DeShaun Foster evaluates UCLA backup QB Justyn Martin after first quarter vs. Penn State

DeShaun Foster liked what he saw from backup quarterback Justyn Martin in the first quarter of UCLA’s contest against Penn State.

Through 15 minutes, the game was scoreless in Happy Valley. However, Martin filled in quite nicely for the injured Ethan Garbers.

Foster hoped for Martin to continue his solid pace while tightening up getting in and out of the huddle moving forward.

“Doing a good job,” Foster told FOX’s Jenny Taft. “We just got to get out of the huddle a little bit sooner, give ourselves a little bit more time on the play clock, but other than that he’s played a good game.” 

As far as the defense is concerned, they helped Martin in the first quarter.

“Continue to give pressure out there and just continue to play ball,” Foster said of his defense.

Martin was nine of 11 for 59 yards passing through the first quarter of play. Coming into the game, Martin was just two of five passing for 12 yards and ran once for zero yards.

He did not throw a pass as a redshirt freshman last season.

As a member of the Class of 2022, Martin was a four-star recruit out of Inglewood (Calif.) High, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 19 overall prospect in the state, the No. 16 quarterback in the class and the No. 256 overall prospect in the class.

Justyn Martin filling in valiantly for UCLA

With no Garbers, it was the Martin show on Saturday. Garbers was previously named a game-time decision against Penn State.

In four games for UCLA, Garbers is 67-117 (57.3%) for 808 yards, three touchdowns, and six interceptions. In the 34-13 loss to Oregon this past weekend, he was 12-20 (60%) for 118 yards while throwing two of those picks and being sacked four times before leaving.

After coming in as the reserve in his last outing, Martin completed one of his four passes for seven yards.

Garbers wanted to be back for their first road game in conference play at Beaver Stadium. Still, head coach DeShaun Foster and the team took note of his availability over a few days before they headed out east.

“He’s in good spirits and, you know, I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do later on in the week,” Foster said.