Corey Martinez is no longer a prospect getting his feet wet in recruiting. He has made a big splash and is becoming a national name. The Tampa Catholic 2014 offensive tackle has started on the Crusader offensive line since his freshman season. He currently holds verbal offers from Vanderbilt, Miami, Florida State, Kentucky and South Florida.

The recruiting process can be fun and daunting at the same time. The attention comes fast, but can start to wear on young prospects. For Martinez, he says he is ultimately enjoying the process so far.

MARTINEZ: I think the most enjoyable part of recruiting has been being able to go out and check out the different schools, which have so many things to offer.

Every serious football player has a dream or goals they want to attain. Some kids want to become a starter on the varsity team. Some, a 5 star prospect. Others just want to be a scholarship player. Martinez’s dream is simple. He wants to be a state champion.

MARTINEZ: In my high school career I have not accomplished making it to states. My dream since freshman year was to make it to states.

So what’s his motivation? Motivation derives from the root word MOTIVE which by definition is something that causes a person to act in a certain way, do a certain thing, etc.; incentive.

MARTINEZ: Both my mother and father have made a huge impact on my life in molding me into a hardworking, determined young man. They’ve shown me right and wrong and what it takes to be successful in life.

7:00am – 2:30pm is the time where student athletes should be focus on their studies on Monday-Friday. Easier said than done. Football consumes the best players who want to soak up as much as possible to become as good as possible. Martinez is no exception to the rule.

MARTINEZ: Throughout the school day I try to focus as much as possible on school but a lot of the time football is the first thing that comes to my mind during the day.

Martinez has several offers at this point and that list will grow. Does he have a favorite? Not at this point, but a few schools have made a big impression by their play on the field.

MARTINEZ: I think most of the Florida schools have made the biggest impression on me with their play on the field this year.

Friday, Martinez and team with go head to head in a must win district bash with Berkeley Prep. Win and advance to the playoffs. Or lose and watch his state championship dream go down the drain.