Kerry Martin Declares for NFL Draft, Includes WVU in Announcement Despite Controversial Exit

Even though his exit was in the midst of controversy, Kerry Martin did include WVU as part of his big announcement on Sunday. Martin declared for the NFL Draft, capping off a college career that started as a Mountaineer in 2019.

In a long message Martin, a native of Charleston, W.Va., posted to thank his supporters, he added pictures from his time in uniform with each program he played for in his five years in college football.

🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/6joTaAkGnU

— Kerry “KJ” Martin Jr. (@_thekerrymartin) December 30, 2024

Martin left WVU officially in October of 2021 after accusing former West Virginia defensive coordinator Vic Koenning of mistreatment and racism. In June, months before his eventual exit from the program, Martin detailed several examples of what he felt was inappropriate behavior by Koenning.

One of those examples is described below:

“Coach Vic tells us about the conversation he had with his son about the rioting and protesting and his exact words were, ‘If people did not want to get tear gassed, or push back by the police, then they shouldn’t be outside protesting’.” said Martin.

During his two years at WVU, Martin recorded 53 total tackles, highlighted by 50 in 2020. He also deflected five passes. After leaving West Virginia, Martin spent two seasons at Akron, where he made 53 tackles in 2022 and 45 in 2023. He then transferred to North Carolina State and played sparingly in 2024.

WV Sports Now covered the accusations made by Kerry Martin extensively.