Martez Ivey

Martez Ivey
refer to caption
Ivey with the Edmonton Elks in 2023
No. 62 – Edmonton Elks
Position:Offensive line
Personal information
Born: (1995-07-25) July 25, 1995 (age 29)
Apopka, Florida, U.S.
Height:6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
Weight:335 lb (152 kg)
Career information
High school:Apopka (FL)
College:Florida
Undrafted:2019
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Roster status:Active
CFL status:American
Career highlights and awards
Stats at Pro Football Reference
Stats at CFL.ca

Martez Ivey (born July 25, 1995)[1] is an American professional football offensive tackle for the Edmonton Elks of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football at Florida. Ivey has also been a member of the New England Patriots, Tampa Bay Vipers, Carolina Panthers, and Toronto Argonauts.

Early life

Ivey attended Apopka High School in Apopka, Florida. In his sophomore year, Ivey helped protect quarterback Zack Darlington as Apopka went on a 13–2 record, and won the 2012 FHSAA Class 8A state title over Cypress Bay.[2] The following year, Apopka reached the state 8A final again, but lost to South Dade.[3] After Darlington graduated, the offensive load was carried by halfback Chandler Cox. With Ivey paving the way, Apopka went 12–4 and beat Miami Columbus for the 2014 Class 8A state title.[4] Ivey was recognized with the Hall Trophy as the U. S. Army Player of the Year.[5][6]

Regarded as a five-star recruit by Rivals.com, Ivey was ranked as the No. 1 offensive tackle prospect in his class.[7] With offers from virtually every major football program, Ivey said he was “50/50” between Florida and Auburn after his final visit.[8] On National Signing Day 2015, he announced his commitment to the University of Florida.[9][10]

College career

In August 2015, Ivey suffered a slightly torn meniscus in his left knee during practice, and was scheduled for arthroscopic surgery on August 28.[11] He was sidelined for a little more than two weeks,[12] before making his college debut against Kentucky on September 19.[13] Ivey played in the final twelve games of the season, starting in the last eight including the Citrus Bowl against Michigan. After the season, Ivey was named to the SEC All-Freshman team by the conference's coaches.[14]

Professional career

Ivey with the Toronto Argonauts in 2021

New England Patriots

On July 30, 2019, Ivey signed with the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent.[15] He was released during final roster cuts on August 30, 2019.[16]

Tampa Bay Vipers

Ivey was drafted in the 2nd round in phase two in the 2020 XFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Vipers.[17] He had his contract terminated when the league suspended operations on April 10, 2020.[18]

Carolina Panthers

Ivey signed with the Carolina Panthers on April 6, 2