Another Ohio State defensive back transferring to former defensive coordinator’s program

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Another veteran Ohio State football defensive back is heading east to join the Buckeyes’ former defensive coordinator.

Hafley served as co-defensive coordinator and secondary coach in Ryan Day’s first season at head coach. He left to take over Boston College, where he has won six games in three of four seasons. The Eagles play SMU in the Wasabi Fenway Bowl on Thursday.

Martinez was one of the first OSU players to announce he planned to enter his name in the NCAA transfer portal, on Nov. 30. He recorded two tackles in three games as a backup safety this season. His versatility put him in multiple roles over the course of his career, and his biggest role this season came came as the sixth defensive back in dime packages.

Martinez also expressed willingness to also play offense at his eventual transfer destination. The Muskegon, Michigan, native was a four-star prospect ranked No. 323 overall in the 2020 class per the 247 Sports composite. He was the state’s Gatorade Player of the Year as a run-first quarterback, rushing for 2,214 yards and 36 touchdowns and throwing for another 1,258 and 11 touchdowns.