Elite Instate Running Back 4-Star Asa Martin Signs with Auburn

In my opinion, no player in the state of Alabama had a better season in 2017 than 4* RB Asa Martin. Transferring home to Austin High School after spending a year at IMG Academy, the 5’11” 200 lb tailback was lights out this season leading his team to the 6A state semifinals. They fell just short in an epic OT game with Pinson Valley lead by Auburn target 4* QB Bo Nix. In total, the Auburn signee rushed for 2,228 yards and 33 touchdowns on only 198 carries while also catching 2 touchdowns and compiling 399 receiving yards his senior season. Oh and he threw 2 touchdowns as well. Put simply, this dude was really good.

There was a time it looked bleak for Auburn running back recruiting. Top targets like 4* Master Teague and 4* Dameon Pierce elected to take their talents elsewhere. Alabama had honed in on Martin after missing out on 5* Zamir White and well the Crimson Tide get who they want instate right? Wrong. The Tigers beat the Tide out for the star running back and since then he’s never wavered in his commitment. He’s now officially an Auburn Tiger.

I will be honest, when I watched his tape before his senior season I wasn’t completely sold on him as a bellcow back in our system. Just wasn’t sure if he could tote the rock consistently between the tackles and stand up to the pounding of SEC football. But it doesn’t take long watching his senior tape to come to a simple realization, this dude is legit.

What jumps out first is his incredible patience to let his blocks unfold. He’s also a nightmare to try and tackle in the open field.

Did I mention he’s hard to tackle in the open field?

But he’s not just a threat as a ball carrier. Chip Lindsey likes running backs who can be a threat out of the backfield as a pass catcher and Martin is just that as he showed this past Saturday.

Overall, I think Martin is a perfect fit for Auburn’s system and has a chance to see the field early especially if Kerryon Johnson and Kamryn Pettway move off to the NFL. He’s already on campus working with the team and will participate in spring practice. It’s hard to not be excited about the future of the running back position with dudes like this joining the program.

War Eagle Asa!