Tennessee QB commit explains why he sees championships in Vols' future
Tennessee recently landed a big commitment from 2018 QB Adrian Martinez, and he’s already talking a big game.
“I want to win an SEC championship; I want to win a national championship; I want to do all the things that (Dobbs) may not have been able to accomplish at Tennessee,” Martinez told WNML. “That’s my goal right now.”
It’s far from uncommon to hear a recruit discuss those goals, especially a blue-chipper like Martinez. The 6-foot-2, 198-pound signal-caller is rated the No. 7 dual-threat quarterback in the 2018 class by the 247Sports Composite. He’s the kind of a talent who could be the centerpiece to a potential championship run. Martinez thinks the Vols already have many pieces in place for success under coach Butch Jones.
“I feel like we have all the right people at the University of Tennessee,” Martinez said. “I feel like the fan support is going to be unlike anywhere else in the country, and we have all the things in place to accomplish our goals. There shouldn’t be a reason why we can’t accomplish it, and I feel like with Coach Jones and his message and the work ethic I’ve seen with the coaching staff in place there and the players wanting it, we can accomplish it.”
Martinez, from Fresno, Calif., backed off his pledge to Cal and ultimately committed to UT after visiting for the Orange and White spring game. New quarterbacks coach Mike Canales played a big part in landing the 4-star prospect’s pledge.
“It’s been unlike anything I’ve really had the chance to form with any other coaching staff,” Martinez said. “That’s what really sets them apart is how much they came across and they really wanted to get to know me and establish that relationship. … I would say my relationship’s really solid with those coaches and they’ve really shown to me that they’re truly good people.”
Audio of Martinez’s full segment on WNML can be found on the station’s website.