’09 IN OT Zack Martin (7/20/08 Notre Dame LOI)

[irishunclebill]

Offensive Tackle
Bishop Chatard High School (http://www.bishopchatard.org/) (Indianapolis, IN)

Links of Interest:
Rivals Profile (http://notredame.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=80355)

Height: 6 foot-6
Weight: 270 lbs.

Combine
Forty: 5.0
Bench Reps:
Bench Max: 325 lbs.
Squat Max: 450 lbs.
Shuttle:
Vertical:
GPA:

Star Ratings
Rivals.com: ****
Scout.com: ***

Rankings & Accolades
Rivals NR/ #18 Offensive Tackle
Scout NR/ #27 Offensive Tackle
ESPN 150 #105/ #11 Offensive Tackle
2007- All-State, All-City, All-Area.

Statistics
2006-
2007-

Schools of Interest
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kentucky
Louisville
Michigan
Northwestern
Notre Dame
Purdue
Stanford
UCLA
Virginia

Multimedia
Rivals Video on Zach Martin

Zach Martin Highlights 1 (http://www.notredame.rivals.com/video.asp?section=fbrecruit&pkey=80355&vidtype=prospect&vidid=126475)

Zach Martin Highlights 2 (http://www.notredame.rivals.com/video.asp?section=fbrecruit&pkey=80355&vidtype=prospect&vidid=126476)

Zach Martin Highlights 3 (http://www.notredame.rivals.com/video.asp?section=fbrecruit&pkey=80355&vidtype=prospect&vidid=126477)

[irishunclebill]

Zach Martin

http://i30.tinypic.com/euirfp.jpg

[irishunclebill]

ND is starting to take a look at another Indianapolis OT prospect in Zach Martin as Coach Haywood visited Bishop Chatard earlier this month. Martin has over 20 offers already including every school in his Schools of Interest except ND and Louisville. scUM is his most recent offer. Martin camped at ND last summer and was in attendance at the 2007 USC game. His father played DT at Kentucky in the 80’s and they along with Illinois and scUM are currently Zach’s favorites. An ND offer would probably put the Irish up there as well. It has been more than 30 years since ND successfully recruited a Bishop Chatard kid.

[irishunclebill]

According to Zach and the II Bunny, (free blurb on II front page) he was offered today by CW. I'm going to wait for a little verification on this one before I add him to the offer list.

http://notredame.rivals.com/

[Svoboda]

A pretty good offer from what I'm told. I threw up a post over on GridironDigest.com asking if anyone knows if Martin may be a Notre Dame fan or not.

http://gridirondigest.net/index.php?showtopic=28873

[mlcspinner]

It's great to see a OL push a DL 10 yards of the line

[daytonirish]

A friend e-mailed me and said that Martin's best friend is a huge ND fan. His friend had a family member attend ND. Anyway when he got the offer he went straight to his best friends house and told him. Don't know if that means much but he must have really liked the offer.

[mlcspinner]

A friend e-mailed me and said that Martin's best friend is a huge ND fan. His friend had a family member attend ND. Anyway when he got the offer he went straight to his best friends house and told him. Don't know if that means much but he must have really liked the offer.


sounds pretty good to me

[IrishR#1]

I know a coach for Shitard...I should ask him about him.

[IrishKnight1023]

I like the offer. Always good to keep the instate talent.

[Svoboda]

I know a coach for Shitard...I should ask him about him.
Jump on it!

[Jiggafini19]

What other schools does he like? Has he taken any unofficials yet.

[irishunclebill]

What other schools does he like? Has he taken any unofficials yet.

LOL- see post#3 in this thread for his favorites and add ND to that list now that he has an Irish offer.

As for unofficial visits Martin has been to ND for the 2007 USC game and is planning on visiting again in June now that he has been offered.

He has also visited Purdue, Illinois (where he has been three times already), Iowa, Wisconsin, scUM, Indiana, and Kentucky. Both his mother and his father are Kentucky alumni and his father played for the Wildcats in the 80's.

[IrishKnight1023]

http://notredame.scout.com/2/759570.html


Notre Dame has also just recently extended an offer to a big-time prospect on the other side of the ball. And like Muldoon, Zach Martin, OL 6-5. 270, Bishop Chatard High School, Indianapolis, IN registered surprise at the scholarship offer.

“I was a little surprised,” said Martin. “I’d been getting letters from them. I’ve spoken with them, but I hadn’t heard from them in a while. I just got home and had a message to call coach (Bernie) Parmalee. I spoke with coach Parmalee first and then I spoke with both coach Weis and coach (John) Latina. I was real happy about the offer.”

Martin plans to visit Notre Dame in the future.

“I’m going to go up there some time this summer,” he said. “I don’t know when, but I’ll definitely go up there.”

Martin has received 21 scholarship offers, including the one from Notre Dame.

“Pretty much most of the Big Ten has offered me except Ohio State, Penn State and Wisconsin,” said Martin. “Boston College, Virginia, UCLA, those are some of the main ones along with now Notre Dame.”

Martin says the Irish offer vaults them into his top five, though he’s not in any hurry to make a decision.

“I’m going to take some more visits this summer and see what I think,” he explained. “I’d like to make a decision by the end of the summer, but I don’t want to rush into anything. If I feel I know where I want to go I’ll commit then, but I’ll just be patient if I’m not sure what I want to do.”

[rontdtarchala]

We should always get home staters

[irishmarine]

especially at needed positions such as lineman. and really at any position.

[IrishGrizz]

especially at needed positions such as lineman. and really at any position.

That pretty much covers it all:rofl:

[irishmarine]

oh grizz you a so funny hahahaha

[irishunclebill]

Zach has a Top 5, Michigan, Notre Dame, Illinois, Kentucky and Virginia, in no particular order.

[irishmarine]

well just in schools it hink we have a chance. home state plus i like that he is saying when he knows where he is going to commit. not drag it out and play games.

[irishunclebill]

Zach will visit South Bend early next week, not sure if he is attending the camp or not, but it looks like he will be on campus at the same time.

