The Vols love his maturity, confidence and duel-threat ability. He’s a seamless fit for Jones’ offense. Mike Canales has done yeoman’s work with Martinez, making the California quarterback comfortable enough to fly across the country — not during any sort of spring break — for the weekend and experience Tennessee.
Martinez asked a ton of questions on the visit. He talked with Jones, Canales, Larry Scott, the current quarterbacks and several other people. The visit went so well that a couple days later he de-committed from Cal. Fresno State (his childhood team), Oregon, Arizona State and others have all jumped into the mix, but Canales will have a chance to close the deal on Friday during his spring eval visit. The biggest hurdle is making Martinez comfortable with the academics and support he’ll get — both in school and post collegiate career.
The four-star isn’t worried about competing with Penix (although he was initially surprised about the commitment on Saturday), but simply feeling at home — 2,500 miles away. The easiest way to bridge the distance gap is selling support.
If Martinez doesn’t commit to Tennessee in the next week or so, then the Vols will have to up their attention on guys like Cammon Cooper (a guy who had a great visit last weekend), Brevin White (who Canales will also see on Friday) and others.
