It’s not often you see a starting left tackle for an SEC program up and leave in the spring but that’s exactly what Koda Martin intends to do. Having already earned his undergraduate degree, Martin is set to be a graduate transfer and plans to play his final collegiate season for Syracuse.

Martin appeared in all 13 games for the Aggies last season, starting 11 of those contests. He played in 13 games on the Aggie OL as a sophomore. He was also one of the program’s player representatives at SEC Media Days in 2017. He projected to be Texas A&M’s starter once again at left tackle for the 2018 season.

He recently underwent a near-death experience following a training session in College Station. He was hospitalized in the ICU for several days and credited the training staff at A&M for potentially saving his life with their quick diagnosis and action. In his long message announcing his decision to transfer, he does not mention the incident but you have to wonder if it played into his decision.

Martin’s father and father-in-law both coach at Syracuse.

Here is the note he posted Thursday evening announcing his decision:

https://twitter.com/kmartsmart91/status/987150056359976961?s=21