One of the top in-state players in the 2028 recruiting class will be back on campus for a fifth time this season on Saturday.

2028 RB Michael Martin II (Christ Church) will visit for the Florida State game. He has been on hand for every home game to this point in the season.

With each visit, Martin’s relationship with running backs coach CJ Spiller and assistant Andrew Zow grows stronger, and it’s now to the point where the in-state talent feels like a top priority for the Tigers.

“Really just the coaches, Coach Spiller and Coach Zow,” Martin told The Clemson Insider. “Every time I go back, it is better and better every time. We talk every week on the phone. My relationship with those coaches is just special.”

However, his relationship with the coaching staff is only part of what keeps drawing him back week after week.

“The environment also,” Martin added. “Just the fans and the stadium. The games are just awesome. It really feels like home.”

Two weeks ago, Martin was planning to visit Duke, but he ultimately changed those plans in favor of watching the Tigers.

“I just knew I had to be at Clemson,” Martin said.

Through the first 10 games of his sophomore season, Martin has rushed for 1,232 yards with 25 total touchdowns, good for fourth-best in the state. He has accumulated 1,433 all-purpose yards.

The 5-foot-9, 185-pound prospect, who Prep Red Zone ranks as the top back in the state, is already a well-rounded back, despite still being an underclassman in high school. For that reason, Martin sees himself fitting well in Clemson’s offense.

“I see myself playing really, really well in that offense,” Martin said. “They use the backs in the receiving game. I can block, catch, run, and that is the kind of what Clemson does with the running backs.”

Syracuse, Wake Forest, Duke, Ole Miss, Arkansas, Miami and Texas A&M have all offered already. Come June, when the Tigers start offering players in his class, Martin would love to add that offer to his ever-growing list.

At the same time, even without an offer, Martin is already feeling a lot of love from the Tigers.

“It feels great,” Martin said. “It is also extra motivation to keep working harder every game and every practice during the season. Honestly, the goal is to get the offer and maybe play for Clemson one day.”

Photo by Bart Boatwright