Chargers Rookie Vaughn Martin from Jamaica to the NFL

When you think of NFL football, you probably dont think of Jamaica or Western Ontario, Canada.  Well the first underclassman ever to be drafted  in the NFL is all of those things, Vaughn Martin, the 22-year-old defensive lineman chosen in the fourth-round by the San Diego Chargers.

It was a strange long road for Martin born in Jamaica; moving to Canada when he was 10 years old with his mother.  He was more interested in cricket and soccer than  football but soon he was discovered and asked to play because of his obvious size and athleticism.  He tried to go to Michigan State after high school but transcript issues derailed that  and he returned to Canada.  He is a intriguing athlete, not invited to the NFL Combine, but on a Pro-Day set the record for 2009 draftees lifting 225 lbs. an amazing 44 times.

Now at 22, He is 6-4 330 pounds of sheer power and raw potential.  He is a "project" in the NFL world.  A player with not much coaching from a small school,  who played with true raw power and strength.  Now it is the San Diego Chargers job to develop him and make him a starter and maybe a star.  They like what they see a strong good character guy who wants to learn and get better.

The Chargers plan seem to be, to work him into the the Defensive End rotation after the loss of Igor Olshansky who went to Dallas in the offseason.  But the future will be probably to groom the big man to take over the Nose Tackle role in the near future. Martin could not find a better guy to learn  from than Jamal Williams  who at 6-3, 350 lbs. is one of the games best at the position. 

It would seem Martin would be a natural for the future at  nose tackle but could also play some DE in the Chargers 3-4 defense.  Martin is a interesting project, a guy with great athleticism and power and also a good hard working guy who could really surprise and be a dominant player in the near future. From Jamaica to Canada and now the beaches of San Diego, if the NFL does not work out maybe the 330-pounder can continue to give up on the cricket and the soccer and maybe try surfing?