(I posted earlier about the NCAA rarely declining these type of requests. Well, apparently this was a Big Ten decision. My bad.)
EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State incoming sophomore linebacker Drake Martinez’s request for an intra-conference waiver has been granted by the Big Ten, so he will be eligible to play in 2015. Martinez will have three years of eligibility remaining (three for three).
The 6-foot-2, 215-pound Martinez started eight games in 2014 for Coach Mark McElroy at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, California. He recorded 21 tackles (12 solos, 9 assists) as a red-shirt freshman. He matched his season-high with five tackles and a blocked kick against Canyons. The Laguna Beach (Calif.) native also registered five stops in the 2014 season opener against Cerritos. He was ranked among the nation’s top junior college prospects overall (No. 36) as well as one of the top JUCO outside linebackers by 247Sports.com (No. 4).
Martinez began his collegiate career at Nebraska where he redshirted in 2013. His brother Taylor played quarterback at Nebraska from 2010-13.
“We wish to thank Jen Smith and our compliance staff as well as the Big Ten for doing an outstanding job in managing this appeal,” Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio said. “The Big Ten made the right decision in this case relative to the welfare of the student-athlete.
“Drake Martinez is an outstanding football player, who will have an opportunity to provide an immediate impact this season. This decision is very beneficial for Drake in terms of his personal development as a college football player in the Big Ten. We’re very excited about having the opportunity to work with Drake when preseason camp opens in early August.”
Michigan State (11-2 overall, including a 7-1 record in the Big Ten in 2014) will report to campus for preseason camp on Friday, Aug. 7 and begin practice on Saturday, Aug. 8.
EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State incoming sophomore linebacker Drake Martinez’s request for an intra-conference waiver has been granted by the Big Ten, so he will be eligible to play in 2015. Martinez will have three years of eligibility remaining (three for three).
The 6-foot-2, 215-pound Martinez started eight games in 2014 for Coach Mark McElroy at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, California. He recorded 21 tackles (12 solos, 9 assists) as a red-shirt freshman. He matched his season-high with five tackles and a blocked kick against Canyons. The Laguna Beach (Calif.) native also registered five stops in the 2014 season opener against Cerritos. He was ranked among the nation’s top junior college prospects overall (No. 36) as well as one of the top JUCO outside linebackers by 247Sports.com (No. 4).
Martinez began his collegiate career at Nebraska where he redshirted in 2013. His brother Taylor played quarterback at Nebraska from 2010-13.
“We wish to thank Jen Smith and our compliance staff as well as the Big Ten for doing an outstanding job in managing this appeal,” Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio said. “The Big Ten made the right decision in this case relative to the welfare of the student-athlete.
“Drake Martinez is an outstanding football player, who will have an opportunity to provide an immediate impact this season. This decision is very beneficial for Drake in terms of his personal development as a college football player in the Big Ten. We’re very excited about having the opportunity to work with Drake when preseason camp opens in early August.”
Michigan State (11-2 overall, including a 7-1 record in the Big Ten in 2014) will report to campus for preseason camp on Friday, Aug. 7 and begin practice on Saturday, Aug. 8.
