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Country's No. 29 OT keeps interest in 'U'

January 29, 2004

One of the nation's most highly touted offensive tackles still is considering signing with MSU, his team's defensive coordinator said Wednesday.

Chicago's Roland Martin of William R. Harper High School is ranked No. 29 in the rivals100.com list of the top 100 recruiting prospects and second in its top offensive tackles. He has one more visit to make before Wednesday, National Signing Day.

"He's going out to North Carolina State this weekend," said coach Maris Carroll, the team's defensive coordinator. "He's still considering MSU. They're still on his list."

During his senior campaign at William R. Harper, Martin certainly put together some impressive numbers, including more than 50 tackles and eight quarterback sacks.

For his efforts, Martin received first-team all-state honors in Illinois.

Harper head coach Terry Lewis said MSU would make a good fit for Roland, particularly with his mentality.

"He's a workaholic," Lewis said. "He's a nice kid, one that comes to school every day and works hard at trying to be both the best player and the best student he can."

In addition to football, Martin also excels in track, where his shot put toss surpasses 50 feet.

Lewis said there are five schools eager to get Martin: MSU, Oklahoma, Iowa, Illinois and Tennessee. Rumors have spread, speculating that Martin's decision will most likely come down to just MSU, Tennessee and Oklahoma. Martin could not be reached for comment Wednesday, but Carroll said anything is possible in his decision.

"He hasn't eliminated anyone," he said. "Everyone's still on the same scale. Even Steven."

Martin will make his signing decision Wednesday, Lewis said.

Lewis added whichever school gets him is a lucky one.

"Roland is the kid that anybody would want - he's the total package because he works so hard and brings it hard on game day," he said. "Any university would be getting a kid they won't be disappointed in."

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