Stellar Hampton High tailback to play for Monarchs

Tron Martinez, the Peninsula District's offensive player of the year, has committed to play for the Old Dominion Monarchs.

Martinez, a 5-foot-8, 185-pound tailback, ran for 1,706 yards and 29 touchdowns this season for the Hampton Crabbers. As a junior, Martinez ran for 1,700 yards and 25 touchdowns. Adding in his sophomore stats, he rushed for 3,878 yards and 62 touchdowns in his high school career.

Martinez, who has been clocked at 4.47 in the 40-yard dash, was garnering interest from Virginia Tech, Maryland and Liberty as well, but decided on the Monarchs, who will begin play at the Division I-AA level next fall.

"From the first time I talked to coach (Bobby) Wilder, he told me he'd stick with me to the end," Martinez said. "He made me feel good about playing for ODU."

Martinez said that he understands he "must learn to play football at a faster pace and a higher speed at the collegiate level. Right now, I'm just looking forward to getting in there and doing whatever they want and playing wherever they want me."

Rich Radford, 446-2463 rich.radford@pilotonline.com