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With 39 days left until Virginia Tech takes the field against Appalachian State, we turn our attention to number 39 on the roster, Mr. Martin Scales. Scales will continue his work at fullback this fall but with Joey Phillips winning the job this spring, his contribution to this team will likely come on special teams. The Martinsville native capped off an impressive 2010 season by finishing 2nd on the team in special teams tackles with 14. Look for Scales to resume that role this fall along with seeing some playing time at fullback as well.
Stats
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 216 lbs
Position: Fullback
Year: R-Junior
High School: Bassett High School
How Did He Get Here
I don’t know what it is about Bassett high school but they have a knack for producing some physically impressive and physically tough kids. Maybe its something in the water or maybe it’s the nationally ranked wrestling program they have. Whatever it is, Bassett has produced some talented athletes over the years. Of course, Scales is a Bassett grad and in typical backwoods, nowhere Virginia fashion, he wasn’t very highly recruited. Scales actually didn't have any offers from any colleges out of high school so instead of sulking, he finished up his Assoicates Degree at Patrick Henry Community College and transferred to Virginia Tech.
2010 Season
Scales saw all of his playing time last season come by the way of special teams. Like we stated earlier, he finished 2nd on the team in special team tackles with 14. He also started on three different units as well.
2011 Prospectus
With Phillips winning the job at fullback, I’m guessing Scales will spend most of his time on special teams as well as rotating with Phillips if he ever needs a breather for any reason. However, I could see the coaches opening up the fullback competition again this fall and if that happens, Scales could impress the coaches enough to convince them that a rotation is what’s best at fullback. Since the Hokies don’t use the I-formation as much as they used to, this is one storyline I’m intrigued by.
Still, if Scales only sees time on special teams again, he’ll be doing what he does best and that’s helping the team in any way he can.
Career Highlight
Having the ability to earn his Associates Degree at a Community College before transferring to Tech and walking on to the football team. That’s impressive and tough to do.
Career Lowlight
Having to go to Community College. Ouch-town, population you bro.
Look A-Like
Telly Monster from Sesame Street
Completely made up fact
As an avid fan of “The Jersey Shore”, Martin officially makes everybody on the team refer to him by his Jersey Shore nickname. The “M-Train.”
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
What are the chances that we get Bennie Coney? Do you think that he is attracted to us simply because of the history of Virginia Tech’s mobile Quarterbacks Vick, Randall, Taylor? And if so how do we have space for him?
Well, I think we have a chance but I do know that he’s pretty open. Since his coach is former Hokie Wayne Ward (you might remember him from this youtube clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpQBGSw0szo) I think we’ll get a good visit from him. Whether that puts us over the top or not is yet to be seen. But with our new staff, if we decide we want him in this class, I have to think that Gray will put the full court press on him and lock him up.
Also, don’t ask that last question because I’ve given up on trying to do the math. We will make space haha.
I’ve had 3 or 4 classes with Martin and I can tell you for sure he’s one of the hardest working students I’ve ever seen (and not just amongst athletes) and a really pleasant person.
He’s definitely a good role model especially for kids in the SWVA area. Just shows you that we actually have some pretty good kids on our team.