His QB CAREER Was OVER! Now He's a HEISMAN CONTENDER (The Comeback Story of Adrian Martinez)

Coming out of high school, Adrian Martinez was a big time recruit and the future poster child for the Scott Frost Nebraska area, but after four years, he was scrutinized, called a bust and was all over the place. After 4 years, he left for one final year at Kansas State and now he is playing amazing, is a Heisman candidate and has saved his QB career. Today, we will tell the rise, fall and rebirth of Adrian Martinez, enjoy!

[@ScottFisherCFB]

Who should I cover next?

[@oddoperator3524]

Dillion Gabriel Jaylon Daniels Austin Reed Todd Centaio Max Duggan Malik Cummingham

[@d3cclub398]

Do DAKEREON JOYNER

[@McGurkus]

Chuck Sizzle (Jones) or Devin Mockobee.

[@whoopworldwide6028]

John Brantley Treon Harris Jacoby Brissett Christian Ponder

[@whoopworldwide6028]

Sean Clifford Kj Jefferson Will Levis Mac Jones

[@bb-double-yuh]

I'm super happy for Martinez. I knew there was more to him than what was shown at Nebraska, and as a Nebraska fan, the only thing that makes me sad is that we weren't able to that for him. Martinez is playing the season of his life so far other than a dud at Tulane. More luck to him; he's been doing well.

[@homework1167]

Agreed. It's clear Nebraska was the problem

[@kylesunderman6489]

I'm incredibly proud of Adrian's resilience. When he lost his starting job at NU... he became a cheerleader for his teammates and a teacher to his competition. He is reaping the rewards for being a class act and never giving up. It doesn't always work out this way, but it's always good for us to see when it does. Never stop grinding, ya'll

[@OvaltineJenkanz]

As a Husker fan, I always thought it was him. Didn't know what Frost saw in the guy. Turns out, it was Frost who was the problem. As a much as I hate KState, I'm content with how he's doing there.

[@ClarenceEwing]

Lifelong Husker fan here. The majority of fans wish Martinez nothing but the best. He did everything he could to help the team win. The Husker's lack of success while he was there has more to do with the quality of the coaching and game planning.

[@Mr.Deez69420]

Same with wan'dale.

[@caljerm]

Exactly - and most of the turnovers that he had at Nebraska were due to trying to do anything he could to overcome those deficiencies in coaching and game planning

[@Saylin021]

As a KState fan, it's also important to mention Collin Klein as the OC. He was a Heisman finalist a decade back as a great running QB at KState, and I swear some of Martinez's runs are the same as he did in our great season in 2011. Seems he knows exactly how to use Martinez, Deuce, and that good o-line. If they can get better at passing we can be dangerous

[@Saylin021]

@RuinsOfThePast it was classic KSU, we always have those random losses. I'm expecting it to happen again with ISU this year lol

[@Saylin021]

@Mike Just not good enough at throwing. No idea what he did after he graduated, maybe he had a shoit if he had switched to TE, but idk

[@hamsandwich8309]

@@Saylin021 the buccs tried to get him to be a tightend but he refused

[@imfknradio9978]

He was a QB I'm pretty sure, he just didn't have the best mechanics in throwing.

[@hamsandwich8309]

@@imfknradio9978 yes he was a qb but he was better at running the ball than throwing which is why the buccs tried to get him to become a te

[@Theflyingbuttfloss]

The man played his final season for Nebraska with a broken jaw. I wish him nothing but success.

[@mr.m3149]

I don’t think it was broken then he wouldn’t be able to tell us in the press conference or call the plays in the huddle because his jaw would be wired shut

[@Mtzdan_]

As my cousin im happy that he’s shining a k-state and he’s gonna have a great season

[@akiyahwilliams9521]

Tell cuz welcome to the D!

[@Gideon920]

Go Lions!

[@whitebuffaloblacksheep]

As a husker fan, I love Adrian. He's tough as nails and a playmaker. We relied on his playmaking way too much and couldn't piece a decent OL together for him in 4 years. So happy for him, he deserves good things to happen.

