Whether it’s football, baseball, academics, or working to end world hunger, Wayne County senior Caleb Martin is the epitome of an all-around student-athlete.
On fall Friday nights, the 6’1″ 240-pound defensive end can be found sacking quarterbacks for head coach Jody Grooms’ Yellow Jackets. But it is his work in the classroom that got Martin recognized as In The Game’s Academic Athlete. Martin has a weighted grade point average of 4.021 and is ranked 29th in his senior class. The history buff from Jesup is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Key Club. He is a Governor’s Honors nominee, has made the President’s list and the Honor Roll for four years, and he is an Advanced Placement Scholar. When he is not practicing or studying, Martin works to benefit his school and community with the Wayne County High School student council. He even once helped make meals with the worldwide famine relief agency “Stop Hunger Now” that fed over 30,000 people in Southeast Asia.
Martin plans to attend college and major in chemical engineering. Although unsure of where he will attend, he is certain that football will play a part in his decision.
“His intelligence has always allowed him to play fast and put him one step ahead of the offense in most situations,” Coach Grooms says of the four-year starter.
Martin is a consistent worker in games, in practice, and even in summer conditioning drills. Scout.com has him listed as one of the top defensive ends in the state.
“I have talked to numerous schools and still receive letters every week,” Martin says. “Playing college football has been a dream of mine ever since I was a kid.”
Martin started playing baseball when he was 5, and then he took up football three years later. He continued playing both sports and became a starter for the Yellow Jackets football team his freshman year. His first big play came during the third round of the state playoffs against the Stockbridge Tigers in 2012.
“I sacked their quarterback on a third and long, which was a big turning point in the game,” he says.
The following season, the Jackets made it to the Final Four against the Griffin Bears, coming within five points of making it to the state title game.
“Being under the lights on a big stage like that, and having the opportunity to play in front of thousands of people, is a feeling that you can’t get anywhere else,” he says. “My favorite part of playing the game is the feeling you get when you step between the lines. When your heart starts beating fast and your body starts tingling when you run on the field. That’s what it’s all about.”
Last year, he helped lead the Jackets to a second round finish in the playoffs. Now in his senior season, Martin plays primarily at defensive end but will occasionally play middle linebacker, fullback, and tight end depending on where Coach Grooms needs him.
He credits his father, Carey Martin, and Wayne County defensive coordinator John Creager for pushing him to be the best he can be on and off of the football field.
“Before I step on the field, I already have the mindset that I’m gonna do all I can to help my team win,” he says. “Whether it’s making a big tackle or motivating my teammates, I strive to do all I can to make sure that when the clock runs out, we come out on top.”
In the spring, Martin is the catcher on the Yellow Jackets’ baseball team, although he has no particular favorite sport.
“Whatever is in season,” he says.
Those who know Martin say that athletics are only a small part of the person he has become. His accomplishments on the playing field do not completely define him.
“Caleb has the ability to change the world,” Coach Grooms says. “He has the unique ability to inspire and motivate kids from all different walks of life.”
SE-AA-1115-Martin
Academic Athlete
Wayne County High School
Caleb Martin 912-424-1362
(W) Rob Asbell
One Step Ahead
