Sunday, Oct. 12, 2008

Defensive spotlight: Hayward Martin

Senior, Middle Linebacker, Lower Richland

SO FAR THIS SEASON: Through six games, Martin leads the Midlands with 90 total tackles.

WHAT’S BEEN THE DIFFERENCE FOR YOU THIS YEAR?

“Last year I missed a lot of tackles. I mean, I was coached up, but you know but I had a lot of weight on me, I was slow, but my linebackers coach (Cornelius) Davis really got down with me and during baseball season he’d have me come out and work out. He wanted me down from 240 pounds. I mean, I could read my keys real good, which all linebackers should do, but I was missing tackles. I missed a lot of tackles. Now, I’m getting to the holes a lot quicker. I’m playing from 220 to 215 (pounds) and that’s helped me a lot.”

WHEN DID YOU NOTICE THE DIFFERENCE IN YOU PLAY FROM LAST YEAR TO THIS YEAR?

“I think it was the White Knoll game. I had 24 tackles in that game. Last year, like I said, I missed a lot of tackles and I watched film, which is something I’m trying to do more of. I watch the tape, summarize the game and then go in and try to do my job.”

DO YOU THINK LOWER RICHLAND IS SURPRISING PEOPLE THIS SEASON?

“We’ve come a long way. Now we’re more disciplined. We’ve just got to stay sound, play physical and be disciplined. So I think teams are noticing that.”

DID YOU SET ANY GOALS FOR THE SEASON?

“Well, I’d like to make the Shrine Bowl or the North-South Game individually. As a team, we’ve got to continue to win games, win conference and get into the playoffs.”

— By Gerald Davis

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