Dec. 23, 2020: Former Iowa Western CC and NC State defensive tackle Val Martin joined Texas A&M transfer wide receiver, Dylan Wright, as transfer students to verbally committed to the Minnesota Golden Gophers, Wednesday afternoon.
Following an Early National Signing Day that saw P.J. Fleck and his staff add 19 total commitments for the class of 2021, he had mentioned the potential to add more in the transfer portal.
“Signing day is like the NFL Draft, and there is still a free agent market coming later on,” said Fleck. “There will be a few scholarships available for some immediate needs from now all the way to the beginning of the [2021] season.”
Fleck went fishing in the transfer portal and reeled in quite the trophy bass. Former Texas A&M WR, Dylan Wright is a 6-foot-4 big-body receiver that entered college as the No. 70 player in the class of 2019 according to 247sports. Wright played sparingly on special teams his first two seasons, which I would have to imagine playing a large role in leaving College Station.
@Coach_Fleck @CoachCPatt GOD told me spread my wings✌🏾…Watch📽 pic.twitter.com/VQXDIisW2P
— Dman‼️‼️ (@dmantherealest1) December 23, 2020
Wright, a Mesquite, TX native was quite the heralded prospect coming out of high school. He was an Under Armour All-American and held offers from top programs such as Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Notre Dame, and Ohio State. He began his high school career at Texas powerhouse Ennis High School as a quarterback. He eventually made the switch to WR midway through the season after transferring to West Mesquite. Wright would end up catching 70 passes for 1,141 yards and 14 touchdowns in his junior and senior season combined.
The former Aggie will fit right into Fleck’s system as a physical receiver with NFL-athleticism. With Rashod Bateman officially off to the NFL, Wright will have every opportunity to contribute next season. The wide receiver room will be flooded with talent, led by Wright, Chris Autman-Bell, Daniel Jackson, Mike Brown-Stephens, and possibly even seniors Seth Green and Clay Geary barring their decision to return. Wright will have four years of eligibility remaining.
P.J. Fleck was not lying when he said he planned to be busy in this year’s transfer portal. NC State’s Val Martin will make it already three transfer commitments adding to the already ELITE 2021 Gophers’ recruiting class.
LETS #RowTheBoat🚣🏾 pic.twitter.com/grbeufEq93
— Val Martin (@Iam_VMLV) December 24, 2020
Martin originally began his collegiate career at community college powerhouse, Iowa Western. After one season there the 6-foot-2 300 pounds d-lineman was rated as a three-star junior college prospect before heading to Raleigh. In three seasons with the Wolfpack, Martin played sporadically recording 29 total tackles and one forced fumble, finishing with 12 total tackles last season.
Joe Rossi’s 4-3 defensive scheme often calls for big versatile interior defensive linemen, and Martin fits the bill. The Gophers’ pair of redshirt freshman, DeAngelo Carter, and Rashard Cheney Jr showed flashes last season at the same position, improving throughout. With no word, if Micah Dew-Treadway plans to exercise his extra COVID-year of eligibility, Martin will certainly add depth and experience to the defensive tackle position group no matter who is with the team next season.
Originally a Marietta, GA native Martin was a three-sport athlete in high school excelling in football, wrestling, and track & field. His versatility and experience is something that I imagine Joe Rossi will work with next season.