Martin on junior college fast track
After leaving high school early and enrolling in junior college a semester ahead of schedule, Justin Martin is on pace to leave Northeastern Oklahoma A&M Community College in next May with four years to play three seasons at the Division-I Level.
It's part of what has colleges interested in the in the 6-foot-3 Tennessee native, who could play wide receiver or defensive back at the next level. It's also part of what has the University of Tennessee pursuing Martin before he even plays a down of junior college football.
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"I talk a lot with one of the coaches from up there," Martin said. "He just says he wants me to come up there and play for them after my last semester here. I plan on visiting this summer, but that's about all so far."
At this juncture, there aren't many other major programs involved in the process. Most of Martin's recruiting focus has been on researching and interacting with the Volunteers. That will eventually change, however. Martin is open to entertaining any number of options.
Still, that's not to say the Vols' head start of sorts won't factor in at all.
"I mean, I'm pretty open. Tennessee was the first school and that means a lot to me, but I'm pretty open to wherever the road takes me. I just want to get on the field."
So even before the scholaship offers start arriving and the interest starts compounding, Martin will get a look around. His preliminary summer travel plans are taking shape.
Martin's focus is familiar. It's the same one that most junior college prospects carry with them through their recruitments. In this case, facilities and tradition aren't nearly as important as depth charts. Martin will be opportunistic when making his choice.
"As long as I have an opportunity to play quick, that's what matters most," he said.