Martin impresses Titans with his strength, courage

TAMPA, Fla. The sight of Titans defensive tackle Mike Martin running down the field with his helmet off in the preseason opener at Seattle told coaches all they needed to know.

The 306-pound Martin was trying to catch a ball carrier downfield.

“I think he has a lot of courage,’’ defensive coordinator Jerry Gray said of Martin, the team’s third round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. “But that is what you see every day with his helmet on. That is what you want a lot of football players to do – not with their helmet off – but you want effort from all your d-linemen.’’

Martin impressed those around him the first day of training camp when he benched pressed 315 pounds a total of 19 times, which tied for best on the team with center Eugene Amano.

Martin said he actually bench-pressed the same weight 26 times back in college at Michigan. At the NFL Combine, he did 225 pounds a whopping total of 37 times.

Martin, who has been impressive in practices, said his strength helps him fight off opposing offensive linemen.

“I am a real physical type of guy, I like to come downhill at guys,’’ Martin said. “So when it gets down to it, being able to throw guys around and be able to manhandle guys, having the strength is key.”

These days, Martin is working more on his technique. Gray said Martin is “strong, quick and disruptive.”

“You have to learn the technique and learn the little things the guys in the league know already,’’ Martin said. “It’s about getting comfortable out there and letting your talents flow.”

Source: Titans Insider