2014: Listed as a reserve at running back on the preseason depth chart, but is expected to be in the regular rotation with several other running backs.
2013: Redshirted.
HS: Graduated from Stockdale HS in Bakersfield, Calif., in 2013. At one point, the recruiting website 24/7 ranked Martin as high as a four-star prospect (94 grade) and the No. 14 running back in the nation (he received three stars, an 89 grade and ranked 26th prior to signing day). MaxPreps.com ranked him 18th nationally. Rivals.com called Martin a four-star prospect and the nation’s No. 24 running back (49th prior to signing day). Scout.com ranked him as high as a three-star prospect and ranked him 35th nationally, and ESPN Recruiting Nation listed Martin as high as a three-star recruit and the No. 63 RB in the nation (he was 66th prior to signing day). Scout.com also ranked him among in its West Top 150 ratings, rating him 114th (No. 12 among running backs). As a senior in 2012, he was selected to the Bakersfield Californian All-Area first team as a running back. Martin was also named to the All-Southwest Yosemite League first team. He had 1,824 yards rushing on 206 carries (8.85 average per rush) and 23 touchdowns. He had a season-high 387 yards on 28 carries and scored four rushing touchdowns in a win over Independence High School (Bakersfield). The previous week, Martin ran for 289 yards and five TDs in a win over Buchanan HS (Clovis, Calif.). He had nine 100-yard games on the season – including five of 188 yards or more -- and rushed for at least one touchdown in every game for the Mustangs. He also returned 14 kickoffs for 394 yards (28.1 average) with a long return of 59 yards. He helped lead his team to a 5-6 record and 3-2 league mark, losing 42-14 to Bullard in the first round of the CIF Central Section Division I Playoffs. Martin was selected to the MaxPreps 2012 California Preseason All-State Football first team prior to the 2012 season. He played in only five games as a junior, but still managed to rush for 900 yards and 11 touchdowns, including a career-high 405 yards on just 13 carries (31.2 yards per carry) and five touchdowns in a 60-16 win over East Bakersfield. He scored on bursts of 61, 30 and 80 yards in the second quarter, then added another 80-yarder in the third quarter. His effort came after being sick with a virus for three days earlier in the week. His team finished 2-8 overall and 2-3 in league play. Martin was named Cal-Hi Sports State Sophomore of the Year and ESPNHS Sophomore All-American in 2010 after rushing for 1,900 yards and 23 touchdowns. Stockdale finished 6-6 overall and 2-3 in the league. The Mustangs beat Buchanan 41-30 in the first round of the CIF Playoffs before falling 42-14 to Clovis West in the quarterfinals.
Personal: Major undeclared but considering business. Born 11/20/94 in Bakersfield, Calif. Will turn 20 the day before Eastern plays at Portland State. Full name is Deon Martin Jr. His parents are Deon Martin Sr. and Felicia Martin.
