Eastland senior Chris Martinez has started since his sophomore year and rushed for 953 yards with 18 rushing touchdowns last year. Now he's a senior and ready to keep improving.
"I started as a sophomore, so I had leadership above me, so this year I just keep getting better as a leader," Martinez said.
Head coach James Morton is in his first year with the Mavericks, but he has already seen what kind of contribution Martinez brings to the team.
"The thing that I've noticed about Chris more than anything else is how he's responded and emerged as the leader and taken those guys on his shoulder," Morton said. "In talking to the coaches, I know where he was his sophomore year. His training and discipline in the weight room has really stood out."
In addition to being a leader on the field, Morton says Martinez is a leader off the field.
"Most importantly it's what he brings off the field," Morton said. "He's been a great leader for us. Shows up, works hard, leads by example. I think everyone sees what he does on the field. He's a dual threat for us. He's able to run the ball out of the backfield, but he's also a great pass receiver for us and just continues to make plays."
The Mavericks have made it to the third round of playoffs the last two years, and Martinez is ready to take that experience and get farther.
"Playoff experience, just keep growing from third round," Martinez said. "We made it third round sophomore year, and then my junior year, so just expecting to get better this year."
Chris Martinez is a BCH Sports Player to Watch.
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"I started as a sophomore, so I had leadership above me, so this year I just keep getting better as a leader," Martinez said.
Head coach James Morton is in his first year with the Mavericks, but he has already seen what kind of contribution Martinez brings to the team.
"The thing that I've noticed about Chris more than anything else is how he's responded and emerged as the leader and taken those guys on his shoulder," Morton said. "In talking to the coaches, I know where he was his sophomore year. His training and discipline in the weight room has really stood out."
In addition to being a leader on the field, Morton says Martinez is a leader off the field.
"Most importantly it's what he brings off the field," Morton said. "He's been a great leader for us. Shows up, works hard, leads by example. I think everyone sees what he does on the field. He's a dual threat for us. He's able to run the ball out of the backfield, but he's also a great pass receiver for us and just continues to make plays."
The Mavericks have made it to the third round of playoffs the last two years, and Martinez is ready to take that experience and get farther.
"Playoff experience, just keep growing from third round," Martinez said. "We made it third round sophomore year, and then my junior year, so just expecting to get better this year."
Chris Martinez is a BCH Sports Player to Watch.
More...