STRecruiting: 2028 RB Michael Martin was back on the field Friday night, and back at Death Valley on Saturday afternoon

2028 RB Michael Martin II made his return to the football field Friday night a grand one. Martin had not played in a game since announcing his transfer from Christ Church to Southside Christian on September 9th. In his first game with the Sabres last Friday night, Martin rushed for 201 yards and three touchdowns.

“It felt great. I’ve been waiting for this for over a month now. So being back there on the field with my team and everything, it was just a great feeling,” Martin said. “I felt natural again. Just came out and just did my thing.”

Then on Saturday, Martin rushed over to Clemson to take in another home game at the invitation of Dabo Swinney and running backs coach CJ Spiller.

“They were just glad to see me back on the field and everything,” Martin said. “They said I had a really good game for my first game being back in over a month. And me and Coach Spiller, we talk all the time. And me and Coach Sweeney, when I see him on visits, we have good talks too. So they’re just saying be patient and just keep doing my thing this season.”

Swinney and Spiller have not yet offered Martin, who has offers from the likes of Georgia Tech, Duke, Cincinnati, Syracuse, Wake Forest, East Carolina and UNLV. He would love to be able to add Clemson to that list, but he’s not getting a clear read from the Tigers on that.

“I’m not sure. They say finish out the season because I haven’t played many games this year,” Martin said. “Who knows? Maybe I’ll get an offer, but definitely just being patient right now.”

Martin will visit Georgia Tech this Saturday. He has also been to games at Wake Forest, Duke, Virginia and Cincinnati.

Martin has not visited South Carolina for a game this season, but does expect to get to Columbia before the season is out. Gamecock running backs coach Stan Drayton is in contact.

“Me and Coach Drayton communicate all the time,” Martin said. “He started recruiting me my sophomore season. So we talk all the time. I have a good connection with Coach Drayton.”

At this point, Martin said he has a top four of Wake Forest, Duke, Georgia Tech and Cincinnati.