Homecoming win excites future Illini
When Zeke Martin from Medina (Ohio) committed to Illinois back in June, the 6-foot-4, 275-pound offensive tackle had high hopes for his future school. Although the Illini's season hasn't gone quite as expected, Martin believes they may have turned the corner.
The Fighting Illini upset No. 24 Minnesota 28-24 on Saturday, giving head coach Tim Beckman his first home Big Ten win. OrangeandBlueNews.com caught up with Martin after the game.
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"The Illini killed it today," Martin said. "It was amazing. I was so pumped for everyone. I wanted to be there so bad today."
Martin wants them to build on the win and keep it going. He believes there's plenty left in the tank for this Illini team to be successful. Martin was at the Illini game vs. Texas St. earlier in the season, and he hopes to make it back to Champaign for one more game.
"This win can do anything they want it to," he said. "Ride it the rest of the season. I know they can turn it around. I believe in them. I'm hoping to go to the Penn State game or Iowa"
Rivals.com ranks Martin a 2-star recruit. He is one of four 2015 offensive linemen who are committed to Illinois, a list that includes Zach Heath, Gabe Megginson, and Adam Solomon.
Much like his future college team, Martin's high school team has struggled to find wins. With one game remaining, the Battling Bees have posted a 2-7 record.
"It's been a rough year," Martin said. "We haven't played the way we're capable of, that's for sure. We lost two games because of missed extra points. I know I'm a ton better than last year personally, though. I'm a football player and that's what fans will get to see when I get on the field."
Through it all, Martin has maintained a solid commitment to the Illini - even after his initial recruiter A.J. Ricker left the program to become the offensive line coach at Missouri.
Is there any chance that Martin could look around and consider other schools at this point?
"Hell no, I'm an Illini for a reason," Martin said. "It's home to me."
Kedric Prince has covered the Fighting Illini for over a decade. He is currently the Illini recruiting analyst for the Moline Dispatch / Rock Island Argus newspaper in the Quad Cities. Follow Kedric on Twitter @KedPrince4
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