Martin talks in-state schools
Chandler Park Academy wide receiver Jalen Martin has established himself as one of the top prospects in the state of Michigan's 2016 class, and both in-state Big Ten programs are already making their pitches.
The 6-foot-3, 190-pound Martin picked up his first offer from another in-state program - Eastern Michigan - early in the process. He has visited both Michigan and Michigan State multiple times, most recently heading to Ann Arbor last weekend.
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"I have checked out the football field before and went into the stadium," Martin said. "This gave me another chance to get a feel for how it is in Ann Arbor. It's a blessing to be there and I am excited for the future."
This past weekend's visit was just for a photo shoot, but he did make a recruiting visit to the campus this winter.
"I was up there for a basketball game when they played Wisconsin," Martin said. "The last time I talked to the Michigan coaches, Coach [Brady] Hoke gave me words of encouragement and they told me I need to keep working every day to improve my craft. They are showing great interest in me."
Martin plans to return to Michigan for a spring practice and their summer camp. He also plans to camp at Michigan State this summer and expects to attend a spring campus in East Lansing as well. Like Michigan, Martin has feels a strong interest coming from the Michigan State staff.
"I talked to Coach [Curtis] Blackwell the last time I was there," Martin said. "I feel close to him, not only as a recruiter but as a friend. He always has positive things to say. I talked to the receivers coach at Michigan State and he is a phenomenal guy. I am blessed to talk with these coaches."
The home state schools hold strong, early appeal for Martin, but he is also interested in seeing what lies beyond his state's borders.
"I hope to hear from other colleges outside of Michigan as well," he said. "Although I am homegrown, I still would be willing to go out of state for school."
Among the out-of-state schools that have been sending Martin mail are Duke, USC, Penn State, Notre Dame and Northwestern.