Playing in the “here and now”: With this record, Martinez is at the top of the FCS rankings

Lubbock senior wide receiver Nehemiah Martinez I raises his hand after scoring a touchdown for the team. (Photo by Daniel Curd)

October 17, 2024 by Zion Webb Leave a comment

Wildcat wide receiver Nehemiah Martinez I is no stranger to attention-grabbing headlines surrounding FCS football.

After an impressive game against No. 5 ranked University of Central Arkansas in which Martinez caught seven passes for 202 yards and three touchdowns, Martinez catapulted to the top of the FCS rankings in receiving yards.

Martinez’s efforts were crucial to ACU’s 41-34 win. But for him, his personal success pales in comparison to the overall success of his team.

“It’s great to be up there,” Martinez said, “but winning a conference championship and a national championship would mean a lot more to me than any award I can get.”

A graduate of Lubbock Cooper High School, Martinez set a program record with 1,820 yards receiving during his senior campaign. He then enlisted to play in the Air Force, a short deployment that took him back to his hometown of Lubbock.

When he was offered a position as a walk-on receiver at Texas Tech University, he jumped at the opportunity knowing what was at stake.

“As a substitute, I know that if I don’t perform I could be out of the team. Or if I perform, I can keep improving,” Martinez said.

He was awarded a scholarship at the end of the 2022 season, but injuries before the season prevented him from being out for some time and upon his return he failed to break back into the permanent squad.

This led to him joining some familiar faces in Abilene, such as quarterback Maverick McIvor and head coach Keith Patterson, who had also spent time at Tech.

“Coming to Abilene was just a divine thing,” Martinez said. “It’s like a second home.”

Martinez feels settled in well in this new home, having become a star in Abilene. After his game against Central Arkansas, Martinez led the FCS in total receiving yards so far this season with 611 yards.

In that game, he not only rushed for a season-high 202 yards, but also gained 151 of those yards after the catch, showcasing his ability to turn short gains into explosive plays. His three touchdown catches of 75 and 70 yards proved crucial in ACU’s 41-4 victory over UCA.

With these outstanding individual numbers, Martinez credits his success above all to the teammates who support him and the coaches who guide him.

“Bowie puts us in a position to be successful,” Martinez said. “He keeps it simple and allows us to play fast. He is always enthusiastic, encouraging and instills confidence in his players. Any day could be any of our days.”

Although he credits the people around him for helping him succeed, it is clear that he is a special and important talent for this Wildcat team.

“He’s just a football player,” Patterson said. “He’s playing the way he’s supposed to play – one of the most competitive players I’ve ever seen.”

Nehemiah said he will play “in the here and now,” but that his goals won’t end there as he wants to reach the top 1.6% of athletes to ever play.

“My ultimate goal is to play in the NFL one day,” Martinez said. “But right now that’s what the team is asking me to do to help them win.”