Martez Ivey

Martez Ivey (born July 25, 1995[1]) is an American football offensive tackle who plays for the Tampa Bay Vipers of the XFL. He played college football at Florida.

Martez Ivey
No. 73 – Tampa Bay Vipers
Position:Offensive tackle
Personal information
Born: (1995-07-25) July 25, 1995
Apopka, Florida
Height:6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Weight:306 lb (139 kg)
Career information
High school:Apopka (FL)
College:Florida
Undrafted:2019
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career highlights and awards
  • 2x Second-team All-SEC (2017, 2018)
  • Freshman All-SEC (2015)
  • Hall Trophy (2014)
  • USA Today High School All-American (2014)
Career NFL statistics
Player stats at NFL.com

High school career

Ivey attended Apopka High School in Apopka, Florida. In his sophomore year, Ivey helped protect quarterback Zack Darlington as Apopka went on a 13–2 record, and won the 2012 FHSAA Class 8A state title over Cypress Bay.[2] The following year, Apopka reached the state 8A final again, but lost to South Dade.[3] After Darlington graduated, the offensive load was carried by halfback Chandler Cox. With Ivey paving the way, Apopka went 12–4 and beat Miami Columbus for the 2014 Class 8A state title.[4] Ivey was recognized with the Hall Trophy as the U. S. Army Player of the Year.[5][6]

Regarded as a five-star recruit by Rivals.com, Ivey was ranked as the No. 1 offensive tackle prospect in his class.[7] With offers from virtually every major football program, Ivey said he was “50/50” between Florida and Auburn after his final visit.[8] On National Signing Day 2015, he announced his commitment to the University of Florida.[9][10]

College career

In August 2015, Ivey suffered a slightly torn meniscus in his left knee during practice, and was scheduled for arthroscopic surgery on August 28.[11] He was sidelined for a little more than two weeks,[12] before making his college debut against Kentucky on September 19.[13] Ivey played in the final twelve games of the season, starting in the last eight including the Citrus Bowl against Michigan. After the season, Ivey was named to the SEC All-Freshman team by the conference's coaches.[14]

Professional career

On July 30, 2019, Ivey signed with the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent.[15] He was released during final roster cuts on August 30, 2019.[16]

Ivey was drafted in the 2nd round in phase two in the 2020 XFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Vipers.[17]

References
  1. "UF linemen to keep top recruit Martez Ivey in the loop during Gators' spring practice". Orlando Sentinel. March 17, 2015.
  2. "Apopka tops Cypress Bay 53–50 for state 8A football crown". Orlando Sentinel. December 15, 2012.
  3. "Apopka falls 41–28 to South Dade in Florida 8A title game". Orlando Sentinel. December 14, 2013.
  4. "Apopka wins 2nd state football title in 3 years". Orlando Sentinel. December 13, 2014.
  5. Orlando Sentinel (January 2, 2015). "Apopka's Martez Ivey wins national player of year at Army All-American Bowl". OrlandoSentinel.com. Retrieved June 29, 2015.
  6. "Martez Ivey wins U.S. Army All-American Bowl Player of the Year". NOLA.com. Retrieved June 29, 2015.
  7. 2015 Prospect Ranking
  8. "5-star lineman Martez Ivey '50/50 between Florida and Auburn' after final visit". AL.com. January 25, 2015.
  9. "5-star Martez Ivey commits to Florida". GatorBait. Retrieved June 29, 2015.
  10. Adam Stites. "No. 1 OL Martez Ivey commits to Florida over Auburn on Signing Day". SBNation.com. Vox Media. Retrieved June 29, 2015.
  11. "UF freshman OT Martez Ivey to undergo arthroscopic surgery". Orlando Sentinel. August 27, 2015.
  12. "Florida LT Martez Ivey expected to miss 2–4 weeks after knee surgery, report says". AL.com. August 28, 2015.
  13. "Gators get a boost from driven ex-Apopka star Martez Ivey". Orlando Sentinel. October 1, 2015.
  14. "Gators Martez Ivey, CeCe Jefferson named to SEC All-Freshman team". Orlando Sentinel. December 10, 2015.
  15. "Patriots sign OL Martez Ivey; release OL Cole Croston". Patriots.com. July 30, 2019.
  16. Thomas, Oliver. "Patriots 2018 sixth-rounder Christian Sam joins list of reported exits". PatsPulpit.com. Retrieved August 30, 2019.
  17. "OFFENSIVE LINEMEN DRAFT TRACKER". XFL.com. October 15, 2019. Retrieved October 16, 2019.
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