STRecruiting: Fast-rising Georgia offensive lineman Cooper Martenson catches the eye of South Carolina offensive line coach Randy Clements

Some film study is all South Carolina offensive line coach Randy Clements needed to make a call on 2028 OL Cooper Martenson (6-5 290) of Atlanta. Clements did not see Martenson in the spring, and Martenson did not camp with the Gamecocks this summer. But Clements got a look at some of his film, and that convinced him an offer was in order, and it came down last Saturday.

“He told me that he loved my film. He told me that he loved the type of guy that I was. And he told me that he’d love to have me up for a game,” Martenson said. “He told me as a staff, they watched my film, evaluated me, and said that they loved me as a player. And he gave me the offer. My relationship hasn’t been as much as I want it to be so far. I haven’t gotten to talk to them as much as I want to. I got to talk to Coach Clements. I really like Coach (Shane) Beamer. He’s doing some great things over there, so I’m excited to keep up that relationship.  I’ve been texting with them frequently and learning more about the program, and that’s how it is right now. And I’m very excited to keep it up.”

Martenson has not been to USC for a game, but his dad has. He was a punter at NC State and played a game during his career at Williams-Brice Stadium. So, he is looking for his own opportunity to check out the Gamecocks in person, and at this point, feels like they will be in the mix with him throughout the process.

“I think the culture they’re building there is amazing,” Martenson said. “I think they just had an outstanding recruiting class as well. I think they bring in the guys that they want and they get the guys that they need. I think I’d love to be a part of what they’re building, and I’m very excited to learn more.”

Along with South Carolina, Martenson plans to see games involving many of the teams recruiting him the hardest.

“Thursday, I’m going to the (Georgia) Tech versus Colorado game,” he said. “Then I’m going to UGA. I’m going to a Florida game. I’m going to UNC. I’m going to Duke. I’m going to Tennessee. I’m going to NC State and FSU. And the schedule’s getting a little tight, but I’m hoping to get out to a South Carolina game.”

Martenson started to build his recruiting reputation during the summer camp circuit. He was offered at every stop…Florida State, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, NC State and Tennessee. He also camped at Georgia Tech, but had already been offered by the Yellow Jackets at that point.

“Everything’s pretty wide open for me. I don’t have a top list,” Martenson said. “I’d say basically everyone’s open. I’m just going to games, meeting the coaches, and getting to build a relationship with people. I wouldn’t say anyone’s at the top, but if I had to pick, I would say I’ve communicated the most with Georgia Tech. I’ve met the staff the most. I’ve communicated very highly with Florida, Tennessee, Georgia, UNC, Duke, and NC State. They’ve been in contact with me the most.”