Roland Martin wanted to make sure there were no leaks when it came time to announce his college decision.
So, the 6-foot-6-inch, 340-pound All-State offensive lineman from Harper didn’t even tell his mother, Sharon Wardell, until Wednesday morning.
Several hours later, Martin announced his choice of Michigan State during a news conference at Dunbar where 14 other Public League football players signed letters of intent.
Later that afternoon, Martin–rated among the top 10 offensive linemen in the country–informed the rest of the nation of his Spartan choice on a live ESPN telecast.
“It was so close between Michigan State and Oklahoma–this was the hardest decision I’ve ever made,” said Martin, who also had Tennessee and North Carolina State in his final four. “I sat down and talked with my coaches and of course, with my family. From what they all said, everything started pointing to Michigan State.
“Being closer to home was a factor. Now maybe my family can come visit and help me clean up my room.”
Oklahoma did sign Hubbard All-Stater Chris Patterson, who is rated among the nation’s top 10 linebackers by SuperPrep Magazine of Laguna Beach, Cal.
“I’m impressed by the coaching staff and how many Oklahoma linebackers have played in the NFL,” said the 6-3, 225-pound Patterson, who also considered Miami, Oregon, Oregon State, Illinois and Iowa. “Growing up, I always liked Ohio State, but on my visit to Oklahoma, it was like someone had sold me a dream.”
Hubbard’s 6-2, 280-pound defensive tackle Marques Walton signed with Michigan while teammate Jonathan Patton, a 6-5, 240-pound defensive tackle, chose Purdue. The Boilermakers also signed Prosser wideout Fabian Martin, who had originally committed to Illinois.
Hubbard All-State defensive back Nate Lyles chose Virginia, which almost lured Simeon All-State wide receiver Bryant Creamer away from Illinois.
Look for the Cavaliers to target more Public League prospects next season thanks to assistant coach Corwin Brown, a former standout defensive back at Julian and Michigan who was a fourth-round draft pick by New England in 1993.