[NDisNCin2010]

any word on if zach is there/on the way?

[Svoboda]

any word on if zach is there/on the way?
Zach will be visiting tomorrow. Hope Notre Dame rolls out the red carpet as we could use some help along the line as we've missed on most of our OL prospects thus far.

[IrishR#1]

He goes to Chitard, so he can't be that good. Kyle Koehne is the better option IMHO. No bias there at all.

[IrishKnight1023]

http://notredame.scout.com/2/762849.html


“Yea, I’m visiting Notre Dame tomorrow,” said Zach Martin. “I wanted to go up there and talk with the coaches some more and get to know more about Notre Dame. I was up there last summer, and I was also there for the USC game, but I didn’t get to speak much with the coaches. I spoke to them briefly, and I did speak with them when I got offered, but I don’t know as much about Notre Dame right now. I know they have a great tradition there and great academics.

“I’ve been talking to coach Parmalee, my recruiting coach, and we’re just going to tour the campus and get to know the coaches and get a better feel for the place.”

Martin also has a few traveling companions on this trip.

“Both my mom and my dad are coming with me,” he said. “They’re looking forward to it.”

[CHATARDFAN]

dont expect to get martin. you would be very lucky. Kyle Koehne and Martin both hopefully dont go here. Best lineman in Indiana can find a better program.

[bluegold06]

dont expect to get martin. you would be very lucky. Kyle Koehne and Martin both hopefully dont go here. Best lineman in Indiana can find a better program.

Better than Notre Dame? Good luck with that. We would love to have those 2 on the o-line.

[irishunclebill]

dont expect to get martin. you would be very lucky. Kyle Koehne and Martin both hopefully dont go here. Best lineman in Indiana can find a better program.

LOL- you wanted a response to that flame.

Well here it is, flamers go down in flames on this board, even with just one flame post.:mutumbo:

:banstick::banstick::banstick:

[bluegold06]

LOL- you wanted a response to that flame.

Well here it is, flamers go down in flames on this board, even with just one flame post.:mutumbo:

:banstick::banstick::banstick:

Nice quick work for him.

Thanks, IUB

[domehead1]

lol...IUB...you da man....you are like the flamer extinguisher.
Well done.

[SpanishElite]

From that little blurb on Scout It doesn't seem like hes as close to committing as everyone says. But hopefully he gets "wooed" by ND.

[irishunclebill]

From that little blurb on Scout It doesn't seem like hes as close to committing as everyone says. But hopefully he gets "wooed" by ND.

Who is everyone? Lots of competition for ND here from scUM and even Kentucky. Being later with an offer does not help our cause either. With each passing year more and more of these kids want to commit earlier and earlier. ND's admission standards in a lot of cases prevents the Irish from offering these kids earlier. With this trend of earlier committements growing that is starting to hurt ND, especially this year. Don't expect admission standards to be lowered, but I think we may start seeing more conditional offers going out in the future. A lot of these kids are not willing to wait for an ND offer, or feel that the wait means they are not getting enough "love" from the ND staff, so the solution may have to be "conditional love", especially when you are coming off 3-9.

[SpanishElite]

Your right IUB I miss spoke on "everyone". I guess I just have read around by posters who say he favors ND.

[publicola]

ND's admission standards in a lot of cases prevents the Irish from offering these kids earlier. With this trend of earlier committements growing that is starting to hurt ND, especially this year.

Indeed. I also think that the staff devoted almost all of their efforts on making sure that the 2008 recruits remained committed until February, which in turn meant less time evaluating 2009 recruits. This seems especially problematic with our o-line recruiting this year -- the late offers are killing us.

[daytonirish]

IUB you could've let me at least call him some names before you banned him. Now I'm depressed and gonna have to double the meds today. :rofl:

[publicola]

https://secure.rivals.com/barrier_noentry.asp?ReturnTo=notredame%2Erivals%2E com&sid=961&script=content.asp&cid=824376&fid=&tid=&mid=&rid=

I can't read the article, but if I could, I would probably reach the conclusion that he'll be a Wolverine. Again, the Irish were too late with his offer. [Actually, now that I think about it, ND came in only about two weeks after Michigan. Still, you have to get in early on these guys, especially if they aren't necessarily ND fans growing up.]

[stew654]

That would really suck to lose martin and schofield to the skunkbears.. The question being where is martin's last trip to.

[irishunclebill]

That would really suck to lose martin and schofield to the skunkbears.. The question being where is martin's last trip to.

scUM.

[SpanishElite]

Yes this could get really bad if we miss out on him too. Anyone hearing if any other OL offers might go out?

[stew654]

Sigh wtf.. send out an offer to Patrick ward already...makes u wonder what they didnt like about the kid

[SpanishElite]

Sigh wtf.. send out an offer to Patrick ward already...makes u wonder what they didnt like about the kid

Yea I agree. He seemed to be super interested.. but after being shuned by an offer this whole time hopefully he hasnt soured on ND. Maybe if he does get an offer he will get alittle more interested in ND. But like you said stew it has to be something we all dont know.

[rontdtarchala]

there's still hope all send prayers... IUB you are truly the protector of the relm...

[publicola]

Sigh wtf.. send out an offer to Patrick ward already...makes u wonder what they didnt like about the kid

I'm guessing Ward might not be too receptive to an offer at this point...but who knows.

[IrishKnight1023]

I'm annoyed.

[SoCalDomer]

Sigh wtf.. send out an offer to Patrick ward already...makes u wonder what they didnt like about the kid

Ward is a guard. Martin is a tackle.

[stonebreakerwasgod]

Boys have a ....

[marv81s]

they would be better off whiping their ass with a written offer right now than sending one out to Pat Ward, he would have zero interest in a written offer from ND at this point

if he wanted one from ND all he had to do was show up to ND's last camp

[Svoboda]

Zach, do you have NFL dreams?

Here are the players sent to the NFL during Dick Rod's time at West Virginia. Please look carefully and notice how many offensive linemen the NFL scooped up from his gimmicky offense.

