The Cardinal Countdown: 78 Days Until Kickoff

#78 Max Martin

Class: RS Sophomore

Ht/Wt: 6-3/292

Position: Offensive Line

Hometown: Louisville, KY (Product of Trinity High School)

Twitter: @MMartin5379

Thoughts: Max is a local kid who the Cards picked up a couple seasons ago to help out on the practice squad and add some depth to a position group that had been struggling the previous few seasons. Since the return of Coach Summers the line overall has excelled and a few solid recruits helped turned them into one of the highlights of 2017, and one of the groups Coach Petrino is comfortable with heading into 2018. Max got a few live reps last year against Kent state and Syracuse and I’d anticipate a similar PT distribution this coming season as well, and that’s no knock on Martin. The staff has done an excellent job identifying the void, and then filling it with quality athletes and an upgrade at the coaching position the last couple years.

As is my annual tradition, a solid hat tip to each guy on the roster who is likely going to be relegated to the practice squad the majority of the year but continues to battle daily in the weight room, battle daily on the practice fields, attend every meeting, and study just as much film as the guy starting all 12 games. Your effort and energy doesn’t go unnoticed and lots of us realize that your contribution helps the team get better each week. Much love.

***

Game 2: Indiana State Sycamores

Key Player: Jonas Griffith, Linebacker, RS Sophomore

Jonas is a heck of linebacker for ISU, but his back story is even more impressive. After spending 11 years being home schooled and participating in youth league sports Jonas, a Louisville native, enrolled at Shawnee as a Senior and finally convinced his parents to let him give football a shot.

His first practice in pads, he knocked a kids helmet off.

His first live action game he played both sides of the ball and had an interception on top of a receiving touchdown.

Local schools began showing some interest as the season progressed but ultimately Jonas decided the smaller Indiana State would be his home. Last year Jonas (third year of organized football) finished with a team high 107(!!!) tackles, including 11 TFL and 5.5 sacks. Jonas is a problem up the middle and will be in the mix on that side of the ball without a doubt. One would hope the game will be a lopsided affair but Griffith will be one to keep an eye on throughout.

Sweet Tweet:

FACTS. Skim milk is trash.