Martin attended Evanston Township High School, where he practiced football and basketball.
As a senior, he received special mention All-State honors at defensive end.
He was the runner-up for the Missouri Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Year (behind Terry Taylor).
Martin contributed to the school's having its best record (9–4), it first playoff appearance, its first ever Top 10 Division I-AA National ranking (5th) and reaching the quarterfinals, losing to Southern Illinois University.
On June 1, he opted to sign with the Los Angeles Express of the United States Football League, after the Maulers traded his rights.