2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Drake Martin, FB, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
- Name: Drake Martin
- Position: FB
- College: University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
- Height: 6’0”
- Weight: 245 lbs.
- X(Twitter): @_drake28
- Instagram: @drakemartin_28
What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?
My parents introduced me to football at a very young age. They got me started with flag football and once I started playing that I fell in love with the sport.
What are your favorite moments from your football life?
I’ve had a lot of favorite moments from my career. In youth football it was having an undefeated season. In high school it would be making the playoffs my senior year and all the time spent with the guys. At Whitewater it would definitely be playing at Perkins Stadium and experiencing record breaking attendance a few times. The friendships that I have made throughout my football career has been the best part.
What are you looking to achieve as a football player going forward?
I want to play football at the next level. I want to prove to myself that I am capable of doing the thing I set out to do as a young kid. Fullbacks are a dying breed but I know I can be a positive impact on a roster somewhere.
If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day, who and why?
I’d hangout with Mike Webster. Unfortunately he passed away at an early age. Mike Webster went to my high school and is one of the best offensive lineman of all time. I’d want to learn about what football was like when he played. I’d also want to know what his training was like.
Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?
Both of my parents have inspired me. They have poured so much into me and I’m thankful for that. They have showed me how to be a good person and how to work for the things that I want.
What is your favorite offensive scheme and why?
I like the West Coast offense however I am a fan of any offense that uses a fullback. I like how the 49ers and Dolphins utilize their fullbacks.
What should we know about Drake Martin the person?
I am from a small town in northern Wisconsin. I grew up on a farm so I learned about hard work at a young age. I’d also say that I am reliable and can be counted on for a lot of different things. I’m very competitive in everything that I do.
What stands out about your film the most?
I’d say my physicality stands out on film. I try to dominate my one on one matchup when it comes to blocking. My versatility is also something that I take pride in. My coaches asked me to do different things while at Whitewater and I was capable of doing them all. I am strong blocking in the run game and taking on DEs or LBs. I also can hurt the defense when the ball is in my hand. I run hard and also have speed when I’m in the open field.
How do you handle challenges both in life and on the field?
I usually attack the challenges I face head on. When something tough happens I like to fix it or be proactive. I also always try to look at the positives or be optimistic if something challenging occurs. On the field if I have a bad play/mistake I will flush it and move on to the next play. I know that I can’t control the past and must be focused on what is happening in front of me.
What would a team get in a player like you?
They would get someone who is a swiss army knife. I can run the ball, catch passes, and block really well. I bring physicality and have a good understanding of the game. I can also play all of the special teams. They would be getting someone who is willing to do anything to help the team.
What do you love the most about the game of football?
The thing I love most about the game of football is the bonds you make with your teammates. All of the hard work that we go through with training, practice, and games brings us closer. Doing stuff outside of football also helps create a bond between the team.
Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?
Alex Peete + Tamir Thomas. Two of the best running backs that I have seen here at Whitewater.
Hula Bowl Contributor and Writer/Scout/Interviewer for Draft Diamonds since January 2020. You can find me on X at @jrberendzen and Instagram at justinberendzen