DE Martin makes a shocking decision

Despite holding offers from Boston College, Michigan State, Tennessee, Cincinnati, Akron and others, Upper Marlboro (Md.) Gwynn Park defensive end Jeremiah Martin has decided to go another way. The 6-foot-1, 220-pounder made a commitment today to Prairie View.

"I know it'll probably shock a lot of people and plenty think I'm going crazy because I passed up other offers to go there," he said. "I've got to tell you, I felt comfortable at Prairie View. I went on an official visit the week before last and I see them as an up and coming program. I like the coaching staff down there, they are dynamite and I'm really looking forward to it.

"I know a lot of players think they need to go to Division I, but I think this is where I fit in perfect at. Another reason why I chose them was because I'll get to play my first year."

In relation to the other schools, the two-star prospect discussed why he headed elsewhere.

"Honestly I just got a vibe from some of those schools," he said. "They were telling me whatever they could to get me down there, but in all actuality I wouldn't play. I didn't feel like some of them were being real with me.

"At Prairie View, they looked at me eye to eye and I think the recruiting class coming in will make a very big impact."

Prairie View has recruited Martin to play linebacker or defensive end.

"They're going to give me the opportunity to play next year," he said. "That was real big for me because I didn't get to play as a senior. I don't want to wait another year, I feel like one is enough away from the game.

"As far as the NFL is concerned, I think as long as you can play they'll find you."