Paducah (Ky.) Tilghman safety Martels Carter quickly emerged as a top target for Kentucky in the 2025 recruiting cycle. Head coach Mark Stoops and recruiting coordinator Vince Marrow hit the road to see the top-200 recruit in January before hosting Carter for unofficial visits in February and March. The Wildcats worked swiftly and diligently to get the four-star recruit in the fold. The expected became reality on Saturday afternoon.
Following his commitment, Martels Carter caught up with On3’s Chad Simmons to discuss why he picked Kentucky over Auburn, Colorado, Michigan, and Oregon. The family vibe stood out, but the defensive back believes that he is a true schematic fit for what defensive coordinator Brad White likes to do on defense.
“I like how they see me, how the system fits me and how the defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach see me running their scheme,” Martels Carter told Simmons. “And I already know some of the players, so it’s going to be a smooth transition.”
“I feel like I can make a big impact at UK.”
On tape, the top-200 recruit shows the play traits needed to be a successful post safety in a single-high structure who has the speed, instincts, and range to cover the deep middle of the field. During the Stoops tenure, Kentucky has been a zone-heavy team that has used a boatload of Cover 3 variations in the back seven to give the run defense an extra defender underneath. In that coverage scheme, a safety with range and a high football IQ is needed. Martels Carter shows off all of the requirements as a three-way impact performer for Paducah Tilghman.
Carter’s recruitment is not over as the four-star prospect plans to multiple official visits before signing in December, but for now, Kentucky has landed a high-caliber prospect who is a very good schematic fit. Kentucky’s first defensive commit in the class of 2025 is a good one.
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