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Heart and intensity
Martin has been receiving media visits from around the world. The Korean Broadcasting System and the Cleveland Plain Dealer are in town, London's calling, and even Oprah's minions are making inquiries.

''Sometimes I feel like I'm working for Bobby," says Griffith, smiling. ''He's probably the most unique person I've ever met. He's strong-willed and he believes in himself."

Martin would like to play more, but understands that he's a senior playing high school football for the first time. ''The other guys have been here three years," he says. He does start for the junior varsity.

When he runs, he looks like a skier half-buried in an avalanche.

''One of my hips is bigger than the other because I walk on it; the other half of my body doesn't touch the ground," he says. ''When I run, I run on my right hip instead of my left."

''He's very quick in 5- to 15-yard bursts," says Colonel White coach Earl White, who possesses the patience of Job. On his roster, 90 percent of the players have absent fathers. White calls Martin ''the least of my worries. He's got great heart and determination."

But sometimes his opponents are conflicted when they come face to face with someone waist-high.

''If I do have to hit him, I don't know if I want to," says the Mustangs' Greg McBurrows. In an early-season game, an opponent simply moved out of the way and let Martin pass.