"The Jewell of the Class"

[ukrainehawk]

In an article posted today by Matthew Bain, discussing Oliver Martin's upcoming trips to Notre Dame, Oregon and Sparty, he said that, despite the presence of Epenesa the Younger, Martin would "undoubtedly be the jewel of the class."

I have been solidly on Martin's bandwagon when it only had two wheels, and I've even gone out to see him play at West twice this year. I still think he's a great young player and really hope he chooses the Hawks, for so many reasons. But, without casting aspersions, I must respectfully but vehemently cast doubt on Mr. Bain's premise.

Repeat the name, "A.J." A.J. Epenesa is not just the brilliant jewel in the crown of the class - he is the crown. Not to be confused with the crown jewel, who is Josey. What kind of precious stones and metals would we assign to Desmond, C.J., and so many more? But I digress.

Regardless of what kind of college player he becomes, A.J. is a once in a generation recruit - which only makes sense, one generation after Epenesa Epenesa.

 

[hawkmart]

I thought that too when I read that. Martin would be nice to have and I do hope the Hawks land him. But no the jewel is Espenesa. Benjamin is a close second followed by Calloway.

 

[scotthawk1964]

I would think AJ, Eno, and Chevin would qualify as better Jewel's of the class candidates above young Mr Martin, but what do I know about Jewelry.

 

[Arbor1]

I would think AJ, Eno, and Chevin would qualify as better Jewel's of the class candidates above young Mr Martin, but what do I know about Jewelry.

Sometimes, like with some beautiful women, it all just becomes too much damn work to stay excited about them. Oliver has drifted into this territory for me. I'm pretty much over the drama and competing for his attention. Much more satisfying to have someone from out of state who is genuinely excited about joining Iowa. If you have to convince them to love you it doesn't work.

 

[Im4Iowa]

Sometimes, like with some beautiful women, it all just becomes too much damn work to stay excited about them. Oliver has drifted into this territory for me. I'm pretty much over the drama and competing for his attention. Much more satisfying to have someone from out of state who is genuinely excited about joining Iowa. If you have to convince them to love you it doesn't work.

That's the thing though, it's not him creating all the drama. It's the "experts" and the fans. He just wants to take all of his visits to make sure he's making the right choice. There's absolutely nothing wrong with that and as a parent, I'd want my kids to do the same thing. Oliver plays multiple sports and he can't just pack up and leave every weekend to do football visits. This process takes time. I also heard he may want to play baseball, too, so that could factor in on his process. I don't know him personally, but I know a few people who do, and it seems like he's a good kid trying to make a life-changing decision. Nothing wrong with that.

 

[24Hawkeye7]

Sometimes, like with some beautiful women, it all just becomes too much damn work to stay excited about them. Oliver has drifted into this territory for me. I'm pretty much over the drama and competing for his attention. Much more satisfying to have someone from out of state who is genuinely excited about joining Iowa. If you have to convince them to love you it doesn't work.

Ex: Juan Harris.... ahahah
But I totally agree, I'm very sick of hearing about Martin as well. He's young so I understand why he's excited to have the attention, but it seems like its going to his head

 

[Im4Iowa]

Ex: Juan Harris.... ahahah
But I totally agree, I'm very sick of hearing about Martin as well. He's young so I understand why he's excited to have the attention, but it seems like its going to his head

Says who? A bunch of guys who spend their free time posting on message boards? Listen, I know people want him to commit soon, and more specifically, to Iowa. But if he wants to take his official visits, why is that bad? I've never seen anything to indicate that this process is going to his head. He had a good season, went to an elite camp, impressed everyone, received offers from multiple big name programs and now he's trying to decide what to do. I don't see anything wrong with that. At the end of the process, I think he'll be a Hawkeye, but to say this is going to his head is just silly.

 

[mazda1]

As I've posted before I would love for Oliver to decide he wanted to be a Hawk. If he decides he doesn't than that's probably better for both him and the team.

The kids invest way to much of themselves to be someplace where they are unhappy and their performance will ultimately reflect that. The team chemistry will take a hit if people aren't giving it their all or are constantly negative about their situation. If he feels the grass is greener elsewhere he should go there and give it his all. If he decides Iowa is the place for him and he comes in and busts his butt he can be a great get for us IMO as I believe the talent is there for him to play a big role in the teams success.

I know Iowa will be fine with or without him. I hope he makes the best decision for him and it is one that he doesn't come to regret.

 

[MepoDawg#]

This comes with a qualifier. The writer said " But Martin would no doubt be the jewel of the class — a homegrown product spurning the likes of Jim Harbaugh and Big Ten Conference rivals for a spot on the local team."

 

[24Hawkeye7]

Says who? A bunch of guys who spend their free time posting on message boards? Listen, I know people want him to commit soon, and more specifically, to Iowa. But if he wants to take his official visits, why is that bad? I've never seen anything to indicate that this process is going to his head. He had a good season, went to an elite camp, impressed everyone, received offers from multiple big name programs and now he's trying to decide what to do. I don't see anything wrong with that. At the end of the process, I think he'll be a Hawkeye, but to say this is going to his head is just silly.

Why is it silly? Is it silly because of the fact that you don't know? Of course anyone wants a 4 star receiver, but you dont need to be name calling especially when you don't have the contacts I do.

 

[hoffmkr]

At first thought, I thought AJ. However, Eno might still take that title. However, it's not Eno the player that might steal the title, it would be Eno the recruiter. If he could help bring a few more recruits on the bus he's driving from Dallas, it could get him the title.

 

[Birky]

Why is it silly? Is it silly because of the fact that you don't know? Of course anyone wants a 4 star receiver, but you dont need to be name calling especially when you don't have the contacts I do.

You accused Martin of something that is likely untrue. He doesn't seem to be seeking attention at all. He is a kid that is tough get an interview with. The only thing he is guilty of is not making a quick decision.

That said, I don't have any contacts, so it is possible you are correct.

 

[Im4Iowa]

Why is it silly? Is it silly because of the fact that you don't know? Of course anyone wants a 4 star receiver, but you dont need to be name calling especially when you don't have the contacts I do.

Name calling? Saying it's silly to assume the kid has an ego over the recruiting process just because he hasn't selected a school is hardly name calling. Listen, you can have your sources, I have mine. Nobody really knows where he's going but from everything I hear, drama and ego are the last thing this kid is interested in. Whether or not you agree with that is up to you. All I said was we can't judge the character of this kid based on the fact he's visiting msu, oregon and mich, along with iowa.

 

[latenighter84]

Why is it silly? Is it silly because of the fact that you don't know? Of course anyone wants a 4 star receiver, but you dont need to be name calling especially when you don't have the contacts I do.

Well I sure hope you know the Martin's well because you sure have at least acted like you do.
If not your the one with the attention issues.