Damien Martinez talks 75-yard TD run in scrimmage, competition at running back

DMoney · Aug 16, 2024

Like Willis McGahee in 2002, Damien Martinez hopes to introduce himself as a premier Canes back in the Swamp. He spoke with reporters about his big run in the scrimmage, the running back room and more:

On his progress in camp: Just getting closer with the whole team on the field, rather than off the field. Talking more ball with them, getting finer details down so we can take care of business for the season.

On how the running back room is splitting reps: There's only going to be one running back on the field at a time, but we really don't focus on competing against each other. We feed off each other's energy when we're in practice, just hyping each other up so we can do our job. We don't want to have a drop-off in the game. If someone goes down, it’s the next man up. That’s the mentality.

On the strength of the running back room: Our bond and our mentality. We all have that same mentality that we don't want to have no drop off in the room. We make sure to keep the main thing the main thing. We focus on keeping everybody up, because if one drops that energy kind of affects everyone. We want to make sure everybody's doing their job.

On comparing youth football in Miami and Texas (Martinez attended a game this past weekend): It's very similar. I was kind of surprised the games were jumping like that out here, especially how hot it is. It was jumping for real. I was telling people about the blur thing (SEE HERE) . You always see videos online and stuff like that. But being in person here, it was kind of crazy for the crowd.

On whether his 75-yard TD run was live or during the “thud” period: It was during the live-scrimmage portion.

On talking trash: It's kind of a tradition thing, running backs and linebackers. It's talking trash because we tend to meet in the hole. Kiko [Mauigoa], Jaylin Alderman and Wesley [Bissainthe].

On what stands out about Cam Ward: His leadership. Just how detailed he is, how detailed he wants everybody to be. Little details, just helping people play faster. That’s going to help the team come out on top. If you're thinking too much, you're not going to play as fast. It’s how detailed he is and how detailed he wants everybody to be so he can compete at the highest level.

On pass blocking: It's something we work every day. You want to keep the quarterback protected. It’s an important part of the game.

Damien Martinez talks 75-yard TD run in scrimmage, competition at running back

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