Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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or something put in front of you, you want to exceed it. You want to get to it and go past it. "We have very similar person- alities. We were raised in a house of three boys. We got along — then we wouldn't get along. But we were brought up the same way." The younger Martin began his ca- reer at tackle and guard before lining up at center for the first time ever in 2013 out of need. Three-year starter Braxston Cave graduated, as did his backup, Mike Golic Jr., while sopho- more classmate Matt Hegarty under- went surgery in December 2012 to repair holes in his heart. Similar to Zack, Nick accepted whatever march- ing orders were given. Martin started the first 11 games at center before a torn MCL and patella injury early in the home finale ver- sus BYU sidelined him for the balance of the season and throughout spring practice, putting a recovered Hegarty (vying for the No. 1 left guard spot now) into the role. The fact that Martin was able to as- sert himself as the leader in spite of the on-field absence is a testament to the respect he has earned. "When you have a passion for the game, it's definitely not easy [to lead from the sidelines] but you have to stay involved — not just on the field, but after practice, in the film room … keep pumping those guys up," said Martin, who keeps in daily contact with Zack and his work in the Dallas Cowboys' training camp. "I learned my leadership from him, along with my older brother Josh, my dad [Keith Martin played tackle and guard his first two seasons, but is now the leader of the offensive line at center. PHOTO BY JOE RAYMOND