[@nickgillette2363]

As a husker fan I’m so happy to see him booming this year. I can speak on behalf of husker nation as we say, thank you for everything. GBR

[@xavierbreath2227]

Always wished Martinez the best. A great guy who was relied on too much at N to carry the team. Glad to see him having success. He is a phenomenal player with great upside. I hope he makes it to the next level. Just an all around great guy.

[@Nathan_Lara]

So much talent that comes from the central valley and I hope he continues to tear it up with the Wildcats

[@KaseyRacem]

As a KState fan I'm glad to see him doing very well for us after the Tulane game I said he needed to stop being scared and the past two weeks he hasn't been scared and been more comfortable in the system

[@utubedude2842]

If you aren’t rooting for Adrian Martinez then idk what you are doing. He is an absolute supreme human being. I’ve watched every play of AM and I was screaming during the Oklahoma win.

[@hearmeout9138]

I think that there are a lot of signs that indicate that Scott Frost was toxic in his role as HC at Nebraska.

[@peteyhusker5994]

You got that right!

[@jaredhorn6324]

I went to a rival high school to Clovis west. Whenever Central played them it was always going to be a showdown. When the two matched up there was always gonna be a dhow

[@kyleparamore7510]

I'm a husker fan I wish adrian the best he gave it his all here

[@ryshonmason8761]

As a husker fan I feel this !.

[@DamonNomad82]

As a K-State fan who lives in Nebraska, I was always favorably impressed by Martinez. I didn't buy the narrative that he was to blame for the Cornhuskers' struggles, which I saw as being more about coaching issues than player issues. When he transferred to my Cats, I was excited enough to make the long road trip to Manhattan Kansas for the first time in many years to watch him play in the season opener, and I was not disappointed. I think the K-State situation is pretty much the most ideal situation imaginable for Martinez, as the offensive coordinator, Collin Klein, was a similar style of dual threat QB during his playing days, and knows how to bring out the best in that play style.

[@WillyMcCoy14]

I always felt like he didn't get coached up at Nebraska and their offense didn't help him much either.

[@markneeley4288]

I certainly agree. AM had a philosopher for a coach at N. He wasn't developed effectively. That's on Frosty and QB coach. Almost exclusively. He show grit and determination. It's a team effort. He needed better protection overall. As for Frosty, he certainly lost something along the way. Integrity. Honor. Commitment. Hope the best for AM !

[@Zaghzackio]

Man hes actually nice wit it. Imma be rooting for him to become a potential draft steal

[@Bad-Moose]

I can’t believe you don’t have more subs, been watching the videos for over a year now, love the content. Love how you cover Missouri, Nebraska, etc. not just the sec. Keep up the good work

[@ScottFisherCFB]

Glad you like them!

[@peteyhusker5994]

Happy for AM as he truly deserves to play with a good 0 line and good head coach. As a NU supporter, I am embarrassed by what has happened there since Solich was fired. AM is a warrior and a survivor. He will get a shot at the NFL.

[@jimbosc]

He always had production at Nebraska - what he did not have is Wins - and he was turnover prone. He seems to have a good handle on the turnovers at KSU and his production is improving game by game - as they "turn him loose". Clearly Nebraska had some issues well beyond Martinez - including a defense that could never salt away close games. Good for him to find more success elsewhere. Nebraska Career records Total offensive yards: 10,792 (previously held by Tommy Armstrong: 10,690) Completions: 670 (previously held by Tommy Armstrong: 625) 300-yard total offense games: 19 400-yard total offense games: 5 250-yard passing games: 16

[@Rysofly]

You should do this as a series and call it rise and rebirth.

[@Levi-tm4gl]

It also really helps that this is his first year of not playing injured most of the year. Year 1 he had a bad ankle Year 2 he had some issues with a shoulder I think Year 3 he had several minor issues Year 4 he played half the season drinking through a straw because his jaw was broken and against Wisconsin he needed surgery on his shoulder but still played

[@ScottFisherCFB]

What do you think of Adrian Martinez?

[@oddoperator3524]

Underrated QB with high upside I hope to see him win all but 1 game with Kst for the rest of the season

[@acemanaustin00]

As a kstate fan, there was actually a lot of uproar in the fanbase after the first 3 games due to people thinking he was playing TOO careful. Oklahoma pretty well killed that off, though

[@oddoperator3524]

@@acemanaustin00 Oklahoma got rid of the big win factor but I think its safe to say Big 12 is the best conference in CFB and has the brightest future

[@stephencurry4835]

@@oddoperator3524 Not a very good passer as QBs go.

