Gopher Hole

Gopher Hole: You committed to Minnesota recently. Do you already feel a little bit of weight off your shoulder having everything done and now you can focus on your senior season? Kamal Martin: I have already picked my school and got all that figured out, so I can just focus on this team and just go out and give 100% to this season. Gopher Hole: You... had already committed to Eastern Michigan, but went to the Minnesota camp and impressed them and picked up an offer and committed a few days later. What was it about Minnesota that made you think that is where you wanted to be? Kamal Martin: I mean, first, it was the academics. They have a top-notch facility. After that, the coaching staff, they have been around for a combined 131 years. That is just crazy and something that you would want to be a part of, so that just really stood out to me. It was the best fit for my family, because it is close to home. Gopher Hole: Minnesota has made a commitment to keeping this Class of 2016, which is one of the better classes recently, to stay home with nine in-state commitments already. Was that something that also appealed to you? Kamal Martin: Yes, definitely. Coach Kill and the Minnesota Gophers are doing a great job getting in-state commitments. That is something big, because this class is pretty impressive. As much in-state commitments as we can get, the better. Gopher Hole: Have you gotten to know many of those kids yet? Kamal Martin: Oh yes, definitely. I have been to Carter's (Coughlin) house. I have been to (Matt) Kegel's house. We hang out pretty often, so it is just one big family. Gopher Hole: Carter seems to be social director in getting the kids together. Was he even pushing you before you committed to look at Minnesota even harder? Kamal Martin: Oh, yeah.Read More