Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Grayson Martin

The Riverview Rams finished with a 4-6 record last fall, lost some productive playmakers and changed head coaches — from Josh Smithers to Mark Cristiani — but experienced returners such as starting center Grayson Martin make Riverview a better team.

Martin has started since his sophomore season and has since become a force on the offensive line at 6-foot-3, 320 pounds.

When and why did you start playing football?

I started playing football because I was always a bigger kid and I was never allowed to play tackle football until I got to high school. I naturally just really wanted to play football.

What has been the most memorable moment of this offseason?

It would definitely be walking with (45-pound) plates around the campus and then having to run 110 (yards) on the pavement. It was painful, but it was a moment of growth for the team, for us to realize we could all do it if we really wanted to. 

What is your all-time favorite football memory?

My favorite football memory would be starting my sophomore year and being able to start on the varsity team and compete against a bunch of seniors across from me. I hadn’t had a lot of experience, and it was awesome to be on the varsity roster and play in big games on Friday nights in front of everybody.

What makes you confident in your team going into this season?

Coach Cristiani. He’s prepared us so much up until this moment. We’ve had the hardest offseason I can remember. He’s the most disciplined and encouraging coach I know. He’s going to lead us to a great year.

What has gone right for you personally in your development as a player?

My strength and cardio. I was injured in my junior offseason, so being able to have a full offseason my strength and develop my strength and push my endurance is going to lead up to a great senior year.

What has been the most humbling moment in football for you?

Every year playing the team down south (Venice) and never being able to get over the hump.

What is your favorite meal?

My favorite meal is definitely steak and potatoes. My grandma cooks every Sunday, so being able to spend time with my family and have a nice meal at her house is always great.

What is your favorite TV show or movie?

I like Grown Ups. I like comedy movies. I don’t really like horror movies.

What is your go-to warm-up song?

I like listening to Whiskey Myers. I like country music and they’re a great band to listen to.

If you’re not playing football, what are you doing?

Fishing, hanging out with friends and spending time with my family.

What does your ideal weekend look like?

Saturday, play a round of golf or go fishing with some friends. Sunday, do chores around the house and spend time with my family at my grandma’s.

Who is your favorite football player and why?

Jason Kelce because he’s a center and I’m a center. He was one of the best to ever do it, and being able to watch him was always fun.

Finish this sentence. Grayson Martin is…

Very respectful.