Kansas Football: Interview with Blue Valley North 2022 QB Henry Martin
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
Henry Martin has the potential to be the next great college football quarterback to come out of the greater Kansas City area. The junior gunslinger is entering his third season at Blue Valley North after throwing for 2,690 yards and 36 touchdowns during his sophomore campaign leading to excitement within the program and among the college ranks.
The 6’1”, 195-pound, dual-threat has a very powerful and accurate arm to make throws all over the field. Martin also has the athleticism and footwork to escape any pocket pressure and move the chains with his legs. Along with starring on the gridiron, the junior leader also throws the javelin on the track team. Martin comes from a very athletic family as his sister is a Division-I track star at the University of New Orleans and his grandfather and father also ran track in college.
The Class of 2022 recruit is currently drawing interest from multiple college programs and it’s only a matter of time before his recruiting process explodes.
In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview, I caught up with Henry to talk about his career at Blue Valley North and get an update on his recruiting process.
Interview
Henry, how would you grade your individual performance last season and why?
“I was playing my best football in the playoffs; I had 11 touchdowns in three games. Unfortunately, we came up a blocked extra point short in the final seconds of our last game to knock us out of the playoffs. Since we didn’t win state, I would give myself a “B”.”
What was your most memorable moment last year?
“Leading a comeback victory against the No. 2 seed Gardner Edgerton in the playoffs. We were down two touchdowns at halftime and they got the ball first to start the second half. I threw four touchdowns passes in the comeback victory.”
What are your strengths on the gridiron?
“First off, I’d say it’s my arm strength. I’ve thrown the ball 65 yards in the air without wind. I’m a two-time AAU National Champion in the Javelin. I can stay in the pocket, but had a lot of success throwing on the run last season. Some of my bigger highlights showed that ability. I think I’m good at reading the defense and distributing the ball to playmakers. My coach told me I am good at running the ball when it’s called for to advance the chains.”
Would you consider yourself a dual-threat or pro-style quarterback?
“Our offense is built for a pro-style QB, but I feel I’m a dual-threat.”
What is your practice and workout schedule during the offseason?
“I spent a lot of time studying my video from last season with my coaches. My general physical workout schedule is weights with the team before/during/after school. I workout with a speed and agility coach five to six times a week and I also work with my QB coach, who is not affiliated with my school, two to three times a week.”
What are you working on the most this offseason?
“Studying video while working out to get bigger, stronger, and faster.”
What area of your game have you seen the most improvement in since the start of the 2019 season?
“One area of my game I feel I will be better at is reading defenses. Besides studying video with my coaches, I think my improved size can only help in that regard. When I came in and played as a freshman, I was barely 5’10”. Last season I was 5’11”, but now that I’m 6’1”. I will have better knowledge and should be able to see the field more to pick out opportunities better.”
What kind of offense do the Mustangs run?
“We run a mixture between the west coast and a little RPO (run-pass option).”
How does your team’s offensive scheme fit your abilities?
“My strength is my arm. We pass 60 to 70 percent of the time, so I fit in pretty good with the offensive scheme.”
What do you like most about playing quarterback?
“My favorite thing about playing quarterback is the action. I believe it’s the most important position on the field and I get to play a big factor in the game.”
Is there an NFL quarterback that you try to model your game?
“My favorite NFL quarterback is whoever the Chiefs’ quarterback is. So right now I’m lucky to have Patrick Mahomes as my favorite quarterback.”
Are you receiving interest from any college programs?
“A lot of colleges have talked and texted with me, but no one has offered. I had a lot of colleges that invited me to come to their summer camps to throw in front of them. I was excited about the opportunity, because I’ve thrown in the Elite11 competition, and know that my arm strength and accuracy stacks up well against my competition. Also, it would have been a good visual for the colleges to see how much I’ve physically grown. Obviously with COVID-19, those plans all got cancelled. But I’m still very optimistic about the future.”
Do you play any other sports at Blue Valley North?
“Yes, I do track and field. I come from a “track” family. My sister runs D-I track for the University of New Orleans, I have two cousins who competed in D-I track, and my Uncle and Grandpa also ran at college. I’d be remiss not to mention my aunt who swam at the University of Georgia.”
Who has had the biggest impact on your football career and why?
“It would definitely be my dad. He introduced me to the game and taught me how to play. He was also a QB and has a lot of insight to the game. My dad gives me a great sounding board on how everything is going. Not only can he help me with technique, but he is also there to help me mentally play the game.”
Looking ahead towards the 2020 season, what game on the schedule are you most looking forward to playing?
“Our schedule is always tough. Our league has had six state champions in the last three years. I’d say the first game against six-time defending state champion Bishop Miege would have to rank high. My close friend, Timmy Dorsey, is their QB. And by playing that game, it would mean the season has started in spite of COVID-19.”
Have you set any goals for your junior season?
“My goal is the team goal of winning the state championship.”
Do you have a favorite quote or Bible verse?
“There are so many verses and quotes to pick from. I think in today’s time, we just need to think about peace and love.”
Thank you for your time and good luck in your junior season.
“Thank you, sir.”
Photo credit: Twitter.com; Blue Valley North QB Henry Martin