CLEMSON — There’s a name to know in the 2028 recruiting class, and he’s right in Clemson’s backyard.

2028 in-state running back Michael Martin II (Christ Church) is ranked as the top running back in the state by Prep Red Zone, and despite only being a freshman in high school, the talented prospect is already garnering interest from several schools, including Oklahoma, Miami, Duke, Georgia and Georgia Tech.

The Tigers are also starting to show some interest, with Martin visiting campus two times in one week at the end of spring practice. Martin was on hand for the Underclass Experience on March 30 and returned for the spring game last weekend.

During his first visit, Martin was able to not only attend a practice, but he also got a better feel for the campus and the facilities.

“First, the practice with the players, seeing the intensity of the players, seeing how they do drills,” Martin told The Clemson Insider. “Also going around campus, I like what I saw. It is close to home. Seeing the recovery room for the players. The overall experience was great.”

Martin saw enough to give him a pretty good idea about how he would fit into Garrett Riley’s offense.

“I see myself fitting in pretty good,” Martin said. “I see the running backs making plays, catching balls out the backfield. I am an all-purpose back, so I can do all of the above.”

Martin has also taken visits to Georgia, Georgia Tech and Duke. Like Clemson, he’s now been to Oklahoma twice. The Sooners are one of the schools that are already showing heavy interest.

However, Martin readily admits there is something a little different about Clemson.

“It really just stood out,” Martin added. “From the coaches, the players… just overall. They were showing me a lot of love. They taught me a lot of things. Just overall, it was great.”

During his freshman campaign, Martin tallied 1,202 all-purpose yards and 14 touchdowns.

Clemson won’t even start handing out 2028 offers until June of next year. However, Martin is aware of the process the Tigers employ when it comes to recruiting, and he not only understands it, he respects it. He plans to return to Clemson on June 4 to work out at camp. He also camped at Clemson last summer.

For some kids, getting this kind of attention so early can be overwhelming. For Martin, he uses it as fuel. He has goals he wants to achieve, and he is determined to accomplish each and every one.

“I just put my head down and keep working,” Martin said. “Because I haven’t reached my goals yet, and I just work every day to reach those goals. I don’t let the attention get to me.”

And what is his biggest goal? Well, that one’s easy.

“Playing in the NFL one day.”