Football: Schools still in pursuit of Martinez

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Even though Corona Centennial quarterback Taylor Martinez long ago committed to Nebraska, schools continue to court the phenom in the hope that he will change his mind come signing day next week.

Taylor’s father, Casey Martinez, said several schools have tried to entice The Times’ Glenn Davis Award winner by offering him the chance to play quarterback. Nebraska has told Martinez he can come in and compete for the quarterback job but has made no assurances about his getting the position.

Still, Casey Martinez described his son’s commitment to the Cornhuskers as ‘solid.’ Taylor Martinez appreciates that Nebraska is giving him the opportunity to compete at his preferred position, plus he likes the Cornhuskers’ tradition and the small-town atmosphere of Lincoln, his father said.

Nebraska defensive coordinator Carl Pelini recently told the Martinez family that Taylor was the best ‘all-around recruit’ the school has had in the last 10 years because of his ability to play four or five positions, including punter. Martinez’s execution of quick kicks on fourth-and-short situations was a bonus for Centennial last season.

--Ben Bolch