2021 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Emilio Martinez, RB, University of San Diego

• Name: Emilio Martinez
• Height: 5’9”
• Weight: 197 lbs
• Position: RB
• College: University of San Diego
• Twitter: @EMills98

Tell us about your university/college. What was your major/minor? How is campus life?

The University of San Diego is the most beautiful campus in the country and I feel blessed to have attended this institution for as long as I have so far. I am a Business Administration major and Real Estate minor, and will be graduating in May of 2021. The school is rather small with only about 7,000 undergrad students so I see a lot of familiar faces everyday. 

What do your teammates say is your best quality?

Leading by example and Toughness. I am not the most vocal guy on the team, but I pride myself in doing the little things right, and am always brought up by my coaches to new players on how to be successful in this program. In regards to toughness, this season I had to endure playing on a high ankle sprain to help my team win games. In hindsight it would have been wiser for me to redshirt the season, but I am a team first player and did everything that I could to help my team win. 

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?

I see myself as a versatile halfback. I am an effective receiver out of the backfield, with 87 career receptions for over 750 yards in my first 3 seasons with the team. I pride myself in pass protection and am intelligent in defensive play recognition as well, making me an especially effective 3rd down back. I’ve also maintained a 5.2 yards per carry average. 

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?

The best player I’ve played against in college thus far is Keelan Doss from UC Davis. He was a 2x All American and was signed by the Oakland Raiders out of college. 

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?

Michael Bandy, our two time All-American wideout is by far the most impressive teammate I’ve had. Not only talented, but possesses one of the greatest work ethics I’ve ever been around. Tough, humble, and successful, he is our school’s all time leading receiver. 

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.

In the 6th grade I had to cut weight to make the weight limit for my youth football team. To attain this goal, I began running and doing push ups and sit ups every night to lose weight. When it came down to weigh in day, I was a half pound heavy after only chewing on gum for my meals the day before. That morning I had to continuosuly spit into the trash and strip my clothes to make the weight. I was very proud of making the weight  because it felt like the first time I worked hard for something long term and achieved it. 

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?

Track and field. Recruited by small schools to run track, I truly enjoyed this sport. In highschool I won league titles in the 100m (10.95), 200m (22.5), and anchored our 

Section finals 4×1 team. Also leaped 20’6” in the long jump. 

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?

Coming from Salinas, California, a predominantly Mexican town, not many football players are recruited out of my area. I’m proud, being only a second generation American, to have been recruited and offered to play football at the division 1 level. 

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.

In my first collegiate game, which happened to fall on my birthday, I scored a game clinching touchdown to put my team up 14 with little time remaining. 

Check out NFL Draft Diamonds 2021 Small School Rankings

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?

My favorite athlete is Connor McGregor. I model my game after a mixture of many of my favorite running backs: Barry Sanders, Reggie Bush and Saquon Barkley. 

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?

Drake 

What is your favorite comfort food?

Popeye’s Chicken 

Do you have a favorite movie or actor?

Leonardo DeCaprio

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies?

Invest in the Stock Market, video games, hang with my dogs.

Who or what motivates you the most?

My Grandparents. My grandparents on both my mother and father’s sides made the brave decision to move to America. I am so thankful for them to do that. Without their brave decisions, I may never have gotten the opportunity to fall in love with the game of football. I work hard for my achievements in every facet of my life because I know my grandparents worked hard to get us here.