Jartavius “Quan” Martin thinks he has been prepared for this moment.
Martin revealed his middle name is Daquan, and thus “Quan” became a nickname early in his youth. He also unveiled that he really appreciates his college head coach at Illinois, Lovie Smith.
Quan Martin has no chill with this tackle and forced fumble. pic.twitter.com/nrVOAOUHF9
— Illinois Football Focus (@IlliniFB) October 29, 2022
The Commanders rookie, drafted in the second round of this year’s draft (2023), expressed that he feels he is indebted to Lovie Smith for preparing him to play at this level. He is confident he can take what he learned from the experienced Smith and apply it to the NFL level.
“I will probably start out as a nickel back and move around some after that,” expressed Martin. When Smoot asked Martin how he would describe himself, Martin did not hold back, stating he was “tough, smart, dependable.” “I am just a guy who loves the game who’s going to go out there and do whatever it takes to help this team win by getting the ball back for the offense.”
Illinois also has a NB/S hybrid named Quan Martin who’s got skills … also happened to be Kerby Jospeh’s roommate pic.twitter.com/kC9uvPAsIz
— Erik Schlitt (@erikschlitt) January 21, 2023
Hearing his name announced at the draft by London Fletcher, Martin said was an awesome experience for him. He and his family were together in Orlando for the draft, making it a memorable night for Martin when he was drafted in the second round by Washington.
During Covid, Martin said he started cutting his own hair. This led to Martin cutting his roommate’s hair. He told Smoot he likes the fact that he has not paid for his haircuts in three years now.
Growing up in Florida, he loved the football played by Deion Sanders. This led him to choose to wear No. 21 in Youth football, high school and college. Martin understands with that number being retired in honor of the late Sean Taylor; this is his first year he will not be wearing No. 21.
