Missouri LB getting good looks

There's no question St. Louis is one of the top areas for high school football in the nation, and Park Hills (Mo.) Central linebacker Tony Martin is one of the best in area.

The 6-foot, 205-pound two-star prospect had 95 tackles and 14 tackles for a loss as a junior. It's those type of numbers that have attracted plenty of schools early on and a scholarship offer from Ball State.

"I have been in contact a lot with Northern Illinois, Iowa, and Vanderbilt," Martin said. "Northern Illinois said they are going to see what happens with a couple kids they offered. If it doesn't work out they could offer. The other schools want to see some senior highlights and maybe come see a game.

"I have been to Iowa twice and I like them a lot and was there for the spring game. I would like them to come check out a game. Vandy said they are going to try and make it up for a game. I think Northern Illinois is just waiting on some other players then they are going to offer me. So I am really expecting an offer from them."

So what does Martin need to do to impress those coaches that are still waiting to make an offer?

"I think they just need to come see me," he said. "I think my game will speak for itself. If they come see me I think that is the biggest deal for me. I feel I am a playmaker."

Martin said things are already gearing up for the start of his senior season.

"We are doing our two-week camp right now, then we have a week off, and then practice starts," he said. "I am a defensive guy, and in a defensive perspective I think I am flying to the ball. I like to hit, so I give a defense a good name."

Martin said he can't wait to get the season started.

"I am looking forward to Maplewood because it's our first year playing them," he said. "They are class 2A and they have a couple good athletes. And it's a good measuring stick. We play St. Gen. in week eight and that is our biggest rival. They have a pretty good quarterback, and it should be fun to see what we can do against him."