Reportedly, Tennessee has emerged as a potential destination for Oregon State running back Damien Martinez, which comes as somewhat of a surprise. Recently, it was revealed by Fawcett that Martinez has decided against visiting Tennessee after all. There had been speculation regarding Tennessee’s pursuit of a running back post-spring practice, and it seems that Martinez’s potential visit may have provided an answer to that question.
According to information from On3’s Hayes Fawcett, Martinez has scheduled visits with five different programs, with Tennessee being one of them. The Volunteers are allegedly slated to host Martinez on April 21-22.
Martinez’s decision to explore transfer options follows a period of off-field issues towards the end of his tenure at Oregon State, including an arrest for suspicion of driving under the influence of intoxicants, resulting in a suspension for the bowl game.
Despite the off-field concerns, Martinez delivered notable performances for the Beavers, accumulating 1,185 rushing yards and nine touchdowns in his recent season. He showcased impressive consistency, averaging 6.1 yards per carry across two seasons. With two seasons of eligibility remaining, Martinez’s visits extend beyond Tennessee to include Mississippi State, Arizona, Kentucky, and Miami. It’s worth noting that financial considerations, particularly NIL opportunities, are likely to influence Martinez’s decision-making process.
For Tennessee, Martinez’s potential addition presents an intriguing prospect. While Dylan Sampson appears set to lead the backfield, the coaching staff has demonstrated a preference for utilizing multiple backs. However, injuries have plagued the team’s depth during spring practice, with players like Cam Seldon and Peyton Lewis facing setbacks. Rehabilitation progress for these players remains uncertain, prompting Tennessee to explore options in the transfer portal.
Despite the potential benefits of adding Martinez, concerns arise regarding the impact on younger players and roster dynamics. Nonetheless, navigating the evolving landscape of college football demands such strategic decisions. Looking ahead, Tennessee may pursue additional options to bolster their running back corps.
Leave a Reply