In year two, Nikai Martinez is looking to take on a more prominent role within UCF's defense.
After practicing at the nickel spot during the spring, Martinez is now focusing on safety. We caught up with him following Thursday's practice.
Recap:
-Nikai has learned multiple positions, which has enabled him to make more plays on the ball. His role at safety is like the "quarterback of the defense." He's instructing his teammates on what to do.
-The defense is a tight-knit group. They want to play for each other, Coach Addison and win.
-Nikai was one of the first "Hometown Hero" recruits to commit to UCF. He saw the vision when he committed.
-Nikai spoke about how important his family is to him.
-Players within the secondary that have impressed him: Brandon Adams, Corey Thornton, Quadric Bullard, Braeden Marshall, Demari Henderson, Ja'Cari Henderson.
-Braeden Marshall is playing nickel, but he's trying to be more versatile.
-The heat is bringing them closer together. The Florida heat will give them an advantage when opposing teams visit the Bounce House.
-On the Big 12: "I'm very excited. I'm glad we get to be on the biggest stage. Everybody gets to showcase their talents. Bigger competition, bigger names. We all do what we're supposed to do, we're put more people in the league. We'll win a championship."
-He sees the offense being more versatile. He thinks it's going to be a "crazy offense."
-Nikai believes they will force more turnovers thanks to Addison Williams' new defense, which is big on disguising looks. "Not giving the quarterback an easy read of the defense."
