MARTIN SENIOR SPOTLIGHT JENKINS YODA'S WORK THE SONG HE CREATED, WHICH QUICKLY BECAME THE TEAM’S ANTHEM, IS ONE OF MANY TALENTS FOR THE RECENT GRADUATE. BY COLBY LANHAM s a cornerback, Martin Jenkins first career touchdown on a 52-yard in- the defense takes the field. Jenkins and fans do it, too. We know the fans have has certainly seen his share terception return against SC State. former cornerback Darius Robinson, a their own chants and we have our own of ups and downs through his After graduating in August with a so- senior in 2013, wanted to give Tiger fans chants, so with the video, let’s make Clemson career. Playing one of ciology degree, Jenkins has been back something new, so they created the rap something we can both enjoy and build the most difficult positions on on the injury list this year, most recently and a music video based on the concept. that bridge where we can have our con- Athe gridiron, injuries have played a part with an injury suffered at Florida State. “‘We Too Deep’ was something that, nection. I think we found that in, ‘We in the graduate’s playing time through- “Injuries were a big shock for me, but as a team, we would always say,” said Too Deep’.” out his career, but Jenkins has enjoyed I feel I’ve grown from them as well,” said Jenkins. “Before games, or before and The phrase and concept, “We Too his time at Clemson despite the injuries. Jenkins. “Coming into college football, after practice, we would always chant, Deep,” has certainly become a hit among “It’s been exciting and it’s been an you think you’re going to come in, im- ‘we too deep.’ Nobody else really knew the Clemson fanbase, and it shows no adventure, and I’ve enjoyed every sec- prove your technique, get better, faster it besides the players. signs of slowing down anytime soon. It ond of it,” said Jenkins. “In terms of and stronger. Sitting out for an extended “With the song, I wanted to build that has also shown that there is more than injury, that’s what I’m pointing towards period can be tough to deal with, so stay- bridge to where it can be our thing, but one way to make a memorable impact for when I say ‘adventure.’ ing mentally strong is the key to it all. we can expand on it. So let’s have the the Clemson football program. “But I feel that I’ve grown tremen- “Sitting out my junior year (2012) dously, being behind great guys like with was strictly a mental battle. It was Marcus Gilchrist, Coty Sensabaugh supposed to be the year I’d worked to- and Byron Maxwell (all NFL starters). wards, to show everyone what I’d been SENIOR SPOTLIGHT So learning from them and how they working on, and it did throw me off, but handled it has certainly helped me grow I think I handled it mentally well.” from a leadership standpoint.” Jenkins is not only known for his play Jenkins saw the field as a first-year on the field. He’s also famously known freshman in 2010 and is the only cur- through by his friends teammates as rent player who lettered that year. He simply, “Yoda.” brought versatility as both a nickelback “It’s an interesting and long story,” and on the boundary, and also contrib- said Jenkins with a smile. uted on he special teams. “‘Yoda’ was just something my friends He also made a strong contribution and I would always say. Then once my to the Tigers’ 2011 ACC Championship friends came up for Homecoming and team, as he started three games, played said it to me, my teammates caught MARTIN JENKINS in all 14, had 27 tackles, six pass break- onto it and started calling me that. More ups and averaged 22 snaps per game. people started calling me that, and it Full Name Martin Lee Jenkins But in 2012, Jenkins suffered a eventually stuck and I just went with it.” Degree Sociology sports hernia injury during fall camp that Jenkins is not only remembered for Jersey #14 required surgery, forcing him to redshirt his famous and revered nickname, but Position Cornerback and miss the entire season. for the video creation of the team’s con- Height 5’9” He then started four games in 2013 cept, “We Too Deep,” something Tiger Weight 180 and had 26 tackles. A highlight was his fans often chant in Death Valley when Hometown Roswell, Ga. High School Centennial HS 11 Date of Birth Feb. 14, 1992.