Name: Koda Martin
Position: Tackle
Year: (Redshirt) Senior
Height: 6’6”
Weight: 304
Hometown: Manvel, Tex.
High School: Manvel
2017 stats: Martin joins the Syracuse Orange after a solid career as a member of the Texas A&M Aggies. He was the starting left tackle for an offense that averaged 406.8 yards per game.
2018 projections: He’s already slotted into the starting right tackle spot to replace Jamar McGloster. Between Martin and the return of Aaron Roberts from injury, what was a young corps in the trenches has gained some definitive veteran leadership.
How’d he get here?: After four years (one redshirt) at Texas A&M, Martin followed his father north to Syracuse. Kirk Martin, Syracuse’s new quarterbacks coach, is Koda’s dad. His father-in-law also happens to be our own Coach Dino Babers. It’s a family affair for the talented big man.
What’d recruiting sites say?: 4* - ESPN, 3* - 247, 3* - Scout; Martin was the 27th-best OT in the 2014 class per 247 and the 9th best TE per Scout.
Money quote: Coach Babers had a few words on how he anointed Martin as the starter without even getting into pads.
“You would until you need to ask the other guys. Because the other guys are out there lifting with him and running with him. If they really had something about it, they’d have come up and said something to me. Some things you just can’t hide.”
Twitter feed: @KmartSmart91
Tweets of wonder: His commitment to the boys in Orange, in Twitter form.
Thankful for my past
— Koda Martin (@KmartSmart91) April 20, 2018
Excited for my future pic.twitter.com/dCkyR0sXlB
What movie would Dino recommend for him?: It didn’t get a ton of buzz, but the 2017 film “Kodachrome” chronicles a father-son trip to reach a Kansas photo lab before it closes. Ed Harris, Jason Sudeikis and Elizabeth Olson star.
Interesting nugget o’interest: Babers is his father in law? No, we used that. His dad coaches... nevermind. Keeping it in the family, his younger brother, Kason Martin, is a freshman quarterback for the North Texas Mean Green this season.
Let’s get a look at ya: Post-game interview from the A&M win, 31-24 over Ole Miss last year.