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Kevin Gorman 412-320-7812
Sports Columnist
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Kevin Gorman is a sports writer for the Tribune-Review.

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•  Athletes in the spotlight: Nikki Matz, Robbie Miller
•  Sewickley Academy, Shady Side Academy advance to PIAA tennis semifinals
•  Thursday’s high school softball photos
•  WPIAL track and field championships
•  West Mifflin tops Mt. Pleasant for 1st playoff win in 15 years

High School Photo Galleries

WPIAL track and field championships
2013-05-16

Thursday’s high school softball photos
2013-05-16

Wednesday’s high school photos
2013-05-15

Daily Gallery

Friday - May 17, 2013

MARCUS MARTIN

6-foot-2, 225 pounds, TE-DE, West Mifflin

If his 88-yard touchdown catch against Elizabeth Forward last week was any indication, West Mifflin's Marcus Martin can cause major mismatches.

“It was a really nice play,” Titans coach Ray Braszo said, noting that Martin ran 30 yards after the catch. “We can move him out, almost as a wide receiver, if we want. Sometimes, he surprises people from inside at the tight end position. He catches it before they know it. He's a good blocker, too. He's a really strong kid and he's having a great year blocking and receiving.”

Overshadowed offensively on a team that features the WPIAL's leading rusher in junior Jimmy Wheeler and a dangerous dual-threat quarterback in Derrick Fulmore, Martin has made an impression with his blocking and his ability to stretch the field.

A two-time all-conference selection, Martin has displayed his 4.7-second speed in the 40-yard dash when given the opportunity to catch passes. He was averaging 50.6 yards per catch through six games, scoring touchdowns on four of his five receptions.

Braszo said Martin uses his quickness and speed to create separation from defenders or slip past would-be blockers as a pass-rushing defensive end.

“He can really run the field,” Braszo said. “On defense, he's a good pass rusher. He's strong, so he's been hard to block for other teams. And there's an explosiveness with the way he runs.”

Temple, Massachusetts and Youngstown State are among the schools showing interest.

“The guy from UMass thought he could play tight end,” Braszo said. “I think Temple is more at defensive end. It depends on how they want to use him.”

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