ROCKINGHAM — When he ruptured his left Achilles during the 910 Classic football camp in May, Jacoby Martin’s senior football season was in serious jeopardy.
Now the only thing that isn’t in any doubt is how well the Richmond Senior High School defensive end has performed the past four Friday nights.
Opting not to have surgery, Martin recovered over the summer and returned to the gridiron in Richmond’s sixth game of the season in September. Despite missing half of his senior season, he hasn’t lost a step.
On Wednesday, the North Carolina Coaches Association officially released its rosters for the annual East-West All-Star Game. Martin, who stands at 6-2 and 260 pounds, was the lone Raider selected to this year’s East team.
Martin was informed of his nomination to the senior-only All-Star Game by Richmond head coach Bryan Till ahead of his season debut against Pinecrest High School.
“I was excited to find out about being named to the game, and it was kind of unexpected,” Martin recalled. “Coach Till announced it in front of the whole locker room before our game against Pinecrest. It was really cool to hear how loud it was and how happy my teammates were for me.
“It’s a really big honor,” he added. “A few months ago, I wasn’t sure if I’d even be able to play this season. I’ve surprised myself with how well I’ve played and been able to recover from my injury.”
The Richmond Raider football program is no stranger to participating in the East-West game, having sent nearly 90 players to the All-Star game since the school opened in 1972.
Most recently, offensive lineman Tyson Holloway (Brown University) played earlier this year. In 2022, offensive lineman Jaiden Covington (Lenoir-Rhyne University) and Till (defensive coordinator) were named.
The year prior, assistant head coach Greg Williams and players Tremel Jones (Wingate University) and Kaleel Brown were on the team.
“Tradition is important and we have proven to be a really successful program in North Carolina over the years,” Marin said. “Continuing this tradition encourages us as a team and I think it motivates the other guys who are younger to try and make it here when they’re seniors.”
Over the past four games, three of which have resulted in wins for the Raiders over Sandhills Athletic Conference opponents, Martin has been a welcomed explosive presence along the defensive line.
A two-time All-SAC selection, Martin quickly returned to his dominant play. Since his return, he’s collected 15 total tackles (14 solo). Eight of those tackles have been for a loss, including four quarterback sacks.
Part of a shutout streak that spanned over 11 quarters, Martin added to the scoreboard with a safety in the first quarter of Richmond’s win over Union Pines on Oct. 13.
When asked which of his characteristics he most believes allow him to be successful on Friday nights, Martin pointed to his knowledge of the sport and his work ethic.
“I think my best qualities are my intelligence and football IQ,” he explained. “I’m really able to understand what’s going to happen before the play starts and that really helps.
“When we played Pinecrest, I was able to read a wildcat formation play since I’d seen it on film,” he continued. “I use that knowledge to play faster. And I think that my motor and drive to play every snap at 100 percent is helpful, too.”
Started by coach Bob Jamieson in 1949, the East-West All-Star Game has served as an annual showcase for players who have recently graduated high school.
Normally held over the summer, this year’s classic will be played in December prior to Martin and the other seniors walking across the stage.
The East team will be coached by Bill Sochovka (Pine Forest High School) and has 36 players on the roster. Martin will be joined by fellow SAC players BJ Brown (running back, Lee County) and Zay Jones (running back, Scotland).
Currently not committed to play college football, Martin said he thinks this opportunity will help open doors so he can fulfill his dream of playing at the next level.
Looking back at his journey the past five months, Martin said he’s grateful for the support of his family, coaches and teammates. Although it was an unfortunate bump in the road, he noted his injury helped make him a better player and person.
“No one wants to get injured, but it’s made me really appreciate the game a lot more,” Martin shared. “I really strive to do my best all the time and it makes me want to play each snap like it’s my last.
“Overcoming this adversity has challenged me and made me better in a lot of ways,” he closed. “Apart from being physically stronger, my mental game is tougher on the field and with school work. It’s made me a better teammate and leader.”
The 2023-24 East-West All-Star Game will be played on Sunday, Dec. 17, at Grimsley High School in Greensboro.
