Jermal Martin, Jr. enters his first season as a collegiate coach here at Waynesburg University and will work with the Yellow Jacket cornerbacks this fall. To say that Martin has plenty of knowledge about playing the position at high level is an understatement.
Martin began his collegiate playing career at NCAA Division II PennWest California. In three seasons with the Vulcans, he compiled 118 total tackles, 10.0 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks, 12 interceptions for 212 yards, 28 pass deflections, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. He was honored as a 2021 AFCA D-II First Team All-America, the 2021 Super Region One Defensive Player of the Year and the 2021 PSAC West Defensive Athlete of the Year. Martin was tied for sixth among active players in NCAA Division II with 12 career interceptions after recording four interceptions each year. He was also a standout in the classroom, having been named to the Cal U AD Honor Roll for three semesters./
Following his time in Southwestern Pennsylvania, Martin traveled south to the state of North Carolina and suited up for Wake Forest. During his one year with the Demon Deacons, he appeared in all 13 games and helped Wake Forest defeat Missouri in the 2022 Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl. That year he recorded 38 total tackles (25 solo), 2.0 tackles for loss, five pass deflection and a quarterback hurry. He snared his first Division I interception against Duke in ACC action. Despite moving up into the much more demanding world of Power Five football, Martin continued to dedicate himself academically and was recognized for his efforts by earning a spot on the All-ACC Academic Team.
Martin is a 2018 graduate of Academy Park High School in Sharon Hill, Pa. He earned first-team all-league honors at defensive back for the Knights in 2016 and was named second-team all-county at defensive back in 2017.
