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Davin Martin Emerges As Key Piece Of Texas Tech Secondary
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- Davin Martin Emerges As Key Piece Of Texas Tech Secondary
(USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
Texas Tech went back to the transfer portal this offseason looking for proven defensive help, and Davin Martin is already making that decision look worthwhile.
The former UTSA cornerback delivered his best performance yet for the Red Raiders in their 28-26 victory over Houston, finishing with four tackles and two pass breakups while stepping into a larger role in the secondary.
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Martin's work earned him a spot on Pro Football Focus' Big 12 Team of the Week, where he was selected as the conference's defensive flex player.
That's a significant development for a Texas Tech defense that needed Martin to step up with Amier Boyd unavailable.
Head coach Joey McGuire liked Martin's potential long before the season began.
"He is a tall, lengthy corner who will be able to matchup well with the top wide receivers in this conference," McGuire said after Texas Tech signed Martin. "He's another state of Texas player who will understand our culture and will bring experience into the cornerback room."
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Martin brought plenty of that experience from UTSA.
The Houston native appeared in 29 games with 10 starts during his Roadrunners career, compiling 40 tackles, an interception, three pass breakups and a fumble recovery.
His strongest season came in 2025, when he recorded 26 tackles, an interception and two pass breakups across 11 games.
He also showed legitimate coverage ability. According to Pro Football Focus data cited by Texas Tech, Martin was targeted 33 times during his final UTSA season and allowed 17 completions without surrendering a touchdown.
Now that experience is translating in Lubbock.
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Martin's emergence gives Texas Tech another option at cornerback while the Red Raiders work through injuries, but his role could extend beyond simply filling in.
If he continues playing at this level, defensive coordinator Shiel Wood will have another experienced coverage defender available when the Big 12 schedule intensifies.
MORE: 'Really Going to Test Us!' Texas Tech's Joey McGuire on Sam Houston
Texas Tech's transfer-portal spending has attracted plenty of attention.
Martin is beginning to show why some of the less-heralded additions could ultimately matter just as much.
