2022 QB Kaden Martin shines in primetime game with five TD's, talks mindset, role models, and more

Tee Martin's son, Kaden, shines in ESPN game

From Redondo (CA) to Knoxville (TN) is a move that might not sound that glamorous, especially for a two-sport superstar. That move is probably a little easier when you move to a place that your dad is a living legend. All of this happens to be just the case for Kaden Martin. Martin got his second start of the season on Thursday night against Brentwood Academy on ESPN2 and the sophomore sensation delivered in a big way. Martin looked into the stands after a leaping score into the corner of the endzone with intentions of making sure that one person noticed what he just did. Martin talks about his thrilling performance, relationship with his father, Tee Martin, and much more here.

Moments after a five-touchdown performance, a laid back Martin, said of his mindset heading into the game, “I just have to stay calm. Believe in my coaches, my training, and my dad. Just trusting my teammates, my line played great, the defense played great, and Jack (Jancek) played great when he came in the game for me. It is about staying calm and collected.”

Martin showed his poise and ability early on in the game when he dropped a dime about fifty yards down the field to fellow Sophomore Tommy Winton.

One of the five touchdowns that Martin scored happened right in front of me. Martin escaped the pocket avoided a defender, tiptoed down the sideline, and dove for the pylon to score. After a quick celebration, his attention turned to the stands to find his dad. Martin said of this play, “I am just trying to make him proud every time I go out there and make a play.”

Martin is a young man that exudes confidence in his own way but carries himself with a quiet demeanor. However, he plays with a fiery passion, and his statline generally reflects that. Martin said of who he is on the field, “just a guy that wants to competes and win. He loves his teammates.”

Despite the move across the country, Martin’s recruitment as a football player and baseball player has not changed. Martin said of handling all of this, “I don’t really have a social life. I am either working out or doing homework. I stay on homework and academics, then just working out whenever I can. I never really had a social life in California. It is no different here.”

When Martin does break away from the homework and training, he said, “when I do get to hang out with my friends, it is all love. I keep my circle really small and try to just be a better person.”

Martin possesses a lot of similar traits as his dad, from the uncanny ability to pull the football down and just beat a defender to the first down marker, being a smooth lefty with a timely delivery, to the same personality. He said of being back in Knoxville and handling the legacy that his dad left behind, “he is just a great role model. He shows me how to handle myself by being a student of the game. I understand I have to improve every time I step on the field, just by watching him and the way he handles himself when it comes to fans, but also how to handle things when it comes to doing your job.”

Martin has rejuvenated a Knoxville Catholic team that hit an 0-2 skid in games against McCallie and Ensworth. He will look to continue this streak on a push towards the playoffs.