[@xxkythegreatxx7332]

As a KState fan, I was super excited when Martinez chose us, and I'm happy that he finally got the opportunity to show that Nebraska struggles were not on him! My cousins are Nebraska fans and thought I was crazy for wanting Martinez to transfer to us. But I would tell them, just wait and see, once Martinez has an actual O-line, better coaching staff, and Duece Vaughn he will go off!

[@aj5681]

Husker fan here. After his freshman year at Nebraska, I said that kid will win the Heisman one day. The coaches did not develop his obvious talent (nor anyone else’s), and he suffered because of it. GBR, but we screwed this one up. Oh what could have been!

[@lornacoudeyras5998]

As a long time husker, I loved watching him play and still do. It takes more than one to win and this team learned that this year. I hope he has a chance at the next level. He was iffy in the 4th qt. with fumbles or interceptions.

[@AstroGGBaseball]

i have always liked him glad he is doing good

[@nolanmangiamelli7993]

The problem is Nebraska and always has been. I'm super happy the guy escaped this fan base who blamed him for everything. Proves the guy needed confidence more then anything

[@jimapplebee5322]

As A Husker fan, I love to see this. Martinez was running for his life here. In his 39 starts at Nebraska, he was sacked 2.15 times per game & that isn't including all the designed runs & scrambles. He took quite a beating here, but he's a warrior. He played against Minnesota with a broken jaw. In 6 games at KSU, there have already been 3 games with 0 sacks. Not sure if that ever happened here. Not to mention the misuse of talent here. A perfect example is Wan'Dale Robinson. At Nebraska, he ran the ball 134 times in two seasons (91 receptions) & a lot of that was between the tackles. That isn't where a 5'11" 185 pound WR should run. One season at Florida & he has 104 receptions for 1,334 yards for 7 TD (the same # of TD's he had at Nebraska) & only 7 runs, I believe all were jet sweeps & reverses. At least now Martinez has a good O-Line & a good OC. Wish him nothing but success.

[@grug3865]

As a Nebraska fan I'm happy for him and will 100% follow his story if he goes to the nfl but I am sad it never worked out for us

[@krisroberts6615]

I'm of Nebraska and Kansas State fan as I am from Nebraska and currently live in Lincoln and also graduated from Kansas State. I am happy to see him fulfilling his potential, but man was it painful to see him turn the ball over so much over the last few years.

[@mac-y.n.v.-me7043]

Happy for you Martinez. Should of happen at Nebraska but happy to see getting your magnificent.

[@Gideon920]

Go Lions! He’s a great signing, I think he can push Nate Sudfeld for that 3rd QB spot. I hope we can At Least keep him on the practice squad and let him develop. He’s a great mimic for the Justin Fields and Jalen Hurts of the world

[@samuelgould4274]

Was terrible at Nebraska but good for him rebuilding his career. Benefitting a lot from that K State system

[@brandonhalvorsen8087]

Glad he is having a great season at k state. He is a tough guy and heck of a competitor.

[@shelter9236]

And yes, he's been allowed to shine at K-State as well as surrounding himself with a totally different atmosphere, players, system et al. Makes a big difference in how you appear to others and feel about yourself. At Nebraska, he was blamed or everything when it was a coaching/team issue. As far as the Heisman, I would love it since I'm a K-State fan, but he needs to shine even more I believe. Also our other QBs on staff need time to meld in, Howard (a true freshman on campus) was thrown to the wolves when Thompson was hurt and they don't like doing that to freshman players so want them to redshirt to learn the system and build up their bodies. When a QB like Michael Bishop was ignored for that award as well as K-State being snubbed so many times in the past, what do we have to do to get recognition?

[@scottrothe5947]

I am a life long Wildcat. Knowing Martinez background with turn overs that plagued him at Nebraska and now watching him play at K-State, you could see him being tentative at throwing the ball at fist. Kind of like he didn't want to continue doing what he left at Nebraska (turnovers). So he was conservative in his play. I understand. I think I would have been the same way. But then, after being under the instruction of Coach Kliman and coach Klein, you could see Adrian start to gain his confidence back. I think Adrian is a fine football player but just needed the right kind of coaching to mentally get him back to a good place in his head that he believed what he was doing was right as well as actually making the best decision for his football team. That's good coaching!! Adrian's back up, Will Howard, is another example of good coaching at K-State!! Go Adrian and Will!!

