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SAN DIEGO — There are freshmen, and then there are true freshmen. And in the case of Nebraska linebacker Eric Martin, the distinction does not involve his lack of a redshirt season.

Martin, you see, is truly a freshman.

“I'm happy if he knows how to get back to his dorm room,” linebackers coach Mike Ekeler said.

The first-year Husker from Moreno Valley, Calif., celebrated his 18th birthday just two weeks before reporting to preseason football camp in August. Remember that as you digest the details of his first collegiate season, complete with its ups and downs but filled with the promise that he may develop into a defensive star.

Martin starred this fall on special teams, accumulating seven tackles. He often drew double- and triple-team assignments in kickoff coverage. Against Baylor, he said, four blockers trampled him. Martin blocked two punts, including one against the same Bears to produce a first-quarter touchdown in Nebraska's 20-10 win.

He added five tackles in a reserve defensive role but drew two personal fouls early in the season for his exuberance.

That's how it went for Martin, known to fire up the crowd by leading chants from the NU sideline. His enthusiasm is unmatched — except, apparently, in the meeting room.

Martin said he fell asleep “quite a few times” as Nebraska coaches reviewed practice film with the Huskers.

“It's hard to watch when you don't know anything,” Martin said Monday between bites of a Mexican platter after the Huskers' final heavy workout in advance of Wednesday's Holiday Bowl game against Arizona. “It just makes you doze off, because you feel like you're there for no reason. Once I start knowing what to do, there will be no reason for me to fall asleep.”

Depending on who noticed the snoozing Martin, his behavior drew a range of reactions.

“Coach (Marvin) Sanders, he'll yell at you and make you stand up,” Martin said. “Coach Carl (Pelini), he'll yell at you in a nice way.”

What about Bo Pelini?

“He'll just kick you out,” Martin said.

The second-year head coach said Martin is simply a “young guy who's got some immaturity about him.”

“But let me tell you: This kid's a good football player,” Pelini said. “He's committed and he's hungry, so he'll be fine.”

Martin said he does realize it's not right to sleep during film sessions. He understands that he must earn the trust of Pelini and the defensive coaches before he gets to play defense on a full-time basis.

He's ready to turn the corner, he said.

“In high school, I was the same way,” Martin said. “My freshman year, I knew nothing and just went out there and played. But my sophomore year, once I learned how to do it, I was telling other guys where to go. That's just how it is now and how it's going to be, only at a higher level.”

No doubt, the molding of Martin ranks as a major project for a group of coaches adept at maximizing the potential of their defenders.

“He's got as much ability as anybody in the country,” Ekeler said. “Athletically, we know he can do it. We've seen it all year on special teams. From the standpoint of learning the system, he'll get it. He's going to live in our offices next semester. He'll get it down, and he's got a chance to be a special player.”

Pelini likewise said he's not concerned about Martin's ability to grasp the NU defense.

“He will contribute at linebacker next year,” Pelini said. “We have our plans, and he's right in the mix of those plans. He's going to be a heck of a football player.”

Martin said he's learned this year from Phillip Dillard. The senior linebacker, a starter for much of last season, slipped to the bottom of the depth chart this summer.

Dillard sat behind Martin, in fact, until the veteran responded to a challenge and regained his position, earning second-team All-Big 12 recognition and the Tom Novak Trophy as the NU player who best exemplified courage and determination despite all odds.

Sounds like a good model for the 6-foot-2, 215-pound Martin, who's more physically gifted than Dillard but clearly lacks some of his determination and focus.

Martin could surpass the accomplishments of Dillard, according to the older player.

“Spring ball is where he'll be able to learn,” Dillard said. “He's pretty wild right now, but he has a great motor, and he's physical.”

Martin plays weakside linebacker in practice. He hopes to move to the middle after this year and learn his responsibilities in the Huskers' nickel and dime units.

Right now, he knows almost none of it, having learned only the base defense.

Perhaps a few more focused moments in film study would have helped. Don't worry, though, Martin said — it's going to happen.

“I'm ready,” he said. “I was just trying to get through this first semester off the field. And I felt like I made a huge impact. I felt like I didn't waste my freshman year. I felt like I actually helped the team and wasn't just another person.

“Now, I just want to use that energy and take out my emotion on the opponent.”

Contact the writer:

402-444-1031, mitch.sherman@owh.com