Eric Martin is part of an impressive crop of players from California in Nebraska’s 2009 class or recruits. A talented linebacker prospect, Martin is one of six natives of the Golden State who signed to play for the Huskers.

The 6-2, 215-pound Martin played linebacker on a dominant defensive unit at Rancho Verde High School. The Mustangs’ defense allowed just eight points per game, including four shutouts during a perfect 10-0 regular season, before Coach Pete Duffy’s squad was defeated in the first round of the CIF playoffs. Martin led the team in tackles with more than 130 and also recorded eight sacks on the season. Martin was honored for his dominant play as a senior, being chosen as a first-team California all-state pick. He was also the Inland Valley League Defensive MVP and was named to the Inland Empire all-defensive team. Martin also produced big numbers during his junior season when he totaled about 100 tackles, helping Rancho Verde to a 9-3 record, the Inland Valley League title and a trip to the state quarterfinals. Martin also played a key role as a sophomore in 2006, again helping the Mustangs to a league title and another state quarterfinal appearance.

Martin made an impression on college coaches after his sophomore season when he was voted the top underclass linebacker at the Southern California Nike Camp. Martin is ranked as one of the top 30 inside linebackers in the nation and among the top 40 players in California by Rivals.com. He was also listed among the top 70 players in the Far West region by SuperPrep. Martin chose Nebraska after making visits to Arizona and Arizona State.

His parents are Kenneth and Alisa Johnson and Martin was born on July 21, 1991.