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Iowa football: Oliver Martin’s playing time only going to increase

By Andrew Wade

IOWA CITY, IOWA- AUGUST 31: Quarterback Nate Stanley #4 and quarterbacks coach Ken O'Keefe of the Iowa Hawkeyes take the field before the match-up against the Miami RedHawks on August 31, 2019 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)
IOWA CITY, IOWA- AUGUST 31: Quarterback Nate Stanley #4 and quarterbacks coach Ken O'Keefe of the Iowa Hawkeyes take the field before the match-up against the Miami RedHawks on August 31, 2019 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) /
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It wasn’t until the second half that we got to see Oliver Martin make his highly anticipated Iowa football debut, and he didn’t disappoint.

We had to wait all summer to find out if former four-star recruit Oliver Martin would be eligible to play for the Iowa football team this season. We finally got the great news Wednesday, and most Iowa football fans got instantly excited to watch his debut Saturday night under the lights at Kinnick Stadium.

But we had to wait a bit longer. The entire first half to be exact.

Redshirt freshmen Nico Ragaini and Tyrone Tracy Jr saw snaps throughout the first

half in three-wide receiver sets. Martin stood on the sideline just waiting.

Finally, in the second half, his opportunity came, and if we’re being honest, I don’t think we could have scripted a better debut.

The Iowa City native hauled in a beautiful 9-yard touchdown pass to catch his first career ball for the Iowa football team and score his first touchdown for the Hawkeyes.

The crowd erupted. Oliver Martin, usually cool, calm, and collected in interviews, also erupted.

https://twitter.com/IowaOnBTN/status/1167977524862672898

The remainder of his debut was pretty quiet as he caught just one more pass for five yards, but that is likely to change as the season progresses because Martin’s playing time is undoubtedly going to increase.

He’s a smart player who can handle any wide receiver spot in the Iowa football team’s offense and Kirk is certainly excited about the growth he has already made.

When speaking to the media after the game, Kirk had this to say:

"We’re just happy he’s with us. And it was good to see him make some plays out there. Has to help his confidence. It’s not like he’s played a lot of football. It’s got to be a good thing for him too I would think."

We’re happy too, Kirk.

For real.

Next. Mekhi Sargent looks like the real deal. dark

And we’re going to be even happier as Martin gets more and more playing time, which should likely happen as he gets more familiarized with the Iowa football team’s offense and gets his timing with Nate Stanley down.

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