2008 3 89 Steve Slaton RB Houston Texans
2008 5 163 Owen Schmitt FB Seattle Seahawks
2008 6 194 Ryan Mundy FS Pittsburgh Steelers
2006 6 179 Dee McCann CB Detroit Lions
2005 1 6 Pacman Jones CB Tennessee Titans
2005 3 83 Chris Henry WR Cincinnati Bengals
2005 5 174 Rasheed Marshall WR San Francisco 49ers
2004 7 219 Quincy Wilson RB Atlanta Falcons
2003 4 130 Lance Nimmo T Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2003 5 144 James Davis LB Detroit Lions

That's right, ZERO.

Signed,
Notre Dame Nation

[SpanishElite]

they would be better off whiping their ass with a written offer right now than sending one out to Pat Ward, he would have zero interest in a written offer from ND at this point

if he wanted one from ND all he had to do was show up to ND's last camp

So your saying the reason he didnt get one is because he didnt come to camp?
And ND has no interest in offering him? or he has no interest in an ND offer?

[irishunclebill]

So your saying the reason he didnt get one is because he didnt come to camp?
And ND has no interest in offering him? or he has no interest in an ND offer?

Ward was told that he needed to camp to have a chance to be offered. Thus the fact that he chose not to camp says to me that he no longer has any interest in an ND offer.

[SpanishElite]

ah got ya. Thanx IUB.

[IrishKnight1023]

Martins probably sold on Jake Long being the 1st pick overall, but I bet DickRod left out how that was a completely different type of lineman and offense that will be run there.

[zimmsbg78]

Down to Michigan, Notre Dame, Illinois, Virginia and Kentucky. Plans to make a return trip to scUM this weekend and then will sit down make a decision in the coming weeks.

[SpanishElite]

Hopefully he is going to commit to ND, and just wants to make sure he feels good in decision by visiting UM one more time. Hopefully the Watt commitment (if true) comes out before Martin makes his decision. That could be a great momentum upswing for Martin.

[Svoboda]

Hopefully he is going to commit to ND, and just wants to make sure he feels good in decision by visiting UM one more time. Hopefully the Watt commitment (if true) comes out before Martin makes his decision. That could be a great momentum upswing for Martin.
Martin has admitted he doesn't keep up on the recruiting front, so it probably will have little effect. Further, I think the Irish may have put their hat into the race a bit late. Everything I keep being told has him going to Michigan. Hope what I'm hearing is wrong.

[publicola]

Further, I think the Irish may have put their hat into the race a bit late.

If I remember correctly (and I might not), ND offered only 2 weeks after Michigan. Those two weeks might be the difference, but he probably just wasn't all that enthusiastic about ND from jump.

[SpanishElite]

So are we saying that Z. Martin is as good as gone once he makes his trip to UM?

[STLDomer1868]

It ain't over until Britney Spears sings.

[irishunclebill]

If I remember correctly (and I might not), ND offered only 2 weeks after Michigan. Those two weeks might be the difference, but he probably just wasn't all that enthusiastic about ND from jump.

You are correct about the part that you might not have remembered correctly. It was actually almost 7 weeks. He was offered by scUM on 4/12, by ND on 5/29.

[dyrtdogg]

Pardon me if this is a stupid question, but is the reported offer to Ward indicative of the staff's feelings on the outcome of Martin's recruitment?

[SoCalDomer]

strange if the two were related. if you miss out on a tackle, logic would cause me to want to offer another tackle, not a guard. but that's why i'm a message board jockey and not a college coach.

[dyrtdogg]

strange if the two were related. if you miss out on a tackle, logic would cause me to want to offer another tackle, not a guard. but that's why i'm a message board jockey and not a college coach.

I thought both Martin and Ward are listed as tackles.

[publicola]

I thought both Martin and Ward are listed as tackles.

They are.

[SoCalDomer]

my mistake. i thought he was a guard.

[irishunclebill]

All may not be lost on the Zach Martin front.

[IrishKnight1023]

recruiting gets crazier each and every year.

[irishmarine]

i get my headeache medicine from costco. it saves me money while im trying to keep up and make sense of the recruiting.

[SoCalDomer]

i get my headeache medicine from costco. it saves me money while im trying to keep up and make sense of the recruiting.

don't forget the tub of Pepto

[irishunclebill]

All may not be lost on the Zach Martin front.

and then again maybe it is.

Martin will give ND one last visit this weekend and it will be an extended visit. However he has also rescheduled his scUM visit for next weekend.

Better get those South Bend girls out there this weekend to greet Zach.

On second thought, check that.

[JDubbs]

We need a commitment and a cancelled trip or we are out here....IMO. But hey, I didn't think we would get THIS chance. I believe if we get any kid on campus.....again....he has a 50-50 shot of committing. I need a surprise like that right now.

[IrishR#1]

Hey, he goes to Shitard. He can't be that good.

[publicola]

Maybe too little, too late, but:

https://secure.rivals.com/barrier_noentry.asp?ReturnTo=notredame%2Erivals%2E com&sid=961&script=content.asp&cid=826350&fid=&tid=&mid=&rid=

[SpanishElite]

Well I figure. If he was solid to UM.. he wouldnt take the ND visit.. and just take his UM visit and commit. So him takin the ND visit one last time has a glimmer of hope for us.

[SoCalDomer]

this latest visit makes me think Zach is really being thorough.

[irishmarine]

at least hes giving us a good look before he makes a decision

[The Jester]

I think the best thing for us about Martin is that he isn't afraid to stretch this thing out. If the reports are true that we made up ground on Martin, then he may wait a while to decide unless his Michigan trip really wows him. He won't try to rush this thing just to have it done before his senior season, which I think may work out better for us.

[daytonirish]

I'm pretty sure he said he will decide before his season starts. But the trip to ND was to see how he fit in with the currnt players. And from all accounts it went really well. He is supposed to visit scUM to see how he gets along with there players sometime soon. And will propably be deciding shortly after that visit.

