K Mart is Ready to Shine in His Senior Season

  If you think back at the Michigan State-Wisconsin game at Spartan Stadium during the 2010 season, there was one play that stands out as being the one

 

K Mart is ready to show the nation more of his amazing athleticism in 2011. Photo courtesy of Mark Boomgaard

 

If you think back at the Michigan State-Wisconsin game at Spartan Stadium during the 2010 season, there was one play that stands out as being the one which broke the camel's back: Keshawn Martin's touchdown on a 74-yard punt return.

Actually, the 5-foot-11 Martin was named Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week after compiling 190 all-purpose yards in that game. Now, he is getting in the groove of things during spring ball and ready to make an even bigger impact in his senior season — one in which he missed some playing time due to injuries.

“I feel (practice) went pretty good, there were a couple mistakes we made," Martin told Spartan All-Access. "As far as intensity, it was pretty good. … People just doing their jobs and having fun out there."

It seems to be a theme of most of Michigan State's spring practices up until this point: working hard. 

Martin has worked hard to make himself an explosive threat in not only the receiving game, but also in terms of returning punts and kicks and running the ball within the offense.

 

He has scored touchdowns in his career five different ways: receiving, rushing, passing, punt return, and kick return. He also ranks 18th in the Spartans' record books in terms of all-purpose yards.

This year presents a different kind of challenge, though. Martin and his peers at the wide receiver slots will continue to be called upon to continue to take defensive eyes off the team's running game, and he seems to be well aware of that.

"My first couple of years I was just getting into it, now I feel like I’m trying to become that leader at the wide receiver position," he said. "Last year we lost Mark Dell, and now we got B.J. (Cunningham) and Keith (Nichol) as the lone seniors (at wide receiver), and me.

"I’m trying to lead a little bit, help the young guys and still go out there and play and lead by example and make plays," Martin added.

One of those young guys Martin is referring to is Tony Lippett, a receiver who has drawn praise from the coaches and his teammates. He, along with sophomore Bennie Fowler, will be another threat in an offense which should be at or near the top of the big ten in all the major categories.

 

And with new offensive coordinator Dan Roushar now calling the shots, Martin will probably be utilized in even more unique roles. Given Martin’s explosiveness and game0breaking ability, the coaching staff wants him to touch the ball as much as possible within the offense. It allows for every other offensive weapon to get a little more breathing room.

One thing most Spartan fans can be assured of is that Martin will make their hearts drop into their stomachs at least once during the 2011 season – but in a good way.