[@michaelkelley7053]

The first Colorado game when the CU player twisted 2AM's knee in the pile up must be recognized. Also note the pathetic O - Line play. Dude's a gamer. Best wishes! MK 🇺🇸

[@cookingonwheels2695]

Kansas state fan here and theirs no shot he goes to the NFL as a QB bro has a tough time throwing the ball downfield but I could see him being a TE

[@bouncycrawdad2614]

If he doesn’t make a QB in the nfl I’d see him as a wide receiver like Antwaan Randle-El while utilizing his ability to throw the ball on trick plays

[@BMXrider915]

He would be the perfect player for the saints to draft to turn him into another Taysom Hill because hill is getting into his 30s so he won’t be able to do it forever Martinez would be the perfect replacement for when hill gets to old to play that way.

[@mikelilly7285]

As a Husker fan, this kid is the best person and talent you could have. He just couldn't finish at Nebraska. Glad he's doing so well. I was glad he left, but for a different reason now that the truth is coming out. That being said, his mistakes were his. The 3-9 team deserved a closer and they never had that. Hopefully he will stay the way he is today.

[@bighoj]

EVERY MAN A WILDCAT

[@djin812]

He was a Jarrett Guarantano clone while at Nebraska. Now he looks like a completely different player.

[@clarkg8698]

He is not even in the conversation for the heisman, and its unlikely he will play QB in the NFL, I am glad to see he is doing well at KState, in my opinion, its a large credit to his head coach, and QB coach, Klien, who SHOULD have won the Heisman

[@rnr5445]

Wish we could have had put together a coach,a team that was built around him. With other players of his caliber. For my next wish. Nebraska was still in the Big 12. 😮

[@saltedxp]

I don’t blame him for what happened with Nebraska during Frost being at the reigns. However he started out stellar. Got hurt. Seemed to never get back to where he started out as except a few games where he went off. But he fumbled the ball constantly and that is on him for not keeping the ball safe. Also he didn’t know how to throw the ball away he threw it straight into triple or double coverage. Just being realistic. Frost was creepily into keeping Martinez his #1 even though Smothers should have been given ample opportunity. Martinez’s move to K State now shows him being clean with his running and passing now. Not sure what changed but I don’t see him getting the trophy but probably a good bowl game and an end to his college career. Best of luck

[@markdavisl935]

Happy to see Adrian doing well. He was a solid player and if we'd given him a good O-line I believe he would have shined even more for NU.

[@joelbittner8791]

Husker nation loves the kid for the most part. The fans that don’t are few and far

[@BB_Baron]

As a Purdue fan I love this kid he has so much potential

[@blakdrifterok2147]

i am happy for him it just goes to show frost used him the wrong way.

[@mikebuckets]

No he was used the same way he is used now. I'm a Husker fan and have seen every game he has played. He still isn't good on obvious pass situations and had a tendency to turn the ball over at the end of games. I am rooting for him and I am excited for him. Scott had to change his offense because Adrian isn't a really good passer if the first player in the progression isn't open. At UCF, Frost had McKenzie Milton running his offense and he envisioned that for Martinez.

[@blakdrifterok2147]

Well I'm a husker fan and I am seeing things differently frost tried to turn him into a passer and stay in the pocket where he is an athlete should have let him loose.

[@mikebuckets]

@@blakdrifterok2147 Yes I agree with you. He also could've gotten injured. He still ran a lot at Nebraska. He just was and still is a suspect passer. He is still the same as a passer. He just is running a lot more. Where I had an issue witg him is that he used to hold the ball too much when his first read was covered at Nebraska. He was good at scanning the field so when 3rd and long came, I knew the drive was doomed most of the time.

[@dannyhuskerjay]

@@mikebuckets he has no INT at k state

[@mikebuckets]

@@dannyhuskerjay I know. He is making better decisions this season. I watched the game last night and I am glad he is doing well.

