Ex-Michigan lineman Mike Martin draws attention for Senior Bowl practices, scuffle with Ohio State player

The defensive tackle has been impressive this week at practice for the Senior Bowl, which will be played at 4 p.m. Saturday in Mobile, Ala. (NFL Network). Here are a couple excerpts from a running diary of Sports Illustrated's Tony Pauiline:

• Mike Brewster of Ohio State and DT Mike Martin of Michigan are again battling hard in practice. Brewster laughed about it yesterday and noted it's just a continuation of what's taken place the past four years.


• DT Mike Martin of Michigan has been a disruptive force all morning. He just threw Penn State lineman Johnnie Troutman to the ground and blew up a running play.


• DL Mike Martin of Michigan continues to impress. He's shown the ability to finish plays today and has been a disruptive force all day.


• Morning practice is over. Without a doubt the two most impressive players this morning came from the defensive line. Mike Martin of Michigan and Kendall Reyes of UConn were both impossible to stop and set up shop behind the line of scrimmage.

Martin also caught some attention for getting into "a brief shoving match" with Ohio State center Mike Brewster, according to Yahoo! Sports. The two became well-acquainted during their matchups in The Game, and it appears that rivalry is still burning.

"He's one of my best competitors," Brewster told Yahoo! after practice Tuesday. "I love going against him."

Martin is working out with five former teammates at Barwis Methods, the gym owned by former Michigan strength and conditioning coach Mike Barwis. He began training for the Senior Bowl on Jan. 4 — the day after the Sugar Bowl.

That work appears to be paying off, as The New York Times wrote this from the Senior Bowl weigh-in: "DT Mike Martin (Michigan) looked like a champion bodybuilder, carrying a cut 307 pounds at 6-1."

Martin, a three-time winner of Michigan's defensive linemen of the year award, is coming off the best statistical season of his career. He posted 64 tackles and 3.5 sacks, both personal bests, despite facing constant double-teams.

He finished his career with 172 tackles and 10 sacks, and is considered an early-round pick.

"To me, if you look at the guys this year, Mike Martin, quick out of the blocks,” ESPN NFL draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. said during a recent teleconference before the start of Senior Bowl practices. “You’ve got to like the fact he’s a former high school wrestler, and all the great things he did at Michigan.

"Size is an issue, but I think he could be a rotation type in that second-, third-round mix."

Martin has been invited to the NFL Combine, where he is expected to excel at the bench press. He could threaten the record in that event.

Center David Molk also has been invited to the combine. He was invited to the Senior Bowl, but will not participate after having foot surgery to repair a torn tendon.

Michigan's pro day is March 15.