Rivals100 OG names favorites, leader

John Martinez is the nation's No. 2 rated offensive guard prospect in the nation and he checks in at No. 67 in the Rivals100. Martinez, 6-4 and 270 pounds, is from Salt Lake City (Utah) Cottonwood High School. He could pretty much name his school and right now a trio stands above everyone else.

"I would say that there are three schools," Martinez said. "USC would be one, LSU two and UCLA would be three. There are others I like but those are my main three."

So what gives the Trojans the edge at this time?

"I really like the coaching staff at USC. The environment is great and I really feel like I could excel there. Plus Stanley (Havili) is there and he loves it down there. We played high school ball together."

Martinez also took a trip to Baton Rouge. There, he soaked in the special game day atmosphere of LSU.

"Man, the stadium and environment were amazing. It was great before and after the game with the people tailgating. It was just an amazing experience. They played Arkansas. I didn't realize that many people went to games. Boy they were into it. I also liked the coaching staff, especially coach (Les) Miles.

UCLA could also make a big run at one of the nation's premier offensive line prospects. He likes what he sees in the Bruins thus far."

"I really like their OL coach and I really want to check them out. I need to see them before I make my decision."

Martinez has already made unofficial visits to USC, LSU, Florida and Notre Dame. He will camp at USC this summer and he hopes to make an unofficial to UCLA.

"I will pick a school where I know I can get along with their offensive line coach. I am also looking at tradition, academics and the environment of each school."

According to Martinez he has around 30 scholarship offers. He bench presses 365, squats 425 and power cleans 300. Despite his dominance Martinez knows he has things to work on.

"I had a good off-season of lifting and training. I move well side to side and I pull well and get to the second level. I just want to become more explosive as a run blocker and I want to get quicker off the ball."