RECRUITING: Bonanza’s Martin shows off versatility

Dasean Martin proved he could be a versatile weapon out of the backfield last season.

As a senior, however, the Bonanza running back has taken his electric abilities to a higher level. He’s made it hard for college coaches and recruiters not to notice.

Martin has fielded scholarship offers from Colorado State, UNLV and Utah State. He’s also in regular contact with a long list of schools that includes Arizona, Boise State, Texas A&M, UNR, Utah, Vanderbilt and Washington.

Martin leads Bonanza (2-3, 2-2 Southwest League) with 517 yards and five touchdowns rushing, averaging 8.8 yards per carry.

But the 5-foot-9-inch, 190-pound speedster has been even more dangerous as a receiver out of the backfield and when split out. He’s among the area’s leading receivers with 28 catches for 696 yards and 12 TDs.

“He’s a physical kid, and he’s got great open-field moves,” Bonanza coach Shawn Dupris said. “We know that if we leave him at tailback the whole time, we’d see a lot of people in the box. We’ve split him out, and it makes us harder to defend.”

Martin credited quarterback Sterling Sprau (1,346 yards, 14 TDs passing) for helping his receiving numbers spike.

“That’s Tim Tebow right there,” Martin said. “That boy is a beast. If he throws a pass my way, it’s my job to catch the ball.”

Rivals.com ranks Martin the No. 26 senior running back in the nation.

Martin said he won’t schedule official campus visits to begin deciding on a school until after his senior season. The Bengals visit Spring Valley (2-3, 1-2) at 8 p.m. Thursday in a game crucial to their hopes of reaching the Sunset Region playoffs.

“I’m trying to keep focused on the season,” he said. “We’ve got to stay healthy, keep grades up, and everybody’s got to keep pushing through it. We can play with the best.”

RECENT COMMITMENTS — Green Valley baseball standout Brett Harrison committed to Hawaii, choosing the Warriors over offers from San Diego, Southern California, Texas Christian, UNLV and UNR.

Harrison, a senior shortstop, will be reunited with his brother, Matt Harrison, who is a sophomore infielder at Hawaii.

“It’s going to be amazing,” Brett Harrison said. “He already has college experience; he’s going to show me the ropes. I don’t think there’s anyone I’d like to share the experience with more than my brother.”

Also, two senior softball players committed to Division II schools. Centennial catcher Kylie Bartlett picked Dixie State (Utah), and Liberty utility player Carson Cooper chose Mesa State (Colo.).