IMar to Illini

IMar to Illini
Willie Saylor, Site Editor

One of the most dynamic and, because of geography, enigmatic, high school super stars, ended speculation late saturday night as Isaiah Martinez veraballed to Illinois.

Martinez projects as a 157lber and gets a bit less press and exposure due to being on the west coast, but he doesn't escape the eyes of scouts. Flowrestling has him as the #6 overall recruit in the class of 2013 and the #8 pound-for-pound wrestler in the country.

Martinez' legend started early on. Cali folks said this guy was the next big thing.

And they weren't wrong.

From Lemoore, CA, Martinez won a Fargo title two years ago, then won high school's ultimate prize this summer: a Fargo JR Freestyle crown. In between, he won golds here, there, and everywhere, making him one of the most coveted prospects in the country. His wild athleticism is a sight to behold.

Congrats to the Illini, the Lemoore and California Wrestling communities.

For Isaiah's profile, click here.

For the Top 100 Senior Recruits, click here.

15 comments

Anonymous Coward 8 months ago

he also majored jessie delgado in the consi finals of the state tournament his freshman year -- few weeks later Jessie won senior nationals.

As a freshman, Martinez defeated Mecate in the 2010 Temecula finals (and defeated eventual 121 lb state champion Byran Grubbs in the semis), but lost to Mecate at the state tournament. Martinez placed third, while Mecate finished 5th at the 2010 state meet.

anon92 8 months ago

yeah chris mecate definetely did not lose to martinez.

Everyone that has verballed early will sign in November. I am assuming he gets accepted.

Ray 8 months ago

Has Martinez signed or just a promise to sign in Nov-12.

Martinez did not beat Mecate at state. Mecate beat him. Martinez did beat Delgado in the consos the year Mecate beat Martinez. I believe Vincent from Clovis North knocked Delgado into the consos that year then he lost to Chris Martinez from Clovis West in the finals. Mecate ended up placing fifth that year.

8 months ago

Martinez won the state title at 142 in 2011, while Mecate won the title at 134 the same year.

Martinez placed third at the California State meet as a Freshmen, majoring returning State Champion, and future NCAA All-American, Jesse Delgado. Young Coach Perry has plucked some of the top California guys in his short stay in Champaign, Is Nick Nevills the next Golden Stater on the Illnois radar?

Nate Mesa 8 months ago via Flosports for Android

Martinez beat mecate at state for his first state title

I don't recall Martinez beating Mecate in the finals at 5 Counties. I do remember Mecate beating Martinez at state though.

Congrats!
Best memory of him is still at Temecula Valley as a freshman slamming Chris Mecate in the finals and pounding his chest to the crowd. He was hyped!!!

calot 8 months ago

Brill gave his verbal to Northwestern 2 years ago.But with Richards 133 Brunson 165 Reyes 184 class from this year and Martinez 157 coming next year with Delgado Gonzalez being soph look for the Illini to be real tough in 2 years

Jimbo Flo 8 months ago

If Illinois can pull in some big name home grown talent (after their recent Fargo runs) and add a few out of state studs they will definitely be a force for the next several years. The Big 10 just keeps getting deeper.

If they can land Bryce Brill, WOWZA

i was hoping he would go to cowboy country

IMar to Illini

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