Former USC center Marcus Martin praised in NFL debut
After missing the first week of camp with the San Francisco 49ers because of an ankle injury, former Trojan Marcus Martin made his NFL debut in the Niners’ 34-0 loss to Denver on Sunday.
A two-year starter at left guard, Martin transitioned to center his final season at USC before announcing early for the NFL draft.
The third-round pick is now taking second-team reps at the position and is receiving praise from Coach Jim Harbaugh.
“Marcus Martin had a very good game, a very physical game,” Harbaugh told 49ers.com.
The rookie will most likely serve as a backup to fourth-year player Daniel Kilgore. The Niners lost starting center Jonathan Goodwin to free agency in the off-season.
“I was just excited to get the opportunity to play that many snaps,” Martin said.
San Francisco, 0-2 in the preseason, will host the San Diego Chargers on Sunday.
Go beyond the scoreboard
Get the latest on L.A.'s teams in the daily Sports Report newsletter.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
