Cheryl Martin isn't happy that her son's senior football season came to an end in the second round of the state playoffs, but she is very excited that he'll be coming back to their Oakland, Calif., home this weekend for an extended visit.
Chris Martin played his final prep season for Grandview High in Aurora, Colo., after transferring from his old school in the Bay area, Bishop O'Dowd.
The 6-foot-5, 241-pound Martin will get to spend plenty of time with his parents, and one of the things they plan to sit down and talk about is recruiting.
On National Signing Day back in early February, Martin verbally committed to Notre Dame. Now, the blue-chip defensive end wants to make sure he's making the right decision.
"The family is going to sit down and talk about all that is going on," Cheryl Martin said.
Martin took an official visit to Oklahoma this past weekend, and the future U.S. Army All-American reported to ESPN's West Coast blogger Greg Biggins, that USC, UCLA, California and Florida are also schools he's talking with and considering visiting.
"As of today, he's still committed," Martin said of her son and Notre Dame. "He hasn't called anyone and de-committed.
"Our family is letting him take his visits. I want Chris to look at the universities he's interested in, and take his five visits and come back and decide."
For now, Martin remains committed to Notre Dame and still plans on signing with the Irish. However, anything can happen.
"As of today he's still committed," Martin said of her son. "He hasn't called anyone and de-committed. Chris is just making sure he has a plan B. That's it. He's just taking official visits."
Martin took an official visit to South Bend for the USC game, and still has three allotted trips remaining. A final decision isn't expected anytime soon.
Another thing that will be considered, but might not play as much of a factor as one might think, is Notre Dame head coach Charlie Weis being on the sideline coaching the Irish next fall. The fifth-year head coach is on the hot seat after going 16-19 the past three seasons, after starting out 19-6 in his first two years in South Bend.
"The Martin family I can say, whether Charlie is there or not, that doesn't effect us. We're very interested in that school, we don't care about that other stuff. I care about the education Chris is going to get, and that's pretty much it, and if he's going to be happy.
"I'm just allowing him to take his visits like any kid would."
A look around at some of the best ESPN affiliate team sites have to offer today. Some of the following links may require a premium subscription to the ESPN affiliate site.
Florida (www.gatorcountry.com)
Benjamin can see himself "playing for Florida one day"
Scouting the prospects: Palm Beach Gardens Dwyer vs. Jupiter
Florida still leads for Chris Dunkley
Notre Dame (www.irishsportsdaily.com)
Rising senior Ray Vinopal is beginning to hear from major programs.
USC (www.wearesc.com)