Originally published Feb. 5, 2009 in the Omaha World-Herald
• Did you know? Martinez played as a freshman and sophomore at Norco (Calif.) High School. He spent his junior season at San Bernadino Cajon after his father took a job at the school as an assistant coach.
• Coachspeak: "I think he'll go to Nebraska and know what to expect as far as the dedication to watching film and the commitment level needed to be successful. You're never going to play in front of a full house like Nebraska's stadium, but we've got that on a smaller scale." - Centennial coach Matt Logan
• The gurus say: Martinez won the Los Angeles Times' Glenn Davis Award as the top high school player in Southern California. Rivals.com ranks him as an athlete, No. 51 nationally, and the 44th-best prospect overall in California. Scout.com rates Martinez as the nation's No. 41 quarterback.
• About Martinez: He struck gold as a senior at Centennial, a talent-laden program that finished 15-0 and ranked No. 2 nationally. Martinez quarterbacked his team to a 21-16 victory over Concord De La Salle in California's Division I bowl game. For the year, he completed nearly 60 percent of his throws for 2,994 yards and 28 touchdowns while rushing for 750 yards and 12 scores. Teammates and opponents raved about Martinez's arm strength and leadership qualities.
• Our take: We won't question Martinez's skills and certainly not his determination, but his size figures to limit his ability to stick as a QB at Nebraska. He'll get a shot there, though, and if it doesn't work out, Martinez can help the Huskers at safety or receiver.