[irishmarine]

i hope he got along well with the other players and from al accounts it did go very well. so hopefully they made him really think about coming here and being apart of something special

[SpanishElite]

From everything I have read it seems like his visit went great. And he got long and bonded alot with the current players and offensive lineman.

[The Jester]

I'm pretty sure he said he will decide before his season starts. But the trip to ND was to see how he fit in with the currnt players. And from all accounts it went really well. He is supposed to visit scUM to see how he gets along with there players sometime soon. And will propably be deciding shortly after that visit.

Last I heard he said he would like to decide before his senior season starts, but he wasn't going to rush things to do so. Getting the process out of the way isn't nearly as important to Martin as getting the decision right it seems, and that is how it should be. If he said he was definitely going to decide before his senior year recently, I can't imagine that bodes well for us (unless he said it immediately after his last visit to ND).

[rontdtarchala]

we need ot's so bad I hope he sees how things are picking up and he can be part of something truly special

[irishunclebill]

Last I heard he said he would like to decide before his senior season starts, but he wasn't going to rush things to do so. Getting the process out of the way isn't nearly as important to Martin as getting the decision right it seems, and that is how it should be. If he said he was definitely going to decide before his senior year recently, I can't imagine that bodes well for us (unless he said it immediately after his last visit to ND).

He did say right after his ND visit that he would be going to scUM in two weekends and that he planned on making his decision in the week after that.

[The Jester]

He did say right after his ND visit that he would be going to scUM in two weekends and that he planned on making his decision in the week after that.

I really don't know what to make of this then. A guy who was adamant about being absolutely sure before he makes his decision sets up a time table to announce immediately after a visit to Notre Dame, but that time table still involves a visit to Michigan? If I had to guess (or if I just really wanted to, like I do now for example) I would say he ends up at Kentucky.

Him setting a time table for his decision indicates he already has a pretty good idea of where he wants to go, and is just giving the other schools in the running one last look to make sure he's making the right choice. Both of his parents are Kentucky alums, and he's been to their campus many, many times from my understanding. I really think the fact that Notre Dame and Michigan are considered a notch above Kentucky (and rightfully so) has a lot of people discounting them in this race, but they have a lot going for them in this recruitment.

In any case, setting a time to announce before visiting Michigan one last time doesn't seem to be a good sign for them (which is always a good sign for me). Maybe he was impressed by Notre Dame, and the Michigan visit is to reaffirm that Notre Dame is in fact a better fit for him.

I just can't see Michigan finishing first with Martin at this point, and that's a good thing.

[scooper]

Michigan has led all along, and getting the final visit quite often represents a position of strength. We'll see, I guess.

[rontdtarchala]

no matter what its still all just a big guessing game ain't it?

[SpanishElite]

Of course it is still a guessing game. We never really know what these guys are going to do or not do.

[potownhero]

Thanks for clearing that up.

[irishmarine]

now we all know for sure that we have no idea at all :)

[IrishGrizz]

Or at least we think so.

[mlcspinner]

Of course it is still a guessing game. We never really know what these guys are going to do or not do.


:secretservice: I do but I don't want to spoil all the surprises for all of you :wizard:

[publicola]

?

[HoffVir]

Check Scout ... he's IRISH!!!

[scooper]

This is huge. Having a true OT in the bag is big as it represented probably the biggest position of need going into this recruiting cycle. Martin's a good one. And he's one of the better players in Indy. Oh, and he was a Michigan lean. There isn't really anything not to like about this one.

[publicola]

http://notredame.scout.com/2/770661.html

[stew654]

Holy Crap!! numa numa is right sweet! The ND players must of made a great impression on him considering he was thought to be a leaning elsewhere. Nice pickup!

[stew654]

http://www.blueandgold.com/content/?aid=5615

“I talked to Chris Watt one of the nights this week for a while,” Martin noted. “We talked a lot just about recruiting and why he made his decision...I also talked to Braxston Cave – he showed me around when I was on my visit – and that helped me.”

Braxston is one hell of a recruiter

[stew654]

So what now for the other tackle position, we weren't looking to take 5 on the OL? How long can yo slow play Ward while waiting for Nixon? Or do you take Ward and wrap it up? Or take Ward and if Nixon says yes you find room?

[HoffVir]

So what now for the other tackle position, we weren't looking to take 5 on the OL? How long can yo slow play Ward while waiting for Nixon? Or do you take Ward and wrap it up? Or take Ward and if Nixon says yes you find room?

You take all the big uglies you can get (and want). OT was/is the #1 position of need.

At one time, the soon-to-be-Junior class was comprised of 6 OL.

[rontdtarchala]

this is waaaaaaaay big brothers

[stew654]

You take all the big uglies you can get (and want). OT was/is the #1 position of need.

At one time, the soon-to-be-Junior class was comprised of 6 OL.


Yes but that was a different scenario when we had nobody on the line period after ty killed us. Things are starting to get back to where they should be #'s wise. We are in on alot of great tackle prospects next year and have depth issues elsewhere. Not to say im against taking them both :D

[HoffVir]

Yes but that was a different scenario when we had nobody on the line period after ty killed us. Things are starting to get back to where they should be #'s wise. We are in on alot of great tackle prospects next year and have depth issues elsewhere. Not to say im against taking them both :D

True, but you can't depend soley on the future (injuries, transfers, etc).

By my count, there are only 3 offers out to OL right now; Nixon, Ward, and Su'a-Filo (all OTs). The first two would seem to have serious interest in ND. Get Nixon and Ward, God willing, and call it a day on the OL. Get one of the two and it's still one heck of an OL haul.

... then you look towards the next class, which the staff seems to be doing with verbal offers already out to Henderson, Lombard, and Hurst. And there are a few other elite OL on the radar as well.

[scooper]

Hoff's right. If you can get 2/3 take them. OL is filling up roster-wise, but there is a lack of true OTs. Look at this year, we are hoping either Duncan steps up or Romine can surplant him. If Sam Young goes down, RT is maybe in a world of hurt, though I really like Dever there as a possible fill in and maybe a diamond in the rough type in a year or so.

