The Mt. SAC Connection: OT James Martin Commits to the UTEP Miners

More news today on the Miner recruiting trail as offensive tackle James Martin of Mt. San Antonio C.C. has committed UTEP.  Martin played on the 2009 Juco National Championship team that was led by Nick Lamaison at quarterback.  Lamaison, of course, committed to UTEP last week.

Martin is listed as 6'6, 300 pounds.  He was heavily recruited by UT- San Antonio.  Earlier this week, the San Antonio Express News reported that Martin was down to UTEP and UTSA.  Yesterday, UTSATailgaters.com, via their twitter feed, confirmed that Martin will be a UTEP Miner.  I'd also like to thank UTEP recruiting master Angel Luna for helping to get the story out 

I have not been able to find any highlights of Martin on Youtube, but there are some available (courtesy of Mt. Sac) on their school prospect page here.

Both of UTEP's starting offensive tackles, Will Osolinsky and Alex Solot, were seniors last season.   So was Osolinsky's backup, veteran Lance Evbuomwan.  Solot's backup, James Nelson of Ventura JC, will be back next season and figures to have a handle on the starting job on the right side.  I'd expect Martin to immediately compete for the left tackle position.

Note that Mike Price also signed a juco guard, James Robinson, to help shore up the teams holes in the interior of the o-line.  With signing day just about two weeks away, it appears Mike Price's strategy is now completely based off of hitting the junior college ranks in an effort to make UTEP competitive in 2011.  With all five starting offensive linemen leaving, as well as key veterans Kris Adams, Donald Buckram, and Trevor Vittatoe, UTEP was in need of some players with game experience to fill some key positions.

Recall that Nick Lamaison told KROD and others that he hoped that his Mt. Sac teammates, Martin and wide receiver Mike Edwards, would join him in West Texas.  The Express-News article made it seem like the Edwards commitment was imminent earlier in the week but we don't have any confirmation just yet.

Edwards is a stellar prospect.  Watch his highlights below:

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