‘Q’ & A with Belle Vernon star football player Quinton Martin

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Monday, January 1, 2024 | 11:18 AM

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During a WPIAL playoff game last month Quinton Martin hurdled a defender on his way to a first down, but no penalty was called.

Maybe such an athletic move had become expected of Martin, even by the officials. His highlight film is one breakaway rush or catch-and-go after another, each if presented in sentence form seeming like it should be written in all caps and end with an exclamation point.

Belle Vernon’s leading man led the Leopards to two consecutive WPIAL and PIAA Class 3A championships, capping an all-star prep career that will give way to a college career at Penn State.

Martin, the TribLive Westmoreland Player of the Year in back-to-back years, rushed for 1,202 yards and 15 touchdowns and pulled in 54 receptions for 753 yards and 11 scores for the Leopards (13-1).

A senior running back and defensive back who garnered a five-star rating by at least one recruiting service as the No. 1 prospect in Pennsylvania, Martin said he wants fans in his community to remember him as a kind person and “one of the best to come out of Belle Vernon, 100%.”

His coaches and teammates feel privileged to have been his teammate.

“And just like that, the Quinton Martin era is over,” Belle Vernon coach Matt Humbert said. “He was such an impactive player in our program. He has that genuineness and happiness, that big smile. He’s like a family member, attached at the hip.”

Belle Vernon was 41-6 in Martin’s time as a Leopard, with the two titles and a WPIAL runner-up finish. The four-year starter scored 83 touchdowns via rush, receiving, return and pick-6.

His career numbers in 44 games include 3,889 rushing yards and 54 touchdowns, 102 receptions for 1,515 yards, and 22 TDs, 91 tackles and 10 interceptions.

Martin, who has enrolled early and will leave for Penn State on Jan. 5, took some time for an end-of-year Q&A:

What was the defining characteristic of this year’s team?

Toughness. The coaches were hard on us, but they had us ready. They never wanted us to get too comfortable.

The team was multi-talented with numerous playmakers, but what if you had more touches?

I haven’t thought about it. That didn’t matter to me. We let everybody have some love.

Did you live up to your own, personal expectations?

Yes, 110%.

How did you guys celebrate the PIAA title?

We had a party at “The Beach” (James Weir Stadium). We enjoyed time together and had some pizza.

What minor details will you miss most about high school football?

The locker room, the helmet, the jersey, the Friday nights running onto the field.

Can you reveal something most people never knew about you?

No offense, but I hate interviews, especially the postgame interviews. I love playing football, but I just want to be done after a game and be with my teammates in the locker room.

Who was the best player and team you played against?

Tiqwai Hayes (of Aliquippa) or Rodney Gallagher (of Laurel Highlands). Hayes is just a bully, and Rod is so shifty. The team would have to be Thomas Jefferson.

What is your legacy at Belle Vernon? How do you want to be remembered?

As a kind kid who was nice to everybody and a winner. That I did everything I could to help in the community.

Are you going to play basketball before you leave for college?

I need to talk to coach (Joe Salvino). I have 956 career points, so I could play three games and if I score 15 a game I could to 1,000.

What type of name, image, likeness deal do you expect to get at Penn State?

I don’t want to know, to be honest. I don’t want it on my mind. I just want to play ball.

Do you ever wish you got to play quarterback?

I did play QB in my younger days. In fourth, fifth and sixth grade in Monessen. Then I switched positions.

How did your cologne NIL deal work out?

I advertised for them, and they flew me to Atlanta to do a photo shoot. I (spray it on) now and then. It smells good.

What school would you have picked if Penn State hadn’t offered?

Pitt or Ohio State, with Michigan a close third.

What is the craziest thing you saw on a recruiting visit?

Colin Kaepernick was at Michigan when I was there. I got meet him. Coach (Jim) Harbaugh’s office was insane.

Did you ever meet Terrelle Pryor?

Yes, when I was in fifth grade. Top recruit in the nation. That is crazy.

Where will Quinton Martin be five years from now?

NFL, 110%.

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

Tags: Belle Vernon