Penn State locks up running back Quinton Martin on National Signing Day
Penn State has officially locked up running back Quinton Martin on National Signing Day. A native of Belle Vernon, Pa., Martin has long been considered one of the most important players in the Class of 2024. Not only does he rank among the best players in the class at No. 59 nationally, but Martin also brings a versatile skillset that could help the Nittany Lions as soon as next season.
Long term, we expect Martin to focus primarily as a running back, but with both Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen coming back for the 2024 season, new offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki won’t have to work hard to find creative ways to use the 6-foot-1, 190-pound athlete.
“We knew who he was in sixth, seventh, eighth grade,” said Belle Vernon head coach Matt Humbert. “Going into his freshman year, there was a lot of people saying, ‘Hey, this kid can start as a freshman.’ I never really jumped on that boat because I know the level that we play. It’s hard for a kid as a freshman to start right away.
“But I remember all eyes were on him the first day of camp and we put him into a very high-intensity hitting drill the first day of camp. We knew from then, if he can hold his own right there, he’s going to be a dude. He didn’t let us down that day or really at any point during his freshman year, that’s for sure.”
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During his time at Belle Vernon, Martin not only racked up 3,863 yards rushing, but he added another 1,438 yards receiving, scoring 82 touchdowns. He also propelled his high school to new heights, winning back-to-back PIAA state championships the past two seasons.
“His instincts and vision, without a doubt,” Humbert said, when asked what separates Martin from others. “In some of the inside and outside runs that we have, I mean, he just has such good vision. If you really look [at his sophomore] year, about midway through, some of the different ways that he was able to manipulate his body in a tight window is pretty impressive. The speed and all that stuff, that’s self-explanatory, but I think the way that he kind of operates in close proximity is something that’s very impressive.”
Martin totaled more than 20 offers, most of which came between his freshman and sophomore seasons. Penn State was one of the first schools to make that move, offering way back in April 2021. He took multiple visits to many of the region’s top schools over a two-year span, including Ohio State, Pitt, Michigan, Virginia Tech, and West Virginia. He also showed serious interest in Florida State and Miami.
However, the relationships that he built with his lead recruiters, Ja’Juan Seider and Terry Smith, always had the Nittany Lions at the top of list.
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“I would say the commitment they showed me and my family was the biggest thing,” Martin said, when asked what stood out about the way they recruited him. “It’s not just that they’ve been 100 percent committed to me, but they’ve been committed to my family and helping us out in every way possible.”
Now, as he prepares to enroll at Penn State in January, Martin knows he’ll have the attention of both fans and the coaching staff when spring practice begins. Just like in high school, he wants to make an impact right away and is willing to do whatever it takes.
“They’re recruiting me 100 percent as a running back,” Martin said. “But I also have no doubt that once I get up there and start practicing, they’re going to move me around and be diverse with me. They’re going to give me a little bit on defense, a little bit on offense. I’m hoping that happens, but I’m OK with what happens either way. I’m just all for doing whatever I need to do to help the team and get on the field.”
