Q&A With Markelle Martin on Taking New Job in California

Markelle Martin is on the move a year after accepting a position as an offensive coaching assistant under Mike Gundy. Martin confirmed the move via direct message on twitter, and answered a few questions about his new opportunity at Humboldt State as the cornerbacks coach.

Q: How did the new opportunity at Humboldt State present itself, and what was your time at Oklahoma State as a coach like?

A: I spent a great deal of time picking the brains of Dan Hammerschmidt and Tim Duffie. They both were always willing to lend me advice from technique stand points, to family matters. When I spoke with Coach Hammer about being ready to start coaching my own room, it wasn’t a good 2 days that passed before I received a call from a former player of his, asking if I was willing to interview for the cornerbacks job. My time back at OSU was different this go around [as compared to during his playing time]. I wasn’t a 17 year old, eyes wide open to the possibilities of what could happen. Having a family now, and readjusting my goals, learning more about the every day details that goes into coaching at a young level, I learned how to be a professional, how to prioritize what was important by watching coaches like Spencer and Gundy. People talk about Faith and Family coming first, those two showed me how to do prioritize those first. Then is football.

Q: So what do you think is going to be the biggest adjustment for you by moving to Humboldt (Northern California)?

A: I know one of the biggest adjustments will be being away from from family for a few months. After that, I believe the biggest adjustments will be learning my players, what makes them tick and gaining their trust. Things that all come over time. I think coming in with the right attitude, working hard and treating everyone with the love and the respect they deserve will help me establish those things along with the values I have and want to share.

Leftover thoughts from Martin: “I’m am very thankful OSU believed in me once again, thankful and appreciative to Mike Gundy and Glenn Spencer for the opportunity and I’m looking forward to the DBs bringing back the NoFlyZone with Sterns leading the way. Good luck and Go Pokes”