Then, consider Duncan's gone after this year anyway and Young has one year left. That leaves Romine, Clelland and Dever, potentially Stewart. That's not much depth, especially considering Romine's injury history and the fact that the others, while full of potential, are "projects."

Point is, the more you throw at a position, the better your chances that somebody will pan out. OT is very important to a pro style offense like this one.

[Coyote King]

awesome, made my weekend. Welcome aboard.

[stonebreakerwasgod]

Now that he's Irish, I can hijack this thread. 23's signature sucks ass....

(hey, I sounded just like Shaq)

[KamaraPolice]

There goes my theory that IUB is Charlie Weis. Can a guy really commit when IUB's on vacation?

Also, I dont believe Romine is going to supplant Duncan. Duncan is a returning starter and a senior. All those troubles he had last year will be Romine this year. If you look back to PTY (Pre-Ty Years) the starting line was composed almost exclusively of juniors and seniors, and thats how it should be. I hope Duncan can make big strides and Romine gets some solid pt this season.

[HereComeTheIrish]

now That He's Irish, I Can Hijack This Thread. 23's Signature Sucks Ass....

(hey, I Sounded Just Like Shaq)

can You Dig It????????

[stonebreakerwasgod]

BTW-The reason I capitalized some words in that prior post is simple....

http://www.beveragewarehouse.com/images/products/1734.gif

[JDubbs]

Yes but that was a different scenario when we had nobody on the line period after ty killed us. Things are starting to get back to where they should be #'s wise. We are in on alot of great tackle prospects next year and have depth issues elsewhere. Not to say im against taking them both :D

We are solid at Guard. We can still take another OT and a third....if it is Nixon. Once the next guy commits at OT....only Nixon would still have a spot all other's holding offers probably wouldn't be actionable.

[stonebreakerwasgod]

Agree 100%

[IrishKnight1023]

Nice and suprising pick-up....

http://notredame.scout.com/2/770661.html


The Irish are in dire need of offensive tackles in this 2009 recruiting class, and today Indianapolis, Ind. native Zach Martin made Irish head coach Charlie Weis a happy man.

"I spoke to coach (Ianello) today, and and I was waiting to speak with coach Weis. I just got off the phone with coach Weis and told him I was committing," Martin said. "He was really happy to hear that. He was pumped. I was pumped. I'm just really excited right now."

Martin chose the Irish over offers from teams like Michigan, Iowa, Virginia and Kentucky. Team chemistry played a major part in his decision.

"I had a list of about six or seven things that I wanted in a school and Notre Dame hit on all of them," he said. "The final touch was probably last weekend when I went on a visit up there and got to hang out with the guys. I just felt really comfortable with them, and I really felt like I fit in there. All those guys were great to me and really made me feel at home."

Martin said his family was also very excited about his commitment to Notre Dame.

"They're all really excited for me," he said. "They know that I'm going to a great place with good academics. They know the coaches are going to take care of me, so they're really excited for me."

The Bishop Chatard high school star was planning to take one last visit to Michigan before deciding, but he said that visit wasn’t necessary as he knew where he wanted to attend college already.

"I just knew I was going to Notre Dame and I didn't want to lead anyone on anymore," Martin said when asked why he chose the Irish without taking the scheduled Michigan visit. "I just knew where I wanted to go, so I thought I shouldn't drag it on any longer."

Now that he's made his choice Martin says he's glad he can focus on his senior season.

"I'm really glad it's over," he said. "All the coaches were great. I can now just focus on my season and have a great year before I go off to Notre Dame."

[IrishKnight1023]

http://notredame.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=828671


Last weekend Zach Martin made his second unofficial visit to Notre Dame in less than a month. The trip was designed to let the 6-foot-5, 270-pound offensive lineman from Indianapolis, Ind., to get better acquainted with Notre Dame's players and see just how well he's fit in should he sign with the Irish in February.


Martin felt comfortable with in-state Notre Dame.
Martin planned to make one last unofficial visit to Michigan before making his college choice, but those plans changed Sunday afternoon when he committed to Notre Dame.

"I committed about 4 today, and I talked to coach (Charlie) Weis about 45 minutes ago," Martin said. "He was really excited and pumped up to get another commitment."

The timing of Martin's commitment might come as a bit of a surprise, but the four-star prospect didn't want to make an unnecessary trip to Ann Arbor next week when he knew where he wanted to be.

"I had a list of things I was looking for and Notre Dame fit that," Martin said. "Last weekend's visit basically finished it off. I didn't want to go to Michigan and lead them on when I knew deep down I was going to Notre Dame."

Martin said his time spent getting to know Notre Dame's players sealed the deal.

"I felt it was the most comfortable place for me, on and off the field," he said.

Prior to making his decision, Martin talked with Notre Dame commitments Tyler Stockton and Chris Watt. So after making the decision, he contacted his future teammates.

"They were happy I was on board," Martin said. "I talked to Braxston Cave too. He showed me around when I was there, so I had to talk to him."

With his college decision out of the way, Martin said he's excited to be able to focus on his final season at Bishop Chatard. He plans to attend as many Notre Dame games as possible this fall.

Martin is Notre Dame's 13th verbal commitment in the recruiting class of 2009 and third on the offensive line following Watt and Alex Bullard.

[IrishKnight1023]

http://www.blueandgold.com/content/?aid=5615


One doesn’t usually expect much action on the recruiting front on a summer Sunday, but for the second week in a row, Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis found himself pleasantly surprised by a phone call.

On the other end was offensive tackle Zach Martin, who told Weis that he was coming aboard as the 13th member of the 2009 Irish recruiting class.

Martin, who visited Notre Dame last weekend, was actually slated to take a trip to Ann Arbor, Mich. this weekend, but he wound up canceling the trip.

“I knew deep down I was going to go to Notre Dame,” he stated, “so I didn’t want to lead Michigan on.”

