By Chad Konecky, Special to SI.com, RISE
The rest of us will never be privy to the conversational gems that pass between Ben Martin and his mirror at home.
But rest assured, we're all missing out on some genuine pearls of wisdom and encouragement.
You see, Martin talks to his bedroom mirror. Not in an oddball sort of way. And not even all that often. Whenever the La Salle senior defensive end/linebacker underperforms in a football game -- and trust us, it's rare -- he stares down his mirror and has a few choice words for himself. Or more accurately, his reflection.
"I like to come home and talk to myself in the mirror," says the 6-foot-5, 230-pound Martin, who's rated the nation's No. 86 football recruit in the Class of 2007 by RISE. "I say stuff like, 'Stay focused' and 'One game won't break me' and 'You know better than this.' After I have those little talks, I just go out and work hard all the next week in practice and, hopefully, I have a better game."
As much as he's scrutinizing himself these days, the football world is inspecting his every move even more thoroughly. Martin, who has given Tennessee an oral commitment, knows that there's that old saying about how simply observing something changes the nature of its behavior. And Martin is the first to admit the principle applies in his case.
"I'm the same guy I've always been, but then again I've got to be real careful about what I do," says Martin, 18. "I have to think about everything before I do anything. I can't do things normal kids do. If I do some stupid little thing or end up at the wrong place at the wrong time, it's in the paper."
True enough. But lest we give the impression that he's just some brooding, self-secluded blue-chipper counting his days until college, check this: Ben Martin is about as fun loving, easygoing and forthcoming as they come. Just ask any of his buddies, who are regularly treated to surprise lip-sync performances whenever they chill at Martin's house.
"I do it mostly to get on their nerves," jokes Martin. This is a guy who seems to possess the perfect blend of intelligence and irreverence. Oh yeah, and he can play a little football, too. During the past two seasons, Martin was in on 133 tackles and recorded 21 sacks. He can also squat 500 pounds and run the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds. Yet as much as his ability shines through, that personality retains its irresistibility.
"Ben is a better kid and person than he is a football player," says La Salle fourth-year head coach Tom Grippa, 50. "He's so humble for a guy who has such star status. He's got a great sense of humor that he's showing more and more, and he's so well liked by his peers." Part of that fondness surely has its roots in Martin's playmaking ability. Not just the electrifying sacks, but also the little things.
"His speed and athleticism set him apart," says Grippa. "He's very fast. Against many of the teams we play, he's faster than their tailback."
"I think my speed is probably my biggest asset," adds Martin, who also plays center for La Salle's basketball team. "I make some plays from the backside that I'm not supposed to make because it's not even my assignment. I just get there. That's hard for people to account for."
When he does enough things offensive coordinators can't account for, Martin doesn't generally end up jawing at his bedroom mirror. Of course, he'll have a new wrinkle to deal with this season as he shifts from rush defensive end to outside linebacker.
"We want to make it so teams can't run away from him by letting his athleticism and speed roam from sideline to sideline," says Grippa. "We think Ben's a special player who can play standup linebacker in the 3-4 defense and play as a down lineman pass rusher when the scheme calls for four at the line of scrimmage.
"He'll need to learn new reads and the intricacies of playing linebacker," adds Grippa. "Transferring his skills will benefit him in the long run."
For his part, Martin isn't entirely convinced of that yet. But when push comes to shove, he can't help but let that big personality shine through.
"I wouldn't say I'm too happy about [the shift]," says Martin. "It hasn't been easy so far. There are a lot of new keys for me. But if coach feels it's best for the team, I'm all for it."
Martin is also plenty aware that he has a lot more not-so-easy days ahead of him at the next level. A lot of days when a certain mirror is likely to get a good talking to.
"I've been to practices at OSU and Notre Dame, and just seeing how fast everybody goes, well, the speed is definitely going to be an adjustment," says Martin. "It won't be easy, but I'll catch up, learn and get back into the groove." All with a few choice words to his mirror.
