Freedom DB Martin going to Guilford

Credit: Paul Schenkel | The News Herald

Freedom senior Jaylan Martin recently signed to play football at Guilford College in the fall. Flanking Martin on the front row are his parents, Bobby (left) and Tomra. Pictured on the back row are (from left) Freedom defensive coordinator Forrest Blake, athletic director Joey Davis, head football coach Mike Helms and principal Dr. Ken Prichard.

Freedom senior Jaylan Martin almost quit football in his first year on the Glen Alpine pee wee team. He and his family are certainly glad he didnt now, as the defensive back recently committed to play for Guilford College next year.

Its paying off now, thats for sure, said Bobby Martin, Jaylans father who insisted he stick with the sport and helped coach many of his sons youth teams on the gridiron.

We are excited for him, added Tomra Martin, Jaylans mother. Were glad he made the decision and thought this would be a good fit for him.

Martin (5-8, 170), a three-year varsity football player who also lettered in basketball and track as a Patriot after moving up from Table Rock Middle, earned All-South Mountain 2A/3A Conference honors in football and track. He was also named Freedoms 2010-11 Male Athlete of the Year, was a second team All-Burke County football selection in 2011 by The News Herald and was named Burke County Football Player of the Week by The News Herald for his efforts against Burns, which included two non-offensive touchdowns of more than 75 yards.

Martin ended his senior campaign with 41 tackles and 24 pass breakups for a stingy Freedom defense that allowed just 85.3 passing yards per game and 13.4 points.

Martin said shortly after his fathers pushing him to give football one more try as a youngster, he set a goal to one day play in college.

Ive been thinking about this day since I started playing, he said. Im glad I didnt (quit). By the next year, when I was playing kids more my own age, I started scoring and feeling more at home on the field. It was worth it.

Martin said a member of the Quakers coaching staff initially came down to talk to him during basketball season. He visited the Greensboro campus twice afterwards, including taking in the teams spring game.

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Freedom DB Martin going to Guilford