The Wolverines actually looked like the favorite to land Martin until recently – but his trip to South Bend helped sway the Indianapolis native. Martin cited the comfort he felt hanging out with his future teammates as one of the main selling points.

He also got some help from another recent Sunday verbal as well as a very vocal incoming freshman.

“I talked to Chris Watt one of the nights this week for a while,” Martin noted. “We talked a lot just about recruiting and why he made his decision...I also talked to Braxston Cave – he showed me around when I was on my visit – and that helped me.”

Martin’s commitment helps to solidify a 2009 haul that still had glaring needs at the tackle position – another nice Sunday surprise for Weis and the Irish.

[irishmarine]

that really takes alot of stress from me. welcome home brother

[stonebreakerwasgod]

Braxton Cave is CW's best recruiter.

[Ricochet]

Braxton Cave is CW's best recruiter.

No doubt and if he can't make it to the next level he should be hired at ND for his recruiting prowess.

[NDgrandson]

Very nice!!! Can someone put an interlocking ND on this thread???

I think Stew's question is a good one. Recently, when we have stockpiled talent at a position like OL and QB we have seen transfers follow. However, since scooper pointed out the depth chart, you have to take Ward and still hope for Nixon (if we are even fortunate enough to get Ward). While our chances of getting 2 outstanding OTs next year looks good now, that is still a long ways away. Sometimes missing on talent at a position in one recruiting year turns into huge talent the next. Unforunately you just can't role the dice with the O-line. If Ward is a guy who shies away from depth, he might not take kindly to Nixon coming on with the prospects of the 2010 group looming. Overall, things look pretty good now.

(I hope what I said makes sense, it did to me)

If Cave was a member here, he would have more reps than Stoney and Spinner combined.

[stonebreakerwasgod]

Done.

I usually reserve that for our revered IUB, but he's out today.

[notredomer23]

Done.

I usually reserve that for our revered IUB, but he's out today.

and edit offer to solid verbal

[stonebreakerwasgod]

He can do that when he gets back. I'm not big into stepping on other's shoes.

[daytonirish]

Braxton does seem to get mentioned alot from other recruits. But you also notice how this class seems to be alot like last years. In that they are in touch with each other and are all helping out with recruiting.

[scooper]

Very nice!!! Can someone put an interlocking ND on this thread???

I think Stew's question is a good one. Recently, when we have stockpiled talent at a position like OL and QB we have seen transfers follow. However, since scooper pointed out the depth chart, you have to take Ward and still hope for Nixon (if we are even fortunate enough to get Ward). While our chances of getting 2 outstanding OTs next year looks good now, that is still a long ways away. Sometimes missing on talent at a position in one recruiting year turns into huge talent the next. Unforunately you just can't role the dice with the O-line. If Ward is a guy who shies away from depth, he might not take kindly to Nixon coming on with the prospects of the 2010 group looming. Overall, things look pretty good now.

(I hope what I said makes sense, it did to me)

If Cave was a member here, he would have more reps than Stoney and Spinner combined.

Nail on the head.

[DiamDawg]

This is GREAT NEWS ... this is a big pick up .. but make no mistake about it .. we need Nixon very very bad .. just like last eyar we needed Omar very very bad ... Nixon is our #1 need and #2 is not even close ... and I could care less how we stand with next years class ... we need a LT now ... cause even if we get 2 or 3 LT prospects next year (witch would be great in and of itself) it still puts us a year behind ... we need Nixon cause hes NOW .....

anyhow great news on Martin .... now heres to getting both Ward and Nixon ... but the one we need in Nixon ..

[paisan78]

Completely irrelevant and probably a little bit wrong to post but I heard last night from my Florida alum buddy that Omar hurt his knee, they are waiting to find out how bad it is.

Anyway, Martin was just an absolutely ginormous get for us. I say we need Nixon and Ward, just to have depth at OT. And then hope for another big haul next year which is looking good for us so far.


This is GREAT NEWS ... this is a big pick up .. but make no mistake about it .. we need Nixon very very bad .. just like last eyar we needed Omar very very bad ... Nixon is our #1 need and #2 is not even close ... and I could care less how we stand with next years class ... we need a LT now ... cause even if we get 2 or 3 LT prospects next year (witch would be great in and of itself) it still puts us a year behind ... we need Nixon cause hes NOW .....

anyhow great news on Martin .... now heres to getting both Ward and Nixon ... but the one we need in Nixon ..

[NDisNCin2010]

this is great news!
Nice way to start the week...pleasant surprise.

Welcome to the ND Family Zach Martin!
Congrats to CW and staff!

[Dayton_Domer]

Great news!

Welcome to ND Zach!

[zimmsbg78]

Zach said Notre Dame met everything he was looking for in a school, and he says that the team chemistry he felt while hanging out with the team was one of the main factors in his choice. He knew he wanted to go to Notre Dame, so he saw no need to visit Michigan.

The whole team chemistry aspect is great to hear. Last years recruiting class all said the same. More so a couple recruits this year all had the same thing to say.

[irishmarine]

thats the best way to recruit. through your teamates and peers.

[IrishGrizz]

Welcome young Mr. Martin. Its Numa Numa time.

[IrishKnight1023]

http://www.southbendtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080721/SPORTS13/807210353/1022/Sports


Another recruit lines up for ND[/SIZE]

As he waded through the recruiting process, Indianapolis (Bishop Chatard) offensive tackle Zach Martin kept a list of things he was looking for in a school.

Academics. Tradition. Football prestige. Location. Coaches. How he got along with the players.

"Notre Dame was right across the board on every one," Martin said.

The 6-foot-5, 275-pound Martin on Sunday became the 13th player, and third offensive lineman, to verbally commit to Notre Dame's recruiting class of 2009.

"I go after people," said Martin who, in addition to playing offensive line at Chatard, also plays defensive end. "I'm a vicious player."

Martin joins Chris Watt and Alex Bullard as offensive linemen in the class currently being assembled. Watt is rated as one of the nation's top guards.

