Getting to Know: Martez Ivey
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When five-star offensive tackle Martez Ivey put on a Gators cap and picked Florida over Auburn during his signing ceremony on the morning of National Signing Day, Florida fans who watched the announcement live cheered loudly in front of their TV screens and expressed their joy on social media.
They knew how important of an addition Ivey was.
A 6-foot-6, 290-pound tackle out of Apopka (Fla.) High School, Ivey finished in the 2015 Rivals rankings as the top offensive tackle in the class and the No. 4 player overall. Many expect Ivey, a lifelong UF fan, to come in right away and play a big role in the rotation as a true freshman - perhaps even as a starter considering the Florida offensive line finished the spring with only six healthy scholarship linemen. After graduating from Apopka on May 28, Ivey is set to arrive in Gainesville on Tuesday morning before the start of freshmen orientation.
Inside the Gators caught up with Ivey for the latest segment of our "Getting to Know" series for the incoming 2015 freshmen signees.
What led to your decision to attend the University of Florida?
Ivey: I've always been a Gator fan. I was like stalking my Facebook earlier and I had seen I was talking about UF back in like 2009. It was a done deal right there.
What are your expectations coming into UF?
Ivey: I expect myself to compete, because it's a job. Honestly the competition, the level's going to be a lot different. I'm going to have to find a new level. I'm going to have to become a monster at the college level and not just be an all-star in high school, because I also want to do it in the college level, too.
How do the coaches envision your role on the team moving forward?
Ivey: It's just like every program that the athlete may walk into. You've just got to compete and work hard. Then honestly, something will come out of it.
Do you have an idea yet where the coaches want to play you along the offensive line?
Ivey: Wherever they need me. Wherever they need me at, I'll play it all.
What aspects of your game are you aiming to polish this summer and fall?
Ivey: Pass blocking. That would be a big thing I need to work on. Also, just getting a little bit stronger.
What would you say is your greatest strength as a football player?
Ivey: I have to say just probably my energy and being physical. I always wanted to give off everything I've got every play. No matter what the circumstances are, I'm going to give everything that I've got.
What has your relationship been like with offensive line coach Mike Summers?
Ivey: I've known him now for almost two years. He's the only one who stayed from that old staff. Also, he always keeps in touch with me trying to help know plays and formations. Just telling me to get ready when I come in.
Do you know yet what number you're going to wear at Florida?
Ivey: No, not yet.
Have you decided yet who you're dorming with this year?
Ivey: No, I haven't decided that either.
Have you decided on a college major yet?
Ivey: Probably business and accounting.
Anything Gators fans would be surprised to know about you?
Ivey: I like to fish.
How long has that been a hobby of yours?
Ivey: About 7-8 years.
Do you have any funny fishing stories you could tell?
Ivey: I remember one time I caught and held a fish with my hand and it bit my thumb. So now on, I don't touch fish. I usually have my wash cloth or something to pick them up with.
That's pretty interesting. Moving on, if you could play any team at home in the Swamp who would it be?
Ivey: Probably Auburn, because my best friend Chandler Cox is on that team and also that's what it came down to, between Florida and Auburn.
Which NFL team is your favorite?
Ivey: Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
If you were to eventually become a first-round NFL draft choice, what is the first thing you would buy?
Ivey: I'd probably put my money in the bank.
If you could play with any former college athlete, who would it be?
Ivey: Probably Tim Tebow, because he was always enthusiastic and always brought energy.
Who is your favorite athlete outside of football?
Ivey: Kevin Durant.
What's your favorite genre of music to listen to? Any artists in particular you like?
Ivey: I like rap. Not really anybody in particular. I like all of it.
What is your favorite TV show?
Ivey: Probably watching the Discovery Channel or Animal Planet.
What is your favorite movie?
Ivey: "The Blind Side."
Which celebrity would you most want to trade places with for one day?
Ivey: Probably LeBron James, because everybody's treating him like a god. Everybody knows him.
If you could go out with any female celebrity on a dream date, who would it be?
Ivey: Kim Kardashian.
Name one thing you can't live without.
Ivey: Food… no, that's pretty basic. Probably my cell phone.
What is on your bucket list? Name three things you want to do before dying.
Ivey: Skydiving, swimming with sharks and traveling the world a little bit.