Signed: Robert Martin

WHAT HE DID An offensive lineman with a mean streak, Martin helped St. Joseph finish the regular season with a 7-2 record and earn a first-round bye in the NJSIAA Non-public Group III playoffs. In the championship game, the Green Knights defeated DePaul Catholic, 26-17, to finish 9-2. They were also ranked No. 1 overall in New Jersey by multiple publications.

WHAT HE WON For three consecutive years, Martin earned All-Conference, All-Metro and All-State honors. He also participated in the Blue-Grey All-American Game at AT&T Stadium in Dallas. Martin is listed as a three-star prospect by Rivals and is the 20th-ranked player in New Jersey. He ranks as the 39th-best guard nationally.

WHERE HE VISITED Martin considered and visited Boston College, Duke, North Carolina, Pitt, Rutgers and Virginia Tech, but a trip to Penn State for camp was one of the first visits he took, and in the end it was all he needed to see.

QUOTABLE Martin: “As soon as I pulled up on campus [for the 2016 Blue-White Game], I knew this is where I wanted to be. I was always dreaming of playing at Penn State since I was a little kid. Just being around the coaches and seeing that game-day experience – it wasn’t even a game day, actually. It was a spring game. Just to see that live, the energy and pride in it, it really took a toll on me, and I had to do it.”

PHIL’S TAKE Martin played at about 260 pounds at the high school level, but he has the frame to carry close to 300 in college. He’s projected to play a guard position on Penn State’s offensive line. He has solid feet and the ability to get to the second level with his blocks. It’s all but certain that Martin will redshirt this coming fall as he works with the strength and conditioning staff to add the weight he will need to hold his own against Big Ten competition.