DT D’Andre Martin (6-4 293) of Durham, NC announced Friday afternoon that USC and Virginia Tech are the final two schools in the running for his services. His “Top 5” consisted of USC, Virginia Tech, Duke, Florida State, and Tennessee.
Martin made an unofficial visit to USC for a lineman camp in June and defensive line coach Jimmy Lindsey has been in regular contact ever since.
“Me and Coach Lindsey were on the phone couple of days ago just talking some football stuff, like how everything is going, how’s the family, all that stuff,” Martin said. “What’s been going on. Just the little stuff, making sure everything is good.”
Lindsey was exposed to the Gamecock coaches and some of the inner workings of the program on his June visit. And he’s coming back for more as he plans to attend the prospect cookout on July 31st with is dad and uncle. He will announce his college commitment the next day.
“I love the energy,” Martin said of the USC coaches. “They’ve always shown support, making sure I’ve got everything I need and the tools to be able to be great.”
Martin also took an official visit to Virginia Tech in June and made unofficial visits to Duke, Tennessee, Virginia and Florida State. He also plans a return trip to Virginia Tech July 25th.
Being developed and having a strong relationship with his coaches are important items to Martin. He said the two schools he’s down two check off those boxes.
“The coaching staffs were #1,” Martin said. “The coaching staffs of these two schools really is what said it all for me. But not only the coaching staff, but the environment. They showed me that this is a school that I can see myself at the next four years even if I weren’t playing football.”
Martin reclassified from the 2021 class. He also grew a lot forcing a change of position from receiver/tight end to defensive tackle. He attends Life Christian Academy in South Chesterfield, VA.