"(Martin is) really almost, I think, the equal of Chris Watt," CSTV recruiting analyst Tom Lemming said. "He's the No. 1 player in Indiana."

Martin made an unofficial visit to Notre Dame the weekend of July 12 and realized this past weekend that Notre Dame was his choice, prompting a sit-down with his parents.

"They said, 'There's no reason to wait,'" said Martin, who picked the Irish over Michigan, Illinois, Virginia and Kentucky.

Martin was scheduled to visit Michigan next weekend but canceled the trip.

"I didn't really want to lead Michigan on," he said.

[NDGirlzRock]

Man awesome pick up. I know everyone is high on the 5 star guys and I know that we do need the X-man at OT this year, but it's guys like The Bull and now Z-man that make stuff tick. Just a little information here, but the last two OT's taken in the top of the draft in '06 and '07 weren't very highly ranked coming into their college careers. In fact Joe Thomas was only a 1 star. It isn't always what you got at this point and time....it's what's coming down the pipe as you develop.

[rontdtarchala]

agree girlz... its up to the individual and the staff to bring it out of them

[SouthernIrish]

Better late than never,.....AWESOME!!! Congrats to ZACH!! and US!!!

[SpanishElite]

Zach said Notre Dame met everything he was looking for in a school, and he says that the team chemistry he felt while hanging out with the team was one of the main factors in his choice. He knew he wanted to go to Notre Dame, so he saw no need to visit Michigan.

The whole team chemistry aspect is great to hear. Last years recruiting class all said the same. More so a couple recruits this year all had the same thing to say.


That is great to hear Zimms. Not only do we have a great campus, great coaches and players, but the team chemistry they are developing seems second to none right now.

[NDgrandson]

When is IUB coming back? Is that when we can change the thread to solid verbal and show it on the homepage? Seeing a new post in this thread and it saying offer had me a bit worried at first that he was opening his recruiting back up.

[stonebreakerwasgod]

Alright whiney butts, I moved him. You guys are worse than my kids, I swear. :verysad: :wave: :tease::nanana:

[KamaraPolice]

Alright whiney butts, I moved him. You guys are worse than my kids, I swear. :verysad: :wave: :tease::nanana:

way to go stoney. IUB steps out for a summer vacation and you start stepping all over his toes. :nanana:

[irishunclebill]

Profile Updated with latest Rivals, Scout, and ESPN rankings.

Zach is a non-Rivals 250 four star, and a 3 star on Scout. ESPN has him rated the highest of the three boards as he is in the ESPN 150 as the #11 OT prospect in the class.

[brownkj002]

The Anti-Christ giving ZM some props. I actually went to the site and got to read his evaluation even though I am not an insider. I think you should be able to as well but I didn't want to paste it here and get the site in trouble.

ESPN Article on Breaking down the 2009 offensive tackles.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/recruiting/football/columns/story?columnist=conley_bill&id=3529327

Zach Martin (Indianapolis/Chatard) and J.K. Jay (Greenville, S.C./Christ Church Episcopal) both were close to breaking into the top 10. They both are athletic, high-motor football players. Notre Dame (Martin) and Clemson (Jay) will enjoy having these two talented offensive linemen on the field.

These twelve tackles all possess the technical skills and intangibles to develop into outstanding collegiate linemen. These players all are in the upper tier at their position and currently set the standard for 2009.

[SpanishElite]

Zach was on Power Hour this past week and did a great job. Sounds like a well spoken, intelligent young man. He mentioned how he goes both was OL and DL for his highschool, but prefers OL. Talked about how his last visit was mostly him and the other players while the coaches were not there. He was at the SD State game and also will be at Michigan. And loved the game atmosphere at ND.

[IrishR#1]

I'll see him play this Friday if I get healthy by then. Stupid Puchinni's giving me food poisoning.

[BGIF]

By Craig Haubert
Scouts Inc.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/recruiting/football/news/story?id=3646345

Top recruit



Zach Martin (http://insider.espn.go.com/ncf/recruiting/tracker/player?recruitId=46587), Offensive tackle
Bishop Chatard (Indianapolis)
Verbal Commitment: Notre Dame
</P>
The top prospect in these three states plays in trenches and is a versatile big man. Martin will impress you with his ability as both an offensive and defensive lineman. This kid is a workhorse and possesses a great motor. It really seems like his best fit will be on offense. He will need to keep filling out his frame, but Martin could be a good fit at offensive tackle or guard. For a big man, he is a mobile and alert player. In the run game, he is aggressive, plays with good leverage and will use leg drive to push defenders off the ball. Martin's run-blocking skills are good news for Irish fans; Notre Dame currently ranks 109th nationally in rushing offense. Another concern for the Fighting Irish has been protecting the quarterback, and in Martin, they get a prospect who is a solid pass-blocker. He will bend his knees and uses his hands to deliver blows to rushers. This is a good pickup for Notre Dame to keep a talented in-state prospect. He still needs to keep physically developing, but between his motor and ability he displays the tools to be a successful college lineman.

[Blue 44]

I went to his regional championship game last night. I was very impressed with his play. He only went out for a punt and punt return that I saw. Defensively North Mont ran away from Zach at DE. On offense I was blown away at how well he motors from whistle to whistle. Guys he was driving backers into the sideline:hahaha::hahaha:. He even received a personal foul for driving a kid out of the back of the endzone after a touchdown. Reminded me of Faine. Anyways he looks to have a great motor.

[NDgrandson]

I went to his regional championship game last night. I was very impressed with his play. He only went out for a punt and punt return that I saw. Defensively North Mont ran away from Zach at DE. On offense I was blown away at how well he motors from whistle to whistle. Guys he was driving backers into the sideline:hahaha::hahaha:. He even received a personal foul for driving a kid out of the back of the endzone after a touchdown. Reminded me of Faine. Anyways he looks to have a great motor.

Thanks for the report. Reps.

