Daniel Martin has unique advantage in college his decision

Marietta (Ga.) High school star Daniel Martin has time to make his college decision. The 6-foot-3, 200-pound linebacker is set to announce his college decision at the U.S. Army All American game in January.

A national commitment and spot in the U.S. Army All-American game has been a goal for Martin. He watched former U.S. Army All American and current Carolina Panthers’ defensive tackle Derrick Brown in high school.

He watched as Brown told the world that he was going to play his college football at Auburn.

“It’s always been the dream because that’s where the best players play,” Martin said. “I’ve played FBU my whole life. I always knew about it because they have the best players in there. It’s crazy that I’m going to get to play in it.”

Time an advantage for Daniel Martin

Daniel Martin has four months before he announces his college decision. Many of the top players in the Class of 2022 have already made their commitment known.

“I’m feeling good going into the season, I’m okay with picking up more offers if they really want me,” Martin said. “If not, I’ve got schools that want me and that I’m thinking about going to.”

Martin will have the benefit of thinking more deeply into his decision. He’ll also have the opportunity to play well for 7A power Marietta to boost his stock as a player. Martin will play only linebacker in 2021. He doubled as a wide receiver for the Blue Devils in 2020.

“To me, it’s an advantage because last year our team didn’t as great of a year as we did before and I feel like a couple of schools are sleeping on me,” Martin said. “That will give me time to show, what I can do this year.”

Who is leading the way?

Daniel Martin says he’s being recruited the hardest by Oregon, Florida State, Vanderbilt and Kentucky. Things had calmed during the summer with Kentucky, but a recent flurry of communication has the relationship back in a good place.

Martin took an unofficial to Oregon back in early July for the program’s Saturday Night Lights event. He plans to take an official visit during the fall.

His camp was a good opportunity to speak with the coaching staff in person.

“It was great to meet the coaches and talk face-to-face even though they’re across the country,” Martin said. “I won’t be able to do that a lot. There is a family vibe. I got to talk to the head coach a little bit. It was a great talk. It’s nice. Really beautiful.”

Education is “No. 1” for Martin. Vanderbilt is one of the teams high on Martin’s list. He visited the Commodores back on June 28.

Martin is being heavily pursued by the coaching staff as well as the Commodores’ commits in the Class of 2022.

“When I took my official, I met a couple of fellas that committed that day, so it was nice, they’re good people,” Martin said. “They’re telling me to commit and the good things about the new coaches.”

The Commodores have put themselves in a position to be one of the hats on the table on Jan. 8.