Va Tech commit, a major Gamecock target, details thought process amid coaching change
A major target for South Carolina in the days leading up to the Dec. 15 signing day is defensive tackle D’Andre Martin of Durham, North Carolina.
Martin (6-4, 293) has been publicly committed to Virginia Tech since picking the Hokies over the Gamecocks in early August. But there has been speculation he quietly flipped his pledge to the Gamecocks following his official visit weekend of Nov. 19.
Whether he is committed or not, USC defensive line coach Jimmy Lindsey continues to do his due diligence with Martin and made an in-home visit to see him and his family Wednesday.
“Everything was really relaxed in my home environment,” Martin said. “It was an informal and relaxed day. He was in town visiting some other schools and stopped by to say hi. That’s part of his personality. It’s just not all football. He was checking on me to see how everything was going and to talk to my parents and see how they are doing.”
Virginia Tech this week hired longtime Penn State defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Brent Pry as their new head coach. As of Wednesday night, Martin had not met or talked to Pry, though he expects coaches from Virginia Tech to visit at some point. Otherwise, he’s basically in the dark about the new Hokies head man.
“From what I’ve read and the little bit of research I was doing, everybody says he’s a pretty good DC (defensive coordinator),” Martin said. “Penn State is known for its linebackers, and I think he was the linebackers coach there as well. I don’t know very much about him and haven’t gotten the chance to meet him or what his plan is for the defense going forward, or what his vision is. I wasn’t really recruited very heavy by Penn State.”
Martin said USC coach Shane Beamer is scheduled to visit him Monday. And then he’ll be getting down to finally plans regarding a public commitment announcement and signing on Dec. 15.
“I’m just kind of seeing all the options that are available to me and what will be the best fit for me, and how I can best maximize my skill set and get to the next level,” Martin said. “I’ll be signing that day. God willing everything goes accordingly, I should have a good idea a little bit before that. I don’t know exactly when. I’m thinking within the next week.”
Virginia Tech was Martin’s only other official visit. He also made unofficial visits to USC in June and late July. He won’t visit anywhere this weekend, as he is graduating from his high school in Virginia.