2022 LB Tyler Martin Talks Notre Dame & What's Next

WESTBOROUGH, Mass. – Tyler Martin‍ had been to South Bend several times in the past, but the 2022 Massachusetts linebacker’s return trip for Irish Invasion was different.

“It was awesome,” Martin told Irish Sports Daily. “(Defensive graduate assistant Nick) Lezynski was really, really awesome. I really enjoyed being able to learn about Notre Dame linebackers.”

Martin’s grandfather attended Notre Dame and Martin grew up an Irish fan.

“For as long as I can remember watching Notre Dame, linebackers have been my main focus and definitely people you hear about all of the time, guys like Manti Te’o, Drue Tranquill, Jaylon Smith,” he explained. “Just being able to learn about the culture of Notre Dame linebackers and also learn how those guys played and to learn from some of the best coaches in the country was awesome.”

The 6-foot-2, 235-pounder already has offers from schools like Michigan, Nebraska, Syracuse, Boston College, Virginia and Vanderbilt among many others. The feedback he got from the Irish staff after the camp was positive.

“I’m obviously big for my age and pretty big for a linebacker, but they were definitely very happy with how I was moving for my size, especially at such a young age,” he said. “I feel like inside-the-box quickness and strength compared to a lot of kids in my grade and all high-schoolers is pretty good.”

Notre Dame is going to continue evaluating Martin’s development moving forward. He’s made no secret of the fact that he would cherish an offer from the Irish.

“It would mean a ton to me because of my family connection, but personally, I just love the school,” he said. “Being there on a real football recruiting trip was awesome. I’ve been to games before, but being able to be an actual recruit was really special.”

He’s hoping to make it back to South Bend in the fall, but isn’t sure if he’ll be able to just yet.

“It’s tough because my high school league, we play Saturdays, but there are a couple Friday night games that I might be able to make,” said Martin, who is focused on his upcoming season and doesn’t know of any other college visits for the fall yet either.

Martin led his Buckingham Browne & Nichols School squad in tackles as an eighth-grader and proved to be one of the top players in the region as a freshman, helping his team to a New England Prep School title.

In addition to his physical tools, it’s obvious Martin’s instincts for the game have helped him achieve success at such an early age.

“My dad was a high school football coach,” he said. “Ever since I was in first grade, I’ve been around football with my father. Just being able to learn the game at such a young age at such an advanced level for my grade has helped me tremendously.

“Going into my sophomore year, I feel like I know the game like I’m a senior or even older. Just being around football helped me a ton and it’s showing now. I feel like my instincts and being able to read things definitely helps me.”