Wait is almost over for Markelle Martin

Discussion in 'Tennessee Titans and NFL Talk' started by Titans Insider, Aug 8, 2013.

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  1. Titans Insider

    Titans Insider Titans News

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    Safety Markelle Martin has been with the Titans for nearly 16 months, but he’s never put on a uniform on game day – preseason or regular season.

    A sixth round pick by the team in 2012, the former Oklahoma State safety last played in a football game at the Senior Bowl following his senior season.

    Martin spent all last season on the team’s Physically Unable to Perform list. He was slowed most this offseason as well because of injuries. But he’s expected to play on Thursday night in the team’s preseason opener against the Redskins at LP Field.

    “It has been a long year, and it is a blessing to be able to still be here and get a chance to go out and play. Even if it is for two or three plays to get a feel for the game, I am excited to prove to myself and the organization I can play,’’ Martin said. “It has been a long time coming.”

    Martin suffered a knee injury after the Senior Bowl, which led to his lost 2012 season. The Titans drafted him a year ago to provide depth at the safety position, but they’ve had to be patient.

    A groin injury slowed Martin earlier this offseason. His first practice of 2013 came on the first day of training camp.

    “He just needs to play. He hasn’t been in a game as a Titan, and I’m sure he is nervous about that,’’ Coach Mike Munchak said of Martin. “Last year he wasn’t healthy enough to do it. We need to get him on the field to get him some confidence. I think when you’ve been hurt like that and had some bad luck with injuries you just want to get out there in play.

    “We’ve seen him in practices, but need to get him in game situations.”

    Martin knows he has his work cut out for him. The position he plays is now even more crowded following the offseason additions of safeties Bernard Pollard and George Wilson, who joined Michael Griffin and Al Afalava. The team drafted Daimion Stafford, while veteran Robert Johnson is in PUP. Martin likely needs to make a good impression fast.

    And while his body is feeling better, he knows he’s behind. In his final season at Oklahoma State, Martin started 13 games and racked up 74 tackles. He was a first-team Big 12 Conference selection.

    “A lot of things come with time and experience and those are two things I don’t have right now. So it is going to take some time and hopefully the preseason will show how much I learned and progressed,’’ he said. “Ultimately the goal is to do the best I can do and progress.”

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    Source: Titans Insider
     
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  2. JCBRAVE

    JCBRAVE goTitans 2019 Survivor Champion

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    "The Myth" is playing?

    Bout damn time.
     
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  3. Ten_Titans

    Ten_Titans Pro Bowler

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    Tldr

    Is he a free safety?

    Because if he is, as long as he has the tackling ability of a toddler, and enough wherewithal to avoid actively sabotaging us in coverage(Cowboys game), then he is the best free safety on our roster.
     
  4. xpmar9x

    xpmar9x The Real Slim Shady

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    Markelle IS real..... who woulda thunk it
     
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  5. Deuce Wayne

    Deuce Wayne NOW Y'ALL GET THE MESSICH?!

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  6. Smash

    Smash 2017 Survivor Winner

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    Put him in a cage fight with Whiffin and see what happens.

    Extreme Toddler Wrestling!
     
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  7. Brew City

    Brew City Case Race Champion

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    I've been a big fan of Markelle since his OK St. days. Excited to see him finally hit the field.
     
  8. 520

    520 2020 GOAT CHAMP from 3-7 to champ

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    no you havent
     
  9. JCBRAVE

    JCBRAVE goTitans 2019 Survivor Champion

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    Griffin punched Michael Preston last week, maybe Griffin is tired of being dawged, between griffin and "skinny ankles" Im taking griffin, RoJo sucks more than Griffin.
     
  10. CJtheBeast

    CJtheBeast Starter

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    I hope he can play. Could use some competition at the position. Glad he's finally healthy.
     
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