Post-OSU Update: Jamar Martin was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the 4th round (129th overall) in the 2002 NFL Draft. Martin tore his ACL during his first contact drill in 2002 training camp, missing the entire season. He returned in 2003 to play 14 games with Dallas, including a start. Martin played 11 more NFL games over the next two seasons. (updated: Aug. 2022)

Major: Political Science (2001), Undeclared (1998-00)

Weight: 255 (2001), 245 (1999-00), 235 (1998)

2001 Media Guide: Jamar Martin is a co-captain in his third year as the starting fullback … big, strong, tough, talented and packs a wallop when he hits you, whether carrying the ball or clearing the way for one of the tailbacks … a complete football player and one of the most underrated players on the team … has been used chiefly as a blocker throughout his career, but that could change this year, especially if the Buckeyes utilize a one-back set … also a fine receiver … is in the mold of some of the great Ohio State fullbacks of the past … look for the Buckeyes to use Martin more in the passing game this year … it is rare to see a fullback win postseason honors in this era, but Martin might be the player that reverses that trend.

2000 Season: Had just eight carries and one reception … did score a pair of touchdowns (vs. Penn State and Purdue) … lone catch was against Penn State.

2000 Media Guide: Whether it’s with a bulldozing block or head down, steamrolling fullback draw, Jamar Martin punishes people. It appears Martin was manufactured with thoughts of creating the perfect fullback. He packs 245 pounds into a compact 6-0 frame and has a low center of gravity to complement his quick feet. Martin has been described as a prototype I-formation fullback and a pave-the-way, crushing blocker that never backs down from a challenge. No one has ever questioned his ability to block like a snowplow, and last year he proved he can run the ball and catch passes out of the backfield. “He really likes to hit people,” Tim Spencer, running backs coach, said, “He’s our bruiser, our enforcer, I like his attitude.” Martin entered last season behind senior captain Matt Keller on the two-deep at fullback but got a chance to shine when Keller was sidelined half the season with an ankle injury. This year the job is all Martin’s, so look for him to develop into one of the premier – an most punishing – fullbacks in the Big Ten.

1999: Started six games and played in all 12 … averaged 5.3 yards per carry, the second-highest total on the team (trailing only Jonathan Wells’ 5.7) … paved the way for honorable mention All-Big Ten tailback Michael Wiley to rush for just under 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns … rushed for a season-high 35 yards against Michigan … rushed for 27 yards, his second-highest total of his career, on five carries against Ohio University … scored his first touchdown of the year against UCLA.

1999 Media Guide: Jamar Martin has a bright future ahead of him as a Buckeye fullback. He stepped up last year as a true freshman and proved to one and all that he can contribute in major ways for the Buckeyes. He blocked like a truck in his 11 appearances and caught five passes out of the backfield for 68 yards and a 13.6-yard average. Now leaner, stronger and quicker than last year, Martin is in line for a productive sophomore season in 1999.

1998: Stepped in for the injured Sean Penny three games into the 1998 season and played as the backup to Matt Keller the rest of the way. Played well, opening holes with tremendous and physical blocks, catching passes out of the backfield and scored a touchdown. Played in 11 games and totaled 34 rushing yards on 12 carries and caught five passes for 68 yards. Scored his first collegiate touchdown on a 10-yard run vs. Iowa. He had six carries for 21 yards against the Hawkeyes, his busiest game as a collegian.

1998 Media Guide: Joins high school teammate Kenny Peterson in the 1998 OSU recruiting class … McKinley won the Ohio Division I title this past year (14-0) and also earned distinction as the USA Today national high school champion … second-team all-Ohio … a true fullback with size, speed and blocking ability … averaged 6.2 yards per carry off 59 rushes (368 yards) and scored five touchdowns as a senior … also played linebacker.

Personal: The son of Rosie and Phillip Martin … lists his mother as the person he most admires … an uncle, Paul Martin, played for the Buckeyes in the late 1950s … born April 12, 1980.