100 Day Bulldog Countdown: 70 Days - No. 70, OG Marlon Martinez
Jeff Lebby’s era of Mississippi State football has arrived.
The Bulldogs are on their third coach in as many years as Mike Leach’s tragic passing opened the door for defensive coordinator Zach Arnett’s debut as head coach last year. That experiment failed before the year even ended for State and now it’s Lebby’s turn to take the wheel.
While there is always a risk in hiring first time head coaches, Lebby brings to Starkville an exciting offensive scheme that has been productive everywhere he’s been. The coach has also brought with him some swagger that has the fanbase ready to see what’s next.
Over the course of the next 100 days, we will take a look at Lebby’s roster and even some fun historical rewinds that will bring back memories for Dawg fans of all ages.
Today, we look at a transfer lineman that is competing for a starting spot for the Bulldogs.
100 Day Bulldog Countdown: 70 Days – No. 70, Sr. OG Marlon Martinez
Following four years in Baton Rouge playing for the LSU Tigers, Martinez was looking for a new home during the offseason.
A big 6’5, 330-pound offensive lineman out of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Martinez saw action in 45 games over the years with the Tigers and had four starts over the last few years. He was one of the swing players on the line for LSU.
The former On3 Industry rated four-star was the No. 15 inside lineman in the country and the No. 58 player in the state of Florida. The composite ranking had him ranked 375th overall, regardless of position, and he finished at prestigious St. Thomas Acquinas with a Class 7A state championship his senior season.
When Martinez arrived in Baton Rouge, he was counted on right away on special teams. Martinez played on most of those units as a true freshman as he cut his teeth with the defending National Champions and played in nine of the 10 games.
Martinez earned three starts at right guard as a sophomore in 2021. He played in 325 offensive snaps overall on the year. As a junior in 2022, Martinez got a chance to play some center as he showed some of his versatility in the middle. His playing time diminished last season and that’s why he was looking for a new home after the season concluded for the Tigers at the start of the new year.
Martinez landed in Starkville and is looking for new life under line coach Cody Kennedy. He comes into the season a player that has the ability to start right away for the Bulldogs. In the spring, Martinez did find himself on the first team offensive line by the time State hit the field for the Maroon and White Spring Game and was leading the way at right guard.
It appears that Martinez and fellow transfer Jacoby Jackson are the two players that could be battling it out the most. It’s bound to be a nice battle between the two experienced transfers, but both will likely see playing time throughout the year.
