MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Safety Kerry Martin Jr., who has been in the headlines a lot this offseason, announced on his Twitter on Wednesday he will sit out the 2020 football season, citing health concerns over COVID-19 and family and personal issues.
Martin suffers from asthma and sickle cell anemia.
Martin, a Charleston native, played in all 12 games last season as a true freshman, finishing with 50 tackles, 2 1/2 for loss and five passes defended. He was expected to start at the free safety position at the back of the defense, but will not likely redshirt this season.
A spokesperson within the WVU athletic department confirmed to The Dominion Post earlier that student-athletes who opt out of playing their respective sports will still have their scholarship honored.
With Martin’s decision, Noah Guzman, Jake Long and Dante Bonamico will be relied on to take reps and earn snaps at free safety.
In June, Martin accused then-defensive coordinator Vic Koenning of incidents stemming from race, religion, name-calling and other inappropriate language. In late, Koenning and WVU ultimately decided to mutually part ways following an investigation into Martin’s accusations.
Since, WVU promoted Jordan Lesley and Jahmile Addae to head different aspects of the defense, and also promoted analyst Jeff Casteel to outside linebackers coach.
