Photo Credit: ICWestFootball/Twitter

New Michigan Man: WR Oliver Martin Commits

Posted onAuthorGarrett Fishaw

There were plenty of questions about the amount of receivers the Wolverines coaching staff would take in the 2017 class. But, like always, when they find a talent they want and need, they’ll make it happen. And the staff found a guy they really wanted in this class and made it happen as Iowa City (IA) WR Oliver Martin has committed to Michigan.

Commitment

Scouting Report

Martin is the type of receiver every quarterback loves and every defensive back hates. Some have compared him to Eric Decker thanks to his athleticism and big play ability. He put up one of the best SPARQ scores at The Opening by showing off his speed, agility and overall pure athleticism (also shows it as an All-American high school swimmer and D1 college baseball prospect).

On top of his testing, he has also showed off his receiving skills in both 7v7 and game day action. His ability to get open quickly and beat defensive backs down the field and to the ball will make him one of Dylan McCaffrey, Brandon Peters and any other Michigan quarterback’s favorite targets. Because of his precise routes and hands, he could be a guy that plays early and often.

Very skilled, technical wideout. Excellent route runner with great hands and ability to make catches in traffic. Smart and understands how to get open. Very good athlete with good quickness, leaping ability and body control. Competitive, hard working kid. At 6-foot-1, 188 pounds, he has good size, but is not as big in comparison to other top outside receivers. – Scout.com

Recruitment 

There wasn’t a player that blew up faster and rose up the rankings quicker than Martin. He was pretty much an unknown recruit by most up until he put on an absolute show at The Opening in July. Thanks to his performance on the testing stage and the 7v7 field, he not only introduced himself to the recruiting world but he also earned himself an offer from Michigan.

After receiving that offer, things quickly picked up between the two as Martin made his way to Ann Arbor for the BBQ at the Big House. From there, he looked like a very likely addition to the class but with UM in great position to land Donovan Peoples-Jones, Tarik Black and Nico Collins, things started to slow. But Michigan never cut off contact and it paid off as the staff ramped up pressure on the talented wide receiver in the final weeks of the cycle.

Thanks to his relationships with several of the UM commits, his quick connection with Jim Harbaugh, the opportunities that UM had to offer (including the chance of his sister, who happens to be a world class swimmer, to join the UM swim program), and his official visit just days before NSD, he chose Michigan over Notre Dame, Michigan State, Iowa and plenty of others.

  • Height: 6’1”
  • Weight: 195lbs
  • Hometown (School): Iowa City, IA (West)
  • Notable Offers: Notre Dame, Oregon, Michigan State, Iowa, Florida, Ohio State
  • Rankings: Scout (4*, #216 overall) – Rivals (4*, #206) – 247Sports (4*, #47 overall) – ESPN (4*, #60 WR)
  • Composite Ranking: 4 star, #170 overall, #7 WR, #1 in Iowa

Highlights/Interviews

As for the Rest of the Class

Martin is the 27th overall commitment, the 4th wide receiver commitment and the 1st commitment out of Iowa. With him now officially in the class and National Signing Day just a day away, all eyes are focused on DT Aubrey Solomon, WR Nico Collins, LB Willie Gay, DT Jay Tufele, OL Mekhi Becton and DB Ifeatu Melifonwu. There’s a chance Michigan receives good news from five of the six, however, it’s unlikekly. I see UM getting three of the names above.

Photo Credit: Twitter/IowaCityFootball

Garrett Fishaw
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