[SpanishElite]

Zach has looked great so far in the UA game. I dont know if he is 6'5 he looks alittle shorter, but who knows. He has had good balance, looked very good in pass protection. Im 100% impressed with him.

[Griff Cannon]

He was in for both of Barkley's TDs, looked just as if not maybe a bit taller than Barkley when they were on the sidelines.

[irishunclebill]

Zack (correct spelling) seems to have moved to the top of the Depth Chart at LOT. It will be interesting to see if he can lock down that spot for the next 4 years.

[domehead1]

What's the story with Chris Watt?

Or should I say what is Chris Watts story?

[irishunclebill]

What's the story with Chris Watt?

Or should I say what is Chris Watts story?

Right now Watt looks to be #2 on the Depth Chart at both Guard positions. As of right now there are only 4 designated OG's on the roster, Stewart, Nuss, Watt, and Mike Golic Jr. It wouldn't be a shocker if Watt overtook Nuss by the Fall which would mean ND would basically have 2 Freshman starting on the OL.

[irishmarine]

Whoever has the most talent should play and if it's two freshman then wonderful. They're all freshman when it comes to this system. Kelly talent level is better than most teams that have a new coach. If the kids really grab ahold of the system it could be a big turn around. I'm not expecting a bcs run but I think it is possible.

[SpanishElite]

Zack (correct spelling) seems to have moved to the top of the Depth Chart at LOT. It will be interesting to see if he can lock down that spot for the next 4 years.

I agree. Z. Martin looks like he is doing great things. He has really progressed and I love the fact he can play multiple positions.

[lowayne]

Red shirt freshman. That first year is a big deal for development.

[NDgrandson]

http://www.irishsportsdaily.com/football/3028-locking-down-the-left-side


Locking Down The Left Side
Written by Christian McCollum Tuesday, 17 August 2010 00:03


Martin has earned the right to protect Dayne Crist's blind side.After spending his freshman season at Notre Dame in such obscurity that his name wasn’t even spelled right in the Notre Dame media guide, Zack Martin is ready to make a huge impact as a sophomore.

The 6-foot-4, 290-pound Martin exited spring as Notre Dame’s starting left tackle and has solidified his status as the starter a week into training camp.

“Zack has been our most consistent, so you’re left side right now is [Chris] Stewart and Zack,” Brian Kelly said on Saturday. “Obviously, they’re doing a great job.”

Martin has benefited a lot from having a fifth-year senior in Stewart right inside of him.

“It’s been a big help having Chris Stewart next to me because it’s like having another coach out there having a fifth-year guy next to you,” said Martin. “He’s helping me out a lot.”

As for his true position coach, offensive line assistant Ed Warinner, Martin says he has a certain style to get what he wants.

“He’s a very intense guy,” Martin says of Warinner. “He demands a lot, but at the end of the day, we know what he wants. We know he knows what he’s doing.”

Despite having locked down his spot, Martin still sensed competition in the first week of training camp, even if it was only internal.

“Everyone on the team has come out with a good attitude the first week, trying to get better,” he said. “I’m just trying to come out and compete every day and just bust my butt every day to try to make myself better and get used to the guys that I’m playing next to.”

While Martin will be starting on Dayne Crist’s blind side, seniors Taylor Dever and Andrew Nuss are still competing for the starting spot at the other tackle position. Whoever wins that job will be in the same boat as Martin, making their first career start on Sept. 4 against Purdue.

When asked about the inexperience at tackle, Kelly didn’t sound overly concerned.

“Why do you guys always tell me these things?” he responded with a laugh. “I’m so scared now. This is what it is like to go to media day. You go to media day and listen to all these coaches, they’ve got the best team they have ever had. I have never gone to a media day and felt like I could win a game.

“Clearly the key is to play at the highest level; the defensive ends are the guys you have to find a way to block. So your tackles, even though they don’t have a lot of experience, we think we’ve got two guys who can handle themselves out there.”

The fact that the center and right tackle positions have yet to be won has not prevented the Irish line from beginning to form some cohesion.

“I think we’re really close,” Martin says. “We spent the whole summer together hanging out. I think the offensive line is jelling really good.”

Martin feels his strength right now is as a pass protector, “I think I’m pretty athletic so I’m pretty good on the edge.”

So, he has been spending extra time working on the other facets of his line duties.

“The run blocking out of a two-point stance is pretty tough, so we’ve been drilling that a lot,” he says. “That’s something I’m working every day to get better on and getting more comfortable out there. The game’s fast out there, so you’ve got to get comfortable. I’m still working on getting comfortable.”

[JMR8]

Sophomore left tackle Zack Martin has not been able to handle everything that's been thrown at him in the first action of his collegiate career this year. But once he's seen it and experienced it, consider it learned.

"When he sees new things, those are to be experienced," said Kelly of Martin. "There are things happening each week that he's never experienced before. All the other things that he has seen, he has developed and has gotten each and every time.

"So when you look at Zack Martin as a first-time starter, each week he sees new things and maybe doesn't handle it like a veteran starter. But those things that he has encountered already, he's playing at a high level. He's graded out as our top lineman at this point." http://notredame.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1135239

Is already solid, gonna be a beast!!!

[NDGirlzRock]

http://notredame.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1135239

Is already solid, gonna be a beast!!!

Holy smokes!!! Can you imagine him at LT for the next 2 1/2 years??? If he stays he's gonna level some people!!!

[irishunclebill]

Holy smokes!!! Can you imagine him at LT for the next 2 1/2 years??? If he stays he's gonna level some people!!!

Unless Zach leaves early that would be 3 1/2 years. He is eligible through the 2013 season.

[NDGirlzRock]

Unless Zach leaves early that would be 3 1/2 years. He is eligible through the 2013 season.

Even better!!!!

[IrishR#1]

Pretty good for a Chatard kid. Too bad he had to put up with ugly girls and no air conditioning for 4 years.

[wicket]

Having this kid for 3 more years is going to be awesome. Was arguably our best lineman this year. What a stud

[SpanishElite]

He has done a very solid job for his first year on the job. He will be a good one no doubt.