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Martin appears to be coming into his own
Tight end has potential to be threat
By RICK KLAUER Packer Plus Writer
Thursday, June 19, 2003
Green Bay -- After virtually disappearing from the football field last season, David Martin deserves some credit for not ducking questions in the locker room this year.
During the Green Bay Packers' June minicamp, the tight end was especially forthright when asked whether he failed to live up to the promise he showed as a rookie.
While some athletes prefer to shift blame to others to account for a decline in production or talent, Martin was refreshingly candid about his frustrating second season with the team.
"It was a real disappointing season last year and I'm just looking to have a strong season and gain some confidence back," Martin said. "I'm basically trying to put it behind me.
"There's a new year coming and there's nothing I can do about that one. I'm trying to make this year a better year."
By all indications, Martin is delivering on his intentions.
During the June minicamp, the 24-year-old showed heightened maturity as well as a renewed focus on the football field. Green Bay coaches in particular are expecting Martin to prove he can rededicate himself to the game.
As a sixth-round draft pick out of the University of Tennessee, Martin converted from a wide receiver to a tight end in Green Bay and caught 13 passes for 144 yards (11.1 average) in 14 games as a rookie.
Last season, however, Martin stumbled a bit in his development when he played in only eight games, was inactive for most of the second half of the season, and caught just eight passes for 33 yards (4.1 avg.) with one touchdown.
Martin's struggles were evident in the Packers' 40-14 victory over the Detroit Lions in Week 9. He dropped a pass, allowed a sack, and almost allowed a punt to be blocked on...
