MARS HILL — Two former Richmond Senior High School football players have earned preferred walk-on spots at Mars Hill University.
Javon Little and Armond Martin, both of whom graduated from Richmond in 2020, made the switch earlier this month from Greensboro College. The pair of former Raiders were also slated to play for the Pride.
With their new preferred walk-on spots, Little (defensive end) and Martin (running back) hope to be more competitive for playing time at their new university.
“We chose to leave Greensboro and attend Mars Hill because me and Armond wanted a place to call home,” Little explained. “We wanted to be surrounded by great players and coaches.”
Martin, who was a wide receiver at Richmond, said the decision was difficult, but added “Mars Hill had a lot more to offer.”
The duo signed their letters of intent to Greensboro on National Signing Day in February, alongside 11 of their former teammates. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however, they were afforded more time in the spring and summer to weigh their options.
After visiting Mars Hill’s campus and viewing the football facilities, the decision was made by Little and Martin to transfer to the Lions’ program.
“About two months ago, we were on the phone talking about college and the pros and cons of attending Greensboro,” Martin explained. “We really didn’t see ourselves there for four years, so we decided that it would be best to go somewhere that would make us happy.
“So we reached out to different schools, and Mars Hill hit us back and invited us on a visit.”
Mars Hill, which competes in the South Atlantic Conference, has its football season currently on hold because of the virus. Both agreed that the football program had a lot of “positive energy” and that Tim Clifton’s coaching staff was very welcoming with a “family atmosphere.”
“The campus was very nice and the energy was amazing,” Little said. “I never felt that happy before. I knew it was the right decision because of the fact that I couldn’t wait to get on campus and get to work in the weight room, classroom and field.”
With their transfer, Little and Martin will now be at the Division II level. It’s a welcomed challenge, as both hope to fight for starting positions.
“I’m just really excited to attend Mars Hill and all I can think about is getting back on the field,” Martin said. “But I know competition is going to be tougher since it’s Division ll. But me and Javon have a lot to prove, so I’m just ready to get started.”
For the Raiders, Martin (5-10, 190 pounds) was a wide receiver who caught three passes for 27 yards his senior year. Making the switch to running back, a position he played growing up, is something he hopes will allow him to see more playing time.
“When I first started playing high school football, my first choice was to go to running back, but I loved playing wide receiver,” Martin said. “I stayed at the position throughout my high school career, but transitioning to running back has always been on my mind.
“It’s been a dream of mine to play running back at the next level,” he added. “I decided to turn my dream into reality. I feel like running back fits my playing style and that it’s the right position for me. I feel like I can succeed at that position.”
Little (5-10, 190 pounds) was part of an explosive defensive line his senior year at Richmond, collecting 45 total tackles, six sacks and causing two fumbles. He said his time with the Raiders helped put him in the position to play college football.
“Being a Raider helped me a lot because it taught me a die-hard mentality to attack the weights and be dominant on the field,” Little recalled. “Being coached up by coach (Milton) Swinnie, I wouldn’t be who I am if it wasn’t for him.
“Everyone can’t do what we’ve done in the past three or four years at Richmond.”
Little and Martin have continued to train on their own during the dead period, and will report to Mars Hill on Sept. 3 and 4, respectively. Workouts with the Lions will be voluntary, but both are excited to get back to the lab and work on their future careers.
“Javon is like my brother so I’m glad I get to enjoy the game of football and play on the same field as him in college,” Martin closed. “I’m just excited to see how we can contribute to the team.
“Being a Raider has made a better person and better player. We always competed at a high level, and doing so prepared us for the next level.”
