BLUEFIELD, W.Va. — The long trek to Morgantown late Friday for Bluefield junior Sean Martin was well worth it.
Martin, a junior lineman for the Beavers, attended his first West Virginia University football game Saturday. Before heading south and starting on the lengthy trip home, Martin received a scholarship offer from the Mountaineers.
“I was just shocked. I didn’t really think it was coming,” Martin said. “I was surprised.”
Martin is in the middle of his second straight season starting at right tackle and defensive end for the Beavers, winners of 18 straight games dating back to the start of the 2017 season and the reigning Class AA state champions.
Martin said he sent film to WVU before being invited to attend last weekend’s contest against Kansas State.
“(Director of Player Personnel Ryan Dorchester) sent me an invite to come to the game. I went to Morgantown late Friday after our game and I liked the atmopshere of it. I talked to (defensive coordinator Tony Gibson) and some of the recruiting coaches.”
At 6-foot-6, 227 pounds, Martin is a pass rushing specialist and has already registered five sacks this season.
“I’m trying to get 150 tackles and 25 sacks this year,” Martin said.
He’s also a key piece up front on one of the state’s most athletic and physical offensive lines that helps pave the way for the Beavers’ talented stable of tailbacks.
“We have some big people, but had nobody to play right tackle,” Martin said. “But I think I’m better at defense. I just like to hit people.”
The WVU offer was the first one Martin’s received, though he said he’s had contact with Virginia Tech, Virginia and Old Dominion and plans on visiting the latter two at some point this season.
In the meantime, he’ll continue working to do his part for the second-ranked Beavers.
“I’m working on my hand movements,” Martin said, “and trying to get faster.”