[@fremkiewicz]

Cade Warner transferred to KSU before Adrian. That was a good indicator. Then AM. I am a life long Husker fan and Big Red made a big Mistake. Adrian is just the person to lead the Huskers but took a huge hit because he was so closely aligned with Scott Frost. Frost wasn’t to be fired that year so the next best thing was to go after his handpicked QB. Adrian took one for the team. Now, think what Adrian could be doing with Trey Palmer and Anthony Grant. The OL play is still awful but it was for the 4 years Adrian was there and he still accomplished a lot. Now with Grant to run and Palmer to catch and a true dual threat QB the game changes. There has been many a play that Casey Thompson could not get out of his own way that AM would have turned into positive yardage. Oh well, if wishers were horses . . . Adrian, in his own quiet way is now getting what is long overdue, a chance to shine and it seems the stars are bright in Kansas. Best wishes to a very talented, well spoken, leader of KSU, Adrian Martinez.

[@markdouglas1601]

He has a pretty clear path to the Lions week 1 roster. Just needs to play well enough to justify them keeping a 3rd QB, or could even beat out Sudfeld.

[@christophergarfield4701]

You should cover his career as a stallion 😮‍💨🔥🔥🔥

[@NoCopyrightMusicsss]

Nebraska fan but I feel bad that he was wasted on horrible coaching while here. I've seen more improvement from the team in the last 2 weeks than I did over the last 4 years. It just makes you wonder how bad we would've been without Martinez

[@Thomas-tq8qc]

The sunshine state is Florida my guy

[@ds4390]

"sky is the limit" is reserved for Skylar Thompson.

[@sleepyg2011]

I'm very happy for him.

[@lowers1987]

So leaving Nebraska seems like a winning formula

[@stephencurry4835]

Unless you’re Palmer

[@coleniebur9049]

Just want to clarify, Martinez was the 2nd best freshman quarterback that year…a guy who starts for Jacksonville right now may have been better

[@chrisakokoh9118]

I remember seeing him in the bars lol I live in Lincoln glad he's doing better

[@ChevelleSS-yr3gb]

9 AM baby

[@jdogsports2528]

You should do Michael pennix for Washington

[@ryan52397]

By sunshine state you mean Florida right?

[@carloslowery6406]

He got picked up by my lions so hopefully everything goes great for him

[@stephencurry4835]

Future RB/TE in the league

[@Selzaire]

The draft brought me 🦁 here. 😅

[@trentweis1256]

His downfall at Nebraska was not of his doing. It was the terrible job coaching

[@itsme1232620]

I really blame the husker football institution for him getting chewed up and spit out. Way to much pressure from fans and opposing defenses

[@Rezzylite]

You could see glimpses at that shit show in Lincoln. Would always check the Nebraska box score just to see how much of the offense he accounted for. Klein is a solid coach who has put Martinez in a waaaaaay better position to put up numbers and WIN.

[@bartkent4511]

Loved him at nu love him at k state

[@blitz1982]

He’s kinda like a Marcus Mariota

[@fetaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa]

You are a posting demon my friend. The best CFB recap channel on the internet

[@gregestrada1]

Everything dog gets lucky let's see how far he goes

[@kylerobb8066]

He's doing good because they'll only let him throw the ball 10 times a game.

[@lukewood1129]

Nebraska, where careers go to die. And I am a lifelong Husker fan, it is so sad to see players like him and Wandale Robinson etc. Wish their talent could have been developed and utilized in Lincoln. Super happy to see him successful down in Manhattan!

[@aguynamedguy309]

Michael Penix Jr did not decommit from Tennessee, Tyson Helton, the OC in Pruitt's first season, decided to go with J.T. Shrout and didn't honor Penix's original scholarship offer. Shrout is currently second string at Colorado, MPJ is one of the five best QBs in the nation, and Tennessee actually ended with a guy who is as good or maybe better in Hooker. Crazy how that worked out for sure.

