At home in the
St. Joseph wide reciever Steven Martinez catches a pass during practice on Wednesday.
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Steven Martinez Wide receiver/corner back
Junior, No. 17
5'10, 170 pounds
2009 Stats
5 catches, 128 yards, 25.6 average, 5 touchdowns
Steven Martinez just started catching touchdowns for St. Joseph this year, but the 2009 season has been a homecoming for the junior wide receiver and his family.
Martinez, who was born in Victoria, moved with his family to Mesquite when he was 2 and grew up there until this summer. He said that coming from where he was, it is good to be back home.
"We just decided to move back, we didn't like the area very much," he said. "Being from here originally, it's nice being back."
Aside from being back in his hometown, Martinez said he has also found a second family at St. Joseph. In his first year working in the Flyers' offensive system he has already made an impact, leading the team in receiving yards and touchdowns, but he said the team has made an impact on him.
"I like the football team and all the unity we have. We're like a family," he said.
Head coach John Mares said Martinez has been a welcome addition to the team, and that he brings a lot of discipline to the receiver position as a "Yes sir, no sir," student.
"He's come to this program with a very good attitude," Mares said. "A kid like that is great to have around."
In a short time, Martinez has added a home run-play dimension to the Flyers' normally conservative running attack. All five of his catches on the season have gone for touchdowns, and with 128 yards amassed through the air, he has developed into quarterback Kevin Daniels' favorite target.
The two have been spending extra time after practices working on routes and playcalls to improve their chemistry. Martinez said Daniels' has been a good quarterback to work with.
"If it's different coverage I can go to him and suggest how we should adjust." Martinez said. "When he drops back, I have a pretty good idea where it's going, so we've developed some good chemistry."
Daniels found Martinez twice for scores in the Flyers' 35-14 win against Giddings State on Oct. 8. The first came on a leaping 18-yard grab made by Martinez in the corner of the end zone, and the second came on a 30-yard pass and run when Martinez broke a tackle and scampered the rest of the way. Daniels said he's been impressed with Martinez's athleticism.
"It's great having another good receiver to throw to this year, (Steven) is new to us but he's been a really good addition," Daniels said. "He's a great athlete."
Even as the go-to guy in the Flyers' passing game, Martinez said he's had to work on his patience this season. Like any player, he wants to get more touches, but with the Flyers' run-heavy offense, he might only see the ball once or twice a game. He said it's made him even more motivated to make big plays when the ball flies his way.
"This summer I worked on my routes, my speed and my catching. And my blocking has been a big part of it too, because in this offense you're not always going to get the ball," he said. "Sometimes it's frustrating, but it works well, and that's what's important. I'm used to getting the ball a lot more, but when I do get the ball, I score.
"If we need a first down or a score, I want to get it."
Even so, Mares said he's never heard Martinez complain and that winning is the most important thing to the receiver. He also said and that as much of an asset Martinez is on offense, he's made just as much impact on the other side of the ball as a defensive back.
"He doesn't complain," Mares said. "He's a team player and does a heck of a job on the offensive side and a great job on defense."
Martinez said he likes to play other sports, particularly basketball, in his free time. He plans on playing for the Flyers when the hoops season rolls around, but for now he is squarely focused on the gridiron.
"I like basketball, track, soccer and sometimes baseball," he said. "But football is my main sport."
Comments
GO Steven Martinez!! Missing you in Dallas, Texas! Keep up the good work!!
October 15, 2009 at 3:41 p.m.