Demetrice Martin, a former UCLA Bruins defensive backs coach, is reportedly returning to the Bruins’ coaching staff. Martin, currently an assistant at Michigan State, is expected to fill a role in UCLA’s secondary.
While the specific details of the coaching staff changes are still being finalized, either safeties coach Brian Norwood or cornerbacks coach Kodi Whitfield will likely be reassigned to accommodate Martin’s return.
Demetrice Martin Reunites With Foster, UCLA Bruins
Martin was UCLA’s secondary coach under Jim Mora starting in December of 2011 and serving there until Mora’s firing in 2017. According to Bruin Report online, “[Martin] made huge waves in the SoCal recruiting world, doing the lion’s share of the work to reel in five-star defensive tackle Ellis McCarthy in the final months leading up to the 2012 signing day.” and “He also signed a top defensive back class in 2013, and is still regarded as a top-flight recruiter.”
Recruiting has been a top priority for the DeShaun Foster regime and the two have familiarity working with one another when Foster started his college coaching career — working with Mora from 2012 to 2015 in various capacities.
Martin is credited with popularizing the “4s Up” saying and hand gesture during his time at UCLA.
Two of Martin’s Michigan State commits Ayden Carter and LaRue Zamorano, are also reportedly now targets for UCLA. Zamorano in particular has already announced his plans to move on from MSU and explore his other options.
The 6 foot 2, 186 pound Corona, California native tells On3 that he plans to sign this week and UCLA, USC, and Washington have shown interest.
247 Sports Crystal Ball Predicts that Zamorano will end up back with Martin, this time in Westwood.
