Joe Gaiter: What does football mean to you?
Kobe Martin:Football is something that I thank God for. It is something I can escape and forget about the real world. I’m thankful to be able to still be playing the game and actually have the ability to perform well.
Joe Gaiter: Tell us about your childhood.
Kobe Martin: My childhood was good. I mean it wasn’t perfect and my mother and I went through adversity but we always made it. My moms raised me to the best of her abilities teaching me the ropes of life and what standard I should set for myself. My childhood was good. I was blessed to have a good one unlike many of my peers. My childhood was really good thanks to my dad putting me into little league football.
Joe Gaiter: What are your fondest memories about DeSoto High School?
Kobe Martin: One of my favorite memories at Desoto was when I transferred there. They treated me like I was like one of their own when I got on the team. The coaching staff and my teammates helped me get this mentality of hard work and really created who I am today. My first spring ball at Desoto was crazy. I was like a little fish in a big sea, so much talent everywhere at every position. I know I came from a powerhouse 5A highschool but Desoto was a whole different experience. I finally saw why they called my high school Desoto University. Another one of my favorite moments is when after we won a game we would go in front of the band and listen to our fight song and swag and dance to it as a team. Not only did I have a great time at Desoto but I found some teammates that I can call my brothers.
Joe Gaiter: What adversities did you face in your high school career?
Kobe Martin: At Desoto I did face adversity when coming in. I wasn’t as talented as the other quarterbacks yet when I got there. I wasn’t developed into the quarterback I am today. I did get some playing time but not as much as I wanted. But that adversity helped me become a better quarterback. My quarterback coach helped mold me into the quarterback I am today by showing me my mistakes and working on them with me throughout practices.
Joe Gaiter: Tell us about your recruitment experience.
Kobe Martin: My recruitment experience was really simple. The coaches at Bethany College gave me a chance to be a quarterback at the next level .They knew even though I didn’t get much playing time at my school that I could still ball because I was at a powerhouse high school. Many schools contacted me at the NAIA and DIII level. I did visit two DIII schools one in Ohio and Wisconsin, but when Bethany came in they really believed in me and I felt the connection.
Joe Gaiter: Why did you choose Bethany College?
Kobe Martin: I simply chose Bethany because it felt like home when I went on campus and they gave me the opportunity to play Qb on the next level.
Joe Gaiter: What has been your contribution to the team this year?
Kobe Martin: My contribution this year was just being a background leader, helping players that needed help with things, keeping my teammates motivated and just being the leader they needed.
Joe Gaiter: Do you feel like the under dog?
Kobe Martin: I wouldn’t say underdog. I just feel some don’t know what I’m capable of yet. Some can say I’m an underdog but I wouldn’t label it that. I’m just waiting for my time to show my true abilities .
Joe Gaiter: Describe your style as QB?
Kobe Martin: My playing style as a QB is a dual threat QB. I would much rather throw the ball but if I got to jet then that’s what’s going to happen. Overall my QB style is just leading my squad in the best way and getting the job done.
Joe Gaiter: How is game day atmosphere at Bethany College?
Kobe Martin: Game days at Bethany are really fun and energetic depending on the team we’re playing. Overall the fans will be there cheering loud if the Swedes are winning or playing against our rival schools. I would recommend for people to come to the homecoming game or when we play against Kansas Wesleyan to get a true Bethny gameday experience.
Joe Gaiter: What is your relationship like with Head Coach Curran White and the coaching staff?
Kobe Martin: Man, my coaching staff and I have a good relationship. I can call or text them at any time during the day and they will answer as soon as possible. My relationship over the course of the season has become stronger with them and I’m glad we’re building trust with each other.
Joe Gaiter: How have you faced adversity this year?
Kobe Martin: The only adversity I have faced this year is knowing my role and accepting it. Sometimes watching is hard but it’s a learning experience.
Joe Gaiter: What has been your motivation?
Kobe Martin: To not prove others wrong but to prove myself right. I know what I’m capable of. I just have to continue to trust God’s process, not man’s process.
Joe Gaiter: What is your untold story?
Kobe Martin: My untold story is still in the making but once it’s out it’s going to shock many in the world.
Joe Gaiter: How are you staying in shape during the off season?
Kobe Martin: My trainer Boogie Caviness has taken the time out of his day to train me and give me workouts and conditioning to do during this time.
Joe Gaiter: Who are some athletes we need to keep on our radar?
Kobe Martin: Man my main man Aderias Ealy, he is one of my receivers. He can jump out this roof and has that Florida speed. I don’t know what they’re putting in that water in Florida but he is crazy on the field. Also Jeffrice Wilson, Cj Kelly , Jimmy Pitts and my uncle Brenton Jones who will be playing his last season as a Swede. And of course ME, Kobe Martin.
Joe Gaiter: How can we support athletes better?
Kobe Martin: Man,just keep finding these athletes and giving them exposure. Keep up the good work.
Joe Gaiter: Final Words?
Kobe Martin: All Glory to GOD. I’m humble and honored for this interview. This season for the Swedes is going to be crazy and that’s all that needs to be said.
Joe Gaiter: Shout out?
Kobe Martin: Shoutout to GOD first for allowing me to play and perform well in this game I love.Next, my mom for everything and my dad for putting me in football and helping me with the football scene. Next Aderias, Recce Money and the rest of my teammates. And Shout out to mu trainer Boogie. I appreciate you for taking time out to get me better.
Twitter – KobeM_17
Instagram – kobem17
