Tennessee capped off 2014 with a resounding boom on Wednesday afternoon when 4-star JUCO cornerback and top target Justin Martin announced his commitment to join Butch Jones’ 2015 recruiting class.
Jones was first to leak the news of Martin’s commitment with a tweet that stated the Vols had added another lockdown defender to the 2015 class. Moments later, Martin sent out the following tweet confirming the swirling rumors that he had given his pledge to Tennessee.
— Jmart (@Elite_made) December 31, 2014
The former Nashville Overton standout has become one of the top-ranked JUCO corners in the nation, ranked as high as No. 1 in the nation by 247Sports, and has earned a four-star ranking by all major recruiting services. Martin had long been considered a Tennessee lean, but a late push by LSU appeared to have the race for his services destined for a signing day decision. But with today’s news that LSU defensive coordinator John Chavis would be leaving the Tigers to assume the same position with Texas A&M, Martin decided to pull the trigger for Tennessee.
With Martin, the Vols are getting a rangy, talented and physical cornerback who will have the ability to crack the rotation and potentially earn the starting nod at the corner spot opposite of Cam Sutton in 2015. It is also worth noting that because Martin was only at Northeast Oklahoma A&M for one season, he will arrive at Tennessee in May with three years of eligibility.
Here’s a look at Martin’s measurables and a link to his RTI recruiting profile:
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Justin Martin
Cornerback
6-2, 190 pounds
Northeastern Oklahoma A&M
Top offers
Tennessee, LSU, Florida, Oklahoma, Ole Miss
Status
Tennessee commit
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Here’s an excerpt from ESPN’s scouting report on Martin and a look at his JUCO film:
Long, rangy and physical–built like a safety. Is a glider with good elusiveness and smooth pedal/shuffle technique. Is at his best keeping the ball in front of him and coming forward to make a play on the ball. Keys and diagnoses quickly and does a nice job reacting to what he sees. Is willing and able in run support and sets the edge quickly on the perimeter. Has very strong ball skills.
