The Chicago native who could be a sneaky-good defensive piece.
It’s time to start preparing for the 2025 Syracuse Orange football season. We’re going through the roster to take a look at each Syracuse player as we get to know a lot of new faces for Year 2 of the Fran Brown Era.
Up next is…
Name: Jalil Martin
Position: Defensive Back
Year: Redshirt Junior
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 192 lbs.
Hometown: Chicago, IL
High School/Previous College: Kenwood Academy High School/Nebraska
2024 stats: Appeared in five games and finished with five tackles and one interception. Four of those tackles and the INT came against Washington State in the Holiday Bowl.
2025 projections: Martin played sparingly in 2024, but could be in line for a slight uptick in his usage if the depth in coverage starts to take a hit. Could easily be a candidate to really see extra playing time in the latter-half of the year, but will likely not be a starter to begin the season. Will certainly guarantee he sees more runway in 2025 and has a puncher’s chance to be a “breakout candidate.”
How’d he get here?: Originally committed to Nebraska in November 2021 over offers from Syracuse, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Ole Miss, Missouri, Kansas, Michigan State, Colorado, Boston College and several other programs. After redshirting in 2022, Martin transferred to the Orange in May 2023. He played nine games as a reserve defensive back and on special teams during the 2023 season.
What’d recruiting sites say?: Consensus three-star, was the 17th-highest ranked recruit from Illinois in his class, per 247Sports.
Winners Get Washed: Chicago Soapery – born in the Windy City, made in the Windy City and staying clean with nothing but quality product from the Windy City.
Instagram: @jay7martin
Twitter: @JalilMartin7
PICKED OFF! @JalilMartin7 pic.twitter.com/pwrfgXFg9U
— Syracuse Football (@CuseFootball) December 28, 2024
Interesting nugget o’interest: Martin joins a pretty entertaining Kenwood Academy alumni list that includes former NBA center Nazr Mohammed, rapper Da Brat, singer Chaka Khan, artist Jesse Saunders and actor Mandy Patinkin.
Let’s get a look at ya: Hudl tape paired with rave music: