JAQUISE MARTIN HAS BIG SHOES TO FILL.
His Mom, Tilmila Martin, played college basketball at Texas Tech and he has always used her as his benchmark.
“I grew up playing basketball because of my Mom,” he laughed. “But my homeboys in middle school were always telling me I was better at football. I made varsity as a freshman in football and the rest is history.
“My Mom and I are really close, but I want to be the best in the family. That’s the real title I’m shooting for.”
Martin was the District Newcomer of the Year for his sophomore season, when he accounted for nearly 1,000 yards of offense and 10 scores. He improved on that number as a junior with another 1,000 yards and 12 scores.
The receiver also stars on the basketball team, where he averaged over 14 points per game in 2023 and has set a school record in the long-jump for the track and field team. He also runs sprints and relays.
“Playing varsity as a freshman really set me up,” he said. “It just gave me so much confidence in all the sports I played. I also learned from the older guys about leadership and dedication. Being around them really took my game to another level. It was key to my development.”
While he was offered by his Mom’s Alma Mater Texas Tech, Martin wanted to chart his own path. The Red Raider legacy committed to Tulsa University in the spring.
“The coaches have just built a great relationship with me,” he said. “They are always checking on me and staying in constant communication with my family. It will be an adjustment being away from home, but I’m excited for the next part of my journey.”
The future Hurricane, however, has his focus on the 2024 Rudder football season as he takes one last ride with his “homeboys”.
“We have the experience under our belts, so we should have a great season,” he said. “We just have to continue to communicate and keep our composure when something bad happens. We have to go 100-percent all the time.”
With the resume he has built, has he earned the title for the “best athlete” in his family?
Stay tuned.