Central Cali QB an Early Riser

by Lorenzo Reyna

Adrian Martinez is an early riser.

It’s proven by the approach he took before the Passing Down Northern California regional on February 28, as the rising Class of 2018 quarterback from Clovis West – who already holds one scholarship offer from Fresno State - decided to get to Chabot College before the sun revealed itself during the morning hours.

“I’m ready to compete. I’ve been out here for a couple of hours scouting other teams and getting my head right,” Martinez said. “There’s nothing better than getting out here and competing.”

Martinez’s mental and meticulous side came in handy when it was time for him to hit the field. The 6-foot-2, 170-pound signal caller flawlessly delivered strikes down the field and led Field Up’s offense to 59 combined points during pool play. Martinez, who doubled as a throwing and running threat for the Golden Eagles last season, helped lead a young Field Up squad to the No. 1 overall seed in the Agility and Impact Pod. 

He dissected defenses with his powerful right arm as he became Field Up’s latest bomber man for head coach Elon Paige. While Martinez leaves spectators in awe with his athletic abilities, it’s his work ethic that has helped turn him into a national recruit. 

“I try to watch a lot of football and learn as much from the game as I can. Plus get as much from my coaches including coach Elon,” Martinez said. “There’s so much to learn and improve.”

One way he builds on his own game is by getting together with his high school quarterbacks coach and watch film from last year. He watches television documentaries on quarterbacks as well. 

“I also go on You Tube and try to practice the different drills I get from there,” Martinez said. “I just try to improve my game all the time.”

His play and desire to get better already caught the attention of local NCAA Football Bowl Subdivison head coach Tim DeRuyter. Clovis West and Fresno State have built a strong pipeline in years past, as the Bulldogs have reeled in former Golden Eagle stars Donovan Lewis, Travis Brown, Billy Volek and recently Martinez’s former teammate Johnny Rojas, who signed with Fresno State’s 2016 class. 

“It was a great experience and something I’ve always dreamed of: getting that first offer and it came from Fresno State, the team I dreamed of playing for since I was little,” Martinez said, who added that he’s watched games inside Bulldog Stadium since the age of four and idolized Ryan Mathews and Derek Carr when they wore the green “V” on the back of their helmets. 

But now, will Fresno State get an early verbal pledge from the Clovis West fast riser? Or is Martinez going to let other schools chat with him?

“I’m going to let the process play out,” Martinez said, who included that Oklahoma State, Oregon and Washington have shown interest. “I’m not really sure with where I want to land. I’m trying to expand on that. I want to play in the PAC-12, but Fresno State is a team that I don’t want to keep out of my top schools.”

While he has two more years to decide his future college choice, Martinez aims at improving some more on the field, including his leadership intangibles. 

“I try to be a great leader. I try to be vocal with the guys and get everyone ready to go,” Martinez said. “At the same time, I try to be that guy who is even-keeled; the guy they can look at when the pressure is on and he’s still ready to go.”

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