Countdown to 2018 IUFB Kickoff: 76 Days (Wes Martin)

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Written By Evan McShane (@veryreasonable)

COUNTDOWN TO KICKOFF: #76 – Wes Martin

-Height: 6’3”

-Weight: 310 pounds

-Hometown: West Milton, Ohio

-Position: Offensive Line

Wes Martin has put together an impressive and steady career on the offensive line in Bloomington. The former three-star recruit joined IU football in 2014 and redshirted his first season. As a redshirt freshman, Martin played in all 13 games and started six of them at left guard. Martin helped anchor the offensive line of a historic 2015 Indiana offense. IU set single-season program records for points (475), yards (6,556), and first downs (337). At 310-pounds, Martin had to learn how to play the game at hyper-speed. Martin made the BTN.com All-Freshman Team and was an Academic All-Big Ten selection.

Martin was again an Academic All-Big Ten selection as a redshirt sophomore. He helped serve as a vital anchor to a prolific IU offense. Martin started in all 13 games at left guard as the Hoosiers finished third in the Big Ten in total offense. Martin helped pave the way for Devine Redding to record back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons.

Martin continued his consistency, starting in all 12 games as a redshirt junior in 2017. Martin was especially productive last year, recording the most pass-blocking snaps (569) among all guards nationally without allowing a single sack. Martin was a team captain in every game and earned four-time offensive player of the game honors for IU. Martin garnered his third consecutive Academic All-Big Ten selection and was an honorable mention for the All-Big Ten Team. Martin won the team’s Chris Dal Sasso Award for being the most outstanding lineman on the team.

As a senior, Martin will look to be a leader on offense. During an interview following spring practice, Martin acknowledged the level of depth and experience returning on the offensive line. He says the chemistry they’ve built will be beneficial for the group moving forward. Martin spoke highly of transfer Nick Linder and the rest of the group, stating that everyone gets along very well with each other. After the rushing attack to a step back last season, Martin and the O-line will need to step their game up for Indiana to be successful in 2018.