of the game all around and being on the same page as my coaches and teammates – like a machine. We all want the same thing, to win. I want to work on my craft so we can all get better. Junior years are big years in football. It is important that we are all on the same page with no problems. That is my focus, that and understanding everything.”
Marcus, it was great catching up with you today. Wishing you and your teammates success this summer getting ready for the 2020 season.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Martin family; Marcus Martin at a QB camp (May 2020)