Ex-Michigan DT Mike Martin adjusting well to NFL schemes due to Greg Mattison's system
There are a few obvious adjustments Mike Martin is going through during his first weekend as a Tennessee Titan.
The weather's warmer, the food's different and though he's surrounded by rookies, the competition is bigger, faster and stronger.
But when it comes to the basics, Martin feels right at home so far -- thanks to his experience in Michigan football defensive coordinator Greg Mattison's system.
"It's really the same thing," Martin said in a video published by TitansOnline.com. "A lot of the things we ran at Michigan, they run here.
"Really, it's just terminology and words that they use. It'll take some time, but that's a day-to-day thing."
Martin, who was selected in the third round by the Titans in last month's NFL draft, is in Nashville, Tenn. this weekend participating in Tennessee's rookie camp.
After his first official practice as an NFL football player, Martin answered questions from the local media, mostly centered around how he's dealing with the adjustment from the college game to the professional ranks.
"I think just paying attention to detail and being really coachable," Martin said. "Taking coaching and not making mistakes twice. I think that's something (that's impressive) for a young guy, and that's what I'm trying to do every single day."
"I'm taking it day by day, meeting by meeting. There's a lot thrown at me football-wise, trying to catch on, but I'm doing a pretty good job at it."
Martin said the most difficult thing he's had to adjust to thus far is getting his feet on the ground in Nashville, and also finding his way around the Titans training facility and football offices.
He's sure it will all come in good time, and for now, he's just happy to be there.
"(Titans head coach Mike) Munchak talked a little bit, he said 'you're a pro, act like a pro and do what you need to do,' " Martin said. "It's real now.
"It's time to get geared up."
Nick Baumgardner covers Michigan sports for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2514, by email at nickbaumgardner@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @nickbaumgardner.
Comments
goblue112
Sun, May 13, 2012 : 3:34 a.m.
Who: Lions' eight draft picks, 17 signed undrafted rookies and many more tryout players. CB Troy Woolfolk (Michigan). hope maybe he can show something in camp on special team's with his speed we know he's got 4.4 at least and maybe a dime DB lot of player too beat out long shot but a shot he ends up on lions hope he make it in league when healthy a good player so GL troy and GO BLUE AND GO LIONS
DonAZ
Sun, May 13, 2012 : 1:11 a.m.
"Taking coaching and not making mistakes twice." That's a damn fine lesson for football, and for life. Martin is a fine representative of what it means to be from Michigan.
Scott Laux
Sun, May 13, 2012 : 12:40 a.m.
Mattison is awesome. I just hope he stays long enough turn Michigan defenses into machines- the parts change but the beast remains the same.
Steve McQueen
Sat, May 12, 2012 : 10:25 p.m.
Awesome for Mike Martin...he is going to be a long time pro if he stays healthy. Also awesome for Michigan DL recruiting. Coach Mattison is a great recruiter to begin with, and toss in the fact that DL recruits know that Coach Mattison, Coach Hoke and Coach Montgomery will give them 3 NFL caliber DL coaches to work with them... wow no wonder the recruiting is up at DL. Things are looking up for Michigan football.