Marlon Martinez brings SEC experience to Bulldog offensive line

Mississippi State went into the offseason needing to overhaul the offensive line and coaches Jeff Lebby and Cody Kennedy did just that out of the transfer portal.

Of all the linemen projected in the starting lineup, transfer Marlon Martinez is the one with the most SEC experience. Martinez comes to Starkville from LSU where he played in 45 games and started four. He’s looking to bring what he learned with the Tigers to Starkville this season with five new full-time starters slated for game one.

Martinez recently discussed his relationship with the line, why he chose to come to State and where he feels most comfortable up front.

Question: What’s your experience at State been like so far?

MM: “I love it, man. The moment that I came in, I had a really good vibe with the coaches,” Martinez said of State. “Through my recruiting process, there was a  good report  that I enjoyed so it was kind of a no-brainer for me to come here. Since I’ve gotten here, even with all of the new guys, it’s felt like family. Honestly, it couldn’t have been a smoother transition for me.”

Q: How versatile is this offensive line?

MM: “There’s no set starting positions right now so a lot of guys are moving around and getting reps in different areas. For example, I’m playing two positions on the o-line. I’m a small sample size, but a lot of us can play different positions so versatility shouldn’t be an issue whenever the need arises.”

Q: Where do you feel most comfortable?

MM: “I like guard a lot, because I don’t have to worry about nothing. I can make the calls, I’ve played center. There’s something about playing guard and just going down hill and not having to worry about anything.”

Q: What’s your thoughts on Ethan Miner at center?

MM: “I’m really confident playing next to him. He’s a really smart dude. We hang out a lot outside the facility. I’m really confident with him playing at center because he knows what he’s doing and he’s got my back.”

Q: What kind of coach is Cody Kennedy?

MM: “He’s really fun to play for. One thing about it is we’re going to have fun in meetings and mess around, but when it gets down to football, it’s really about football. He’s a technician so he’s going to make sure that everything that we do is 100% what he wants to see on tape. We appreciate that from him.”

Q: It’s like a new start for the offensive line. Do you see that?

MM: “Even when I first came in here, I didn’t know what exactly the finishing product would look like. As we started playing and bonding together, the picture became clearer. A lot of guys are falling into spots and doing some good things. Honestly, I’m really excited to see what it turns out to be.”

Q: What have you learned from Albert Reese about playing at this level?

MM: “I’ve played at this level too. But me and Albert have talked about how we were going to play well together. There’s almost no communication that needs to be made because we’re on the same page. I’m really excited to play next to him. Just like Ethan, I’m really confident playing next to Albert.”

Q: What do you feel the strengths are of the defensive line?

MM: “Just that – strength. (Trevion Williams), (Sulaiman Kpaka), all of those guys are freaks, man. I don’t envy the other SEC offensive lines going against them because when those guys get going, they get going. I’m really excited to see what they do against SEC opponents.”

Q: You basically have a totally new offensive line. Was it tough building the chemistry?

MM: “Obviously, when you come into a new environment with new people there’s going to be growing pains. It didn’t take long at all for us to bond and build up relationships across the board. I honestly thought it was going to take longer like the whole spring or summer, but when we hit the field in the spring I had no problem playing next to those guys.

“We did a whole lot of stuff outside the facility like fishing, shooting and a whole bunch of dumb stuff. But I’m really excited to play next to them. It’s my first time transferring and I’m an older guy, but it’s not at all what I thought. We grew together real quick so I’m excited about that.”

Q: What was it about this place that you decided it was where you wanted to transfer?

MM: “I have no ill will towards the last school I was at. I left on amicable terms, but I decided it was time for some personal growth and this was the place for me. Throughout my recruiting process, I was looking for a school where I knew exactly what the plan would be for me and a good relationship with coaches. My old o-line coach had ties with coach Kennedy and they were a part of the same system when they were coaching together. It was kind of a no-brainer.

“When I got here, I had a really close relationship with coach Kennedy and I really liked coach Lebby’s vibe and how he told me he was going to run his program. Honestly, it was the best decision I could have made.”