Cameron Martinez, Boston College Football News: Draft Scout Player News

08/12/22 - CB Cameron Martinez, rSr/2025, Boston College

Ohio State safeties Jantzen Dunn and Cameron Martinez took repetitions at cornerback during practice on Tuesday, defensive coordinator Jim Knowles said. The cross-training is a step toward addressing concerns over limited depth at the position. The Buckeyes entered preseason training camp last week with only six scholarship cornerbacks, low numbers that could be even thinner if Jordan Hancock remains banged up. But no matter the timeline for his return, Knowles sees a need to uncover more depth in the upcoming weeks. "You're going to get corners who run all the time back and forth," he said. "You're going to get soft-tissue injuries. And we need to be fresh. So I feel it's definitely something we are keeping our eye on and making sure we get multiple guys their repetitions."

Knowles said he turned to Dunn and Martinez after conferring with secondary coach Tim Walton and safeties coach Perry Eliano. "They decided those are the guys that have exhibited that kind of foot quickness and speed and athleticism to fit the corner position," Knowles said, "and I thought they looked pretty good. I really do." Martinez played in all 13 games as a redshirt freshman last fall. Dunn appeared in only one in his first season with the program. A majority of Martinez's snaps were as a cover safety. He also lined up as a free safety. "I was impressed with him since I first saw him," Knowles said. "I think he's got a quickness. He's got a toughness. He's got a mental attitude and fortitude. He's a guy who's a playmaker and focused and doesn't get upset, doesn't panic. Makes a play, comes back and makes another one. Doesn't say much, but you can see he's locked in." - Columbus Dispatch

rSr/2025