4-Star Safety Martels Carter Commits to Kentucky: 'It's Home'

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Martels Carter, the No. 1-ranked prospect in the state of Kentucky, has committed to Kentucky, he tells KSR. Carter becomes the sixth commitment in UK’s 2025 class after choosing the Wildcats over Auburn, Colorado and Louisville.

The 6-foot-1, 185-pound safety from Paducah Tilghman (Paducah, KY) answered simply when asked about his commitment. He only needed two words to explain.

“It’s home,” Carter said.

Carter was mainly recruited by Kentucky associate head coach Vince Marrow and safeties coach Frank Buffano. Each played a key role in his decision.

“[Vince Marrow] keeps it real. He doesn’t try to just talk. He’ll tell you what it is,” Carter said. “[Frank Buffano] is the exact same way. It’s about business. He’s going to have fun doing it.”

Carter has visited Kentucky numerous times in the past. He hasn’t set a date for an official visit, but said that’s likely to be in June.

“I really want to get used to where I’m going to be for the next three to four years,” he said. “I’ve been there four to five times already, so I’ve seen everything I need to see.”

Doing Some Recruiting of His Own

Now that he’s committed, Martels Carter wants to do some recruiting of his own. That starts with 2025 three-star USC running back commit Daune Morris.

“He’s out of Chatanooga and is committed to USC right now,” Carter said. “That’s the main guy who I’m trying to get.”

Morris is ranked by the On3 Industry Ranking as the No. 19 athlete and No. 471 overall prospect in the 2025 class. He is the No. 14-ranked player out of the state of Tennessee.

“If you ask me, he’s the best running back in 2025,” Carter said. “If you put on the film and watch him, he’s electrifying. His vision is beautiful. What more do you need? He knows how to read blocks, has explosiveness, and speed, and the film speaks for itself. You can put it at slot and he can do the same thing, dominate.”

Martels Carter’s Game

Four-star safety Martels Carter of Paducah (Ky.) Tilghman is the nation’s No. 193 overall prospect, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. On3 ranks Carter as the No. 25 player safety and the overall No. 2 best player in Kentucky.

“I’m coming down and booming with my power and explosiveness,” Carter said. “When you see me on that field, my job is to get you ecstatic, excited, and on your feet. I’m going to do that with a passion.”

Carter said he plans to enroll at Kentucky in December. Despite being committed, he wants to take an official visit to Michigan with Eli Owens, a tight end out of Alcoa, Tennessee.

Before getting to UK, Carter wants to get more disciplined, watch some film, and learn about how Kentucky utilizes its safeties. Most of all, Carter is ready to bring some glory back to Kentucky.

“My job is to flip UK around and make it poppin’ again,” he said.