Watching Kobe Martin play football, one thing is clear, he is more talented than the levels he has gotten to play at. However, he is raw as a passer. Having played sparingly in college, Martin is a high-upside prospect who brings above-average athleticism, and decent arm strength and has displayed an ability to throw the ball on the run.
Table of Contents
A Look at Kobe Martin’s Skillset
Martin as mentioned is a plus athlete, however, with this innate ability to run the ball when needed, he has shown a tendency to lean heavily on his legs at times. To be clear this has carried his offenses, and created touchdowns along the way, and could be a product of the talent around him. He has often faced nearly immediate pressure being forced to make quick decisions and often running was the most productive option. Regardless it’s one trait that needs to be cleaned up if he transitions back to the outdoor game.
Escapability and mobility are great traits to have but when you’re defaulting to running once you get past your first read that can prove problematic in pro-style offenses. However, Martin does not ALWAYS take off and run and there is more than one example on his highlight reel of him hanging in there to throw a pass. He is another quarterback who could get an ear full from his coach for not being afraid to take a hit if it means completing a pass. He shows some touch on his throws but needs to work on his consistency. The term gunslinger certainly comes to mind.
At times he will throw a beautiful pass that shows all the upside he has, then at others, he uncorks a pass that just looks ugly, albeit even these typically found their way to a receiver. I am told he may be seeking a quarterback coach to work with on improving some of these things. I want to reiterate that some of these knocks on Martin’s game are likely at least in part due to the teams he played with at the time. A quarterback can only be so good when his offensive line is not keeping pressure at bay, and his receivers can’t get open quickly enough to compensate.
Martin is a developmental project, but he is also the type of player I see growing leaps and bounds with the coaching in the UFL, which is far better than anything Martin had in the past. He is fast, agile, and has the frame to add weight and strength that will benefit him long-term in his career. Word from Martin’s camp is that he is not interested in changing positions full-time, however, they never said he wouldn’t entertain playing other roles while focused on developing at quarterback (see Eric Dungey for DC in 2023). His body type and athleticism could lend itself to playing wide receiver or possibly special teams.
Kobe Martin’s College Career
Martin is another DeSoto High School graduate. This is the same school we talked about for their history of producing NFL-caliber players in the article about linebacker Tyler Jackson-Clark. This school also produced former UFL linebacker Chris Orr. At Bethany Martin spent most of his time as a backup.
Joining Bethany in 2018, he would spend his entire collegiate career with the same school a rarity these days. He would stick with the school until after the 2021 season when he managed: 13 of 28 for 132 yards 0 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. Not the performance he would have liked.
Beginning of his Post Collegiate Career
Since leaving Bethany he began his post-collegiate career playing indoor football for the Wichita Force, ICT Regulators, Sioux Falls Storm, and Iowa Woo. This gave him a taste of what the professional realm was like while helping him develop his game in an environment that requires a player to read a defense and make a throw in a split second.
Since joining the indoor football ranks he has found a lot more playing time. At times he was the starter for the Force and Regulators, and he also played in 1 game with the Iowa Woo that have had a revolving door at quarterback this season. Over the past two seasons, he has begun to look more comfortable in the pocket and when avoiding pressure.
Bottom Line
Martin will certainly turn some heads at the showcase, as he is the type of player who will always stand out when he’s allowed to show off his athleticism. It wouldn’t shock me to see Martin run in the 4.5-4.6 range, which is fast enough to do damage in the UFL, or perhaps the CFL. The question with Martin will be does a team see enough in him to give him a chance as their QB3, or practice roster player?
I believe he will intrigue a couple of teams with DC at the top of the list due to his mobility. Whether or not that intrigue turns into a contract offer remains to be seen.
Sponsor: Upside
This article and so much more is brought to you by Upside. Upside is a free not strings attached app that will pay you cashback for the purchases you already make. Gas, Groceries, or a Good Meal, with just 3 clicks, you can earn CashBack today at HUNDREDS of locations. Use our code Sam363682 to save an additional 15 cents per gallon on your next fuel purchase. With discounts up to 25 cents per gallon, you could earn 40 cents back per gallon on your first purchase. Again use our code Sam363682 at sign up.
YouTube
Please also help us continue growing on our YouTube Channel by subscribing if you haven’t already. Also like and comment on any videos you enjoy! Thank you for your support and we hope you continue to tune in!
Thursday Broadcast Schedule
Dynasty Academy 8:00 pm ET (Fantasy Football)
Discord/Facebook Groups
Are you on discord or facebook? Join our server/groups to jump in the conversation, stay up to date on your favorite leagues and give us your jot takes. You can also promote your content!
Discover more from Shady Sports Network
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.