Kareem Martin showed why he is a coveted defensive end prospect in last Saturday’s North Carolina/South Carolina Shrine Bowl. The Roanoke Rapids senior shined In North Carolina’s 24-14 win, accounting for eight tackles including one tackle for an 11-yard loss, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.

“He had a tremendous game,” Roanoke Rapids head coach Russell Weinstein said.

“I was not surprised at all with his performance. He is an excellent athlete and he repeated that in the Shrine Bowl. He showed great quickness and tenacious pursuit. He did not surprise me at all. He has great upside. Whatever program gets him will get a great young man and an excellent athlete.”

There are three finalists – Duke, North Carolina and Virginia Tech – in the race for Martin’s signature. The 6-6, 240-pound prospect has taken official visits to Duke, Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech with the fourth and final official visit going to UNC on the weekend of January 15th. A decision is expected to come after the trip to UNC.

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