Penn State football has had some excellent players come from the Pittsburgh area, and many feel Quinton Martin is next in line.
Past WPIAL stars such as linebackers LaVar Arrington (North Hills) Brandon Short (McKeesport) and Sean Lee (Upper St. Clair) went onto have great careers at Penn State.
PSU’s also had plenty of great running backs, and that’s what Martin plans to play. But the former Belle Vernon star can play multiple positions, and that versatility could help him get on the field in Year 1. Martin is the latest subject of All 105, a Nittany Sports Now series profiling each Penn State player.
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 194 pounds
Hometown: Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania
Before Penn State: Martin had one of the more decorated careers in WPIAL history. As a junior, he led Belle Vernon to district and state titles. He did the same as a senior and ended the season with 1,202 yards and 15 touchdowns rushing. But wait, there’s more! His receiving stats (54 catches, 753 yards, 11 touchdowns) were stellar, as well, and this is just offense we’re talking about.
Martin was also a quality defensive back for Belle Vernon to the point where, although Belle Vernon defensive coordinator Brett Berish has no doubt Martin will be a successful running back or receiver, he feels Martin would be best on the other side of the ball.
A high-end four-star recruit, Martin committed to Penn State in April 2023 and signed in December.
Where he stands: Penn State has plenty of talent at RB, led by one of the best duos in the country, third-year backs Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen. Second-year back Cameron Wallace is expected to be PSU’s third string. But even if Martin doesn’t get a lot of time at running back in year one, he’s good enough in other areas, including special teams, to seriously compete for playing time. Penn State lost its No. 1 punt returner from last season, fellow WPIAL product Daequan Hardy (Penn Hills), to the NFL, so there will be an opening at that position.
A quote by Martin: “Running back’s in my veins. My uncle, my dad, everybody in my family played it, so I definitely plan on playing running back in the future.” — Martin to Nittany Sports Now last December
A quote about Martin: ”Franklin got a good one in him,” — Belle Vernon DC Brett Berish to Nittany Sports Now
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