Senior Gameday Program Feature - Denzel Martin
9/10/2014 12:00:00 AM | Football
Denzel Martin
By Tim Bavester, Mizzou Strategic Communications
Senior linebacker Denzel Martin and his path to the Mizzou Football program started a little earlier than most.
"Mizzou Football has been my life and my family from the get go," said Martin, who grew up watching his cousin, A.J. Kincade, play in the secondary for Mizzou from 2002-2005. Along with that, his uncle, Norris Stevenson, was the first African-American to receive a football scholarship from the University of Missouri. When asked what Mizzou meant to him, Martin did not have trouble coming up with an answer.
"It is a privilege to be out here, not everybody gets a chance to be around this. I love it here at Mizzou and take it very seriously."
It is not only words that can describe the feelings Martin has for this program, but actions as well. With the passing of his father in 2002, Head Coach Gary Pinkel took action and sent flowers to Martin and his mother. Pinkel knew how much Mizzou meant to the Martin family and with this, Denzel could see that he had a future at Mizzou.
"I could tell that this program was going to be my family and help me out," Martin said.
Being born and raised in St. Louis also had a major impact on Martin and his decision to play football for the Tigers.
"I am very proud to be able to play in my home state and stay close to home," Martin stated. "With my family being alumni here and being so close to home, it is a win-win situation for me. I could not see myself anywhere else. This program has done so much for me."
A two-sport captain at Chaminade College Prep, Martin played three varsity seasons on the football team, as well as helping guide the 2009 basketball team to a Missouri 5A State Championship.
Martin has spent the majority of his Black & Gold career helping bolster the linebacking strengths of Mizzou's scout team, but with his veteran leadership, experience and athleticism, he hopes to figure into the rotation as a senior in 2014.
Martin has taken great pride in helping his temmates get better by working and practicing to the best of his ability. A positive impact on the practice fields can go a long way.
"When I first got here, I did not realize how important scout team was. It took me a little to understand, but getting the first team a good look is only going to help our success on Saturdays."
Martin has been a leader for the scout team, which is something that can be often overlooked.
"I take pride in it, as it is a way that I can make an impact. Even though the fans might not see it, my teammates and coaches see it, and that is good enough for me."
With how much football has played a role in Martin's life, he wishes to continue to stay around the game as long as possible as a coach. Martin will be receiving a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Missouri at the end of the year and hopes to earn a spot as a graduate assistant. Getting his foot in the door with a college program after the season is his first step on the path to becoming a coach.
"I have been keeping relationships as best as I possibly can with everyone around here and am willing to do anything to become a graduate assistant."
