Cameron Martinez signs with Ohio State, will get a shot on offense and defense
Ohio State football coach Ryan Day said signee Cameron Martinez will have an opportunity to play on offense or defense when he joins the program in the summer.
Day spoke publicly about Martinez for the first time Wednesday after the staff had received his signed letter of intent.
Martinez is the 25th players in the Buckeyes’ recruiting class for 2020 and was expected to mark the final addition on national signing day.
Recruiting services listed Martinez, a four-star prospect, as an athlete without a defined position. At Muskegon High School in Michigan, he played quarterback. Ohio State’s list of signees included him as a defensive back.
He could ultimately line up at a variety of spots.
Day said Martinez will start out as an H-back on offense, often positioned as a slot receiver, and mentioned nickel corner or cornerback as other possible positions on defense. A move to running back is also under consideration.
“That’s what’s exciting,” Day said. “We want him to have a lot of say as far as what he’s comfortable with.”
Martinez had been committed to the Buckeyes since last summer but did not sign during the early signing period in December.
His primary recruiter, Jeff Hafley, the defensive co-coordinator, had just been named Boston College’s coach and was leaving after one season.
Last week, Martinez reaffirmed his commitment to the program. The announcement came days after he had been visited by Kerry Coombs, a former assistant with the Buckeyes who had returned as defensive coordinator to replace Hafley.
Coombs, who also spoke with reporters on Wednesday, remarked that he would “fight like crazy” to keep Martinez on defense.
jkaufman@dispatch.com
@joeyrkaufman