Four-star CB Boss Martin breaks down Red Raider pledge
Texas Tech has racked up the wins on the recruiting trail lately, making some national headlines in recent weeks. Included in that group of headliners was Palestine (TX) cornerback S’Vioarean “Boss” Martin, a four-star blue chipper who chose the Red Raiders over a final group that also included Big 12 rivals Kansas State and Houston.
Martin’s decision was huge for multiple reasons. Not only were the Red Raiders able to keep him away from future Big 12 opponents, the Wildcats were actually seen as the favorite for the East Texas standout leading into decision day, with Darcel McBath, Joey McGuire and the Texas Tech staff able to do enough to land his pledge in a commitment day decision.
The 6-foot-2 athlete checks in at a 90 grade per Rivals, the No. 33 cornerback in the 2026 class and the No. 41 overall player in the state of Texas. He also has elite NFL bloodlines, as he is cousins with future NFL Hall of Famer Adrian Peterson.
“I picked Texas Tech for multiple reasons. I can say I prayed about it. I believe in coach (Joey) McGuire, coach (Darcel) McBath, what they’re doing and their resume. I believe I can just make a big difference at Texas Tech and help contribute to what they’re building.”
McBath, McGuire make a positive impact in Martin’s decision
Texas Tech cornerbacks coach Darcel McBath is entering his first fall as a full time assistant coach at Texas Tech, but the former Red Raider standout and 2nd round NFL Draft pick has plenty of skins on the wall, whether it be from his own playing days or several years coaching defensive backs in the SEC while at Mississippi State.
Martin’s connection with McBath has grown tremendously over the past several months, with McBath making the trip out to East Texas multiple times to visit with the Martin family this spring.
“It’s amazing. We talk a lot. He came to come eat with my family at one of our big restaurants that we have down here in Palestine, and him and my parents clicked. They connected amazingly fast. I think he’s a great coach and an even better person, along with coach McGuire. I just believe that he can develop me and get me to where I wanna go which is the NFL.”
Heading into decision day on June 19th Martin had not informed any coaching staff about where he was headed, which made for a very exciting day in the Texas Tech Football offices.
“Yes sir I surprised them. So I didn’t let them know that I was gonna commit, they found out when everybody found out. They were excited. My phone immediately blew up. The group chat that I have with coaches and with the players, with the people that committed before me, so I got added to that group chat and they just all showed love.”
Texas Tech building a monster defensive back class
Martin is the highest rated defensive back in Texas Tech’s class per Rivals, but he’s not the only defensive back committed to the Red Raiders in 2026.
With six (6) total commits to date, Martin is joined in the secondary by Donovan Webb, Aaron Bradshaw, Luke Bell, Maddox Quiller and Noah Lewis on Texas Tech’s commit list.
Martin and Webb are the two newest members of the group, and have already started forming a solid relationship.
“I’m getting close with a couple of them. Donovan Webb is one, his dad and my dad talk a lot. Me personally, I’ve been starting to reach out to Donovan, he’s been reaching out to me and when we see each other it’s just love. We just connect.”
Adrian Peterson helping mentor the future Red Raider
On a list of best NFL players of the last 20 years, you wouldn’t have to scroll long before you got to 4x All-Pro running back Adrian Peterson. The former Oklahoma standout and Palestine (TX) native recorded over 14,900 career rushing yards in the NFL and will surely be inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame once he is eligible.
Having Peterson as a cousin has been “amazing” for Martin as he is looking to one day have his own standout career in the league.
“It’s amazing, he sends me workouts from time to time. Just seeing and hearing about the stories, what he had to go through to get to where he’s at and do what he’s done has been amazing. It’s been a lot of hard work and dedication nonstop, so it’s just kind of preparing me for the next level so it’s nothing new.”
Texas Tech is getting “one of the best corners in 2026”
Though Martin is solidly committed, as a four-star recruit there are sure to be other programs who are going to try and continue chipping away at his pledge in an attempt to flip him.
Martin says he isn’t interested in any other schools.
“No sir, I’m completely shut down.”
With an eye towards Lubbock, Martin says Texas Tech fans should expect not only a great player on the field – one of the best cornerbacks in the 2026 class – but also a great person off of it.
“Great spirits. They’re getting not only a great player that’s gonna get developed and is gonna play his heart out, but they’re getting an even better person. I’m a big person over player guy. They’re getting an even better person than a player, but they’re also getting a great player. They’re getting energy, great spirits, wonderful spirits. They’re getting a great player man, one of the best corners in ’26 that’s all I can say.”
As a junior, Martin recorded 28 tackles, 4 pass breakups, 3 tackles-for-loss, 1 forced fumble and allowed only 3 catches all season. Offensively he also pitched in with 18 receptions for 229 yards and two touchdowns.
Following the season, he was named 4A-1 Region III District 9 1st Team defensive back and wide receiver.
