Kyler Martin continues to tackle all the Army throws at him, from basic training and the rigors of West Point to three position changes in two years on the football field.
Martin will be at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia today for the 111th Army-Navy game. The game is nationally televised beginning at 11:30 a.m. on CBS (Channels 5 and 13).
The Vacaville High School graduate wears jersey No. 83 and spends the bulk of his time on special teams, though he he has seen action this season in a backup role at strong safety.
The Army-Navy game has usually marked the end of the season for the Black Knights. But Army has a record of 6-5 and has already earned a date in the Armed Forces Bowl on Dec. 30 in Dallas against SMU, regardless of today's outcome.
"It's our first bowl in years, so we're pretty excited about that," Martin said. "But we also look at the Navy game as a bowl game in itself. It's our biggest rival and an opportunity to play a great team and school."
Navy holds the overall advantage at 54-49-7 and has owned the series in recent years by winning eight straight. The Midshipmen won 17-3 last year and no current member of the Black Knights has ever beaten Navy.
Martin went to West Point expecting to be a receiver, but like a good soldier, he has been able to adapt. Last year Army needed more depth at linebacker, and Martin was one of only eight freshman on the team to earn a letter. He played in 12 games and made 16 tackles.
This year he again went into spring ball with the intent of playing receiver. He impressed coaches and earned a backup role, but was asked to change his plans again.
Martin moved to strong safety and has played in seven games as a sophomore with one tackle. Most of the time when he plays he lines up tight on slot receivers.
"I was a little disappointed," Martin admitted, "but it was just a personnel decision and the coaches thought I just move to the other side of the ball. I still knew a lot of the defensive calls from playing the linebacker position. I just had to learn the new schemes and work on backpedaling."
