Martel Hight Talks Playing Both Sides of the Ball: "I'm just here to be me and help the team"
Martel Hight has a lot on his plate this upcoming season, playing a significant role in all 3 phases of the game. Hight will be playing cornerback and returning punts as he did last year and will also be playing Wide Receiver on the offensive side of the ball. Hight was made available to media after a hot and humid day 2 of Fall Camp on West End.
Managing snaps and conditioning is always at the forefront of the minds of coaches and players, but for Martel Hight that is an even higher priority. Hight touched on how he is approaching this fall camp and season with a more significant role.
“Now that I’m an older guy, I have to lead the younger [guys] and be a captain for the team. Just making sure everybody is following the right steps”
While Hight has all the ability and athleticism in the world, playing Wide Receiver for the first time in college is a big adjustment. He talked about what it looked like preparing for that big step.
“After spring and Summer stuff, I’d stay after with Diego, Junior and those guys and get extra reps”
Reps and familiarity with not only Diego Pavia but also the other Wide Receivers is going to be key to the success of Hight on the offensive side of the ball. Hight not only seems okay with the increased work load and responsibility, he seems excited about it.
Hight was also asked about Marlon Jones, the transfer CB from Eastern Washington who missed all of last season with a serious medical issue.
“That guy’s a warrior, he’s a dog … God given, talented … he’s stepping up in our room, being a leader.”
Marlon Jones might be the key to this Vanderbilt cornerback room taking a much needed step forward.
Martel was also asked about what the next step for this team is, and he did not shy away from the high expectations continuously espoused from players within this Vanderbilt program.
“We look at the college football playoffs, SEC championship, we’re driving to win, our mission is winning, that’s what we’re trying to do”
On the foundation of that belief
“Our spirit, our respect for the game, and our discipline – all 3 of those will play a big factor in what we’re trying to do”
A big reason for this team’s confidence, alongside a lot of returning talent, is the man under center (or in Vanderbilt’s case, in the shotgun and pistol). Diego Pavia clearly breathes confidence into his teammates and those around him. When asked about playing with Diego Pavia, Hight cracked a smile and immediately responded –
“That guy, he’s a dog – he’s like a magician. He knows what’s finna happen, he’ll set you up for good, and he makes plays. Just having that at the quarterback position is great”
