DT D’Andre Martin (6-4 293), a native of Durham, NC who attends school in South Chesterfield, VA, participated Thursday in the OL/DL camp at USC and impressed defensive line coach Jimmy Lindsey and head coach Shane Beamer enough to walk away with an offer. Martin is a fast-rising prospect who picked up his first major offer a couple of weeks ago from Virginia Tech. Since then, several other major programs have jumped in with the Gamecocks being the latest.
“During the camp, I was just dominating the O-linemen,” Martin said. “They told me after the camp to just meet them at the gate and we’ll take a tour of the school and all that. I just came in and said I’m going to come in here and play ball. From there it writes it’s own story.”
Martin said he and Lindsey have been talking for a few weeks and the coach wanted to see him in person before rendering an offer. Lindsey obviously liked what he saw up close and personal.
“The first thing he said he loved the physicality and the size,” Martin said. “That was his number one thing. He really loves the hand movements. He just gave me some key points.”
Martin got a look at the Gamecocks’ new operations building on his tour and was highly impressed.
“It’s gorgeous, it’s amazing,” Martin said. “I loved it. The weight room was one of my favorites. This school is definitely considered a top five for me just off their track record. I’ve got to do some more research, but as of right now, South Carolina is a really great school and I definitely want to keep them under consideration. And of course, it’s an SEC school.”
Martin does not plan to make a decision until after his season. He will sign in December and will graduate early,
“Right now I’m just keeping my recruiting open,” Martin said. “South Carolina was my last visit. I haven’t really had a chance to think about (favorites). That’s what I’m going to do with my parents this upcoming week. I’m just going to keep listening to my parents and let God do his thing.”
Martin also visited Duke, Tennessee, Norfolk State, Virginia, Florida State, Florida A&M and Virginia Tech this month. All have offered.
Martin reclassified from the 2021 class. He also grew a lot forcing a change of position from receiver/tight end to defensive tackle.