[@stevenstaley1964]

Tbh, for some reason he just didn’t seem his heart was there at Nebraska. Maybe the coaching system just had him that way, or maybe he’s just like that and going to k-state (his gf was there, lol) seemed like it was his redemption chance and that fire came alive. He always had the potential to be great, just something about being at Nebraska he didn’t seem to be 100%. IMO

[@GamechangersBrand]

Who is here after The Detroit Lions Signed Him 1 Pride 🦁

[@katariina5440]

UFL MVP

[@PublicNuisance2K24]

He has been playing forever

[@matthewleaman209]

Adrian Martinez is Dak Prescott 2.0

[@roadwheels1]

Good video, but Florida is the sunshine state.

[@chrisaid1195]

He's definitely doing better, but to say Heisman contender is a big stretch.

[@ericcarter2020]

There are to many high school player. That can't adjust to a DIFFERENT TYPE OF OFFENSE OR DEFENSE in college! One reason they can't get on the field or are a bust! So try to find a school that play the offense or defense you are use too in high school.

[@8MoneyIzmyMission8]

The problem was that they tried to make him carry the WHOLE TEAM. Offense and defense. Scott Frost was terrible at managing that team and developing Martinez. I knew he would do well at K State because that is what K St is known for. They were an okay team last year with a below average QB. Put a seasoned vet at QB who can run like a RB behind a great OL with an elite playmaker in Vaughn, and you have a vaunted attack.

[@729888]

That “below average” QB you are referring to is starting for the Miami Dolphins

[@8MoneyIzmyMission8]

@@729888 yes a guy who was 3rd string has to start because they don't have anybody else. A lot of below average or mediocre QBs have started a few games in the NFL. This is nothing to speak up about.

[@729888]

@@8MoneyIzmyMission8 So, Skylar Thompson was drafted, made the team, and is now starting. Nothing to speak about. Dolphins could have traded for another QB but they have faith in his talents I suppose. Your assessment is very weak

[@8MoneyIzmyMission8]

@@729888 bro he is the THIRD STRING QB! Do you know how many QBs get drafted and go in and out of the league? They don't expect Tua to be out for forever. They'll likely ride with him until Tua comes back. We wouldn't even know kid's name if Bridgewater didn't go through his yearly injury. Dude's a below average QB. Nobody even cares man.

[@729888]

@@8MoneyIzmyMission8 what are some kind of pro scout? Your argument holds no water

[@maddogrob7744]

Thanks Nebraska, We will go to a Bowl Game thanks to 9AM! At the least, you know it wasn’t all his fault.

[@stephencurry4835]

Was a choke artist at Nebraska when he was forced to pass the ball lol

[@maddogrob7744]

@@stephencurry4835 and 9am hasn’t thrown an int this season at KSU. It’s nice when you have a team not dependent on the QB to throw 50 times a game. Schemes and coaching matter. I hope NE gets back to where they once were. I miss good husked football.

[@stephencurry4835]

@@maddogrob7744 also has 4 passing TDs Not to mention his 6.5 YPP

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

I think it's bullshit when these players of today go to a program and then when they don't succeed right away they quit and go to another school instead of working harder to improve and straighten themselves out. This is a new phenomenon to me, when I was a kid you rarely heard of ANYTHING like this! But today it's all too common. Really it shows you how weak minded they are, from an I want it NOW generation.

[@markmajkowski9545]

Penix, too.

[@STR76]

CA is the Golden State (NBA Golden State Warriors)

[@gunnercoffman3526]

GO FUCKIN CATS BABY

[@GetAlong2GetAlong]

Look what happens when you give the kid an O-Line and a running back. If K-State had better WRs they would win the Big12 this year.

[@tomgallant6127]

He is doing good in the UFL? Adrian Martinez... Det Lions could get him on the practice Squad again.lol

[@Stupidname909]

All it takes to be great is to leave Nebraska

[@eriktronstad8063]

Outside of Jimmy G. and when he leaves .. I would rather see this QB on the 49ers than all others. T. Lance is suspect - Period.

[@mrq2044]

How old is this guy now like 30?

[@giovannipapigeorgio6306]

5 th year…. The other guy was QB Taylor Martinez

[@billthecat22]

He chokes in the big game. He put up big numbers at Nebraska too. He has zero chance at the Heisman.

[@randyhodder6015]

Cuz he is playing in the minor league now.would be huge in the mac too

[@bobnorris4210]

has he have pass over 20 yard? if so how many times. ha ha ha

[@davidmiller8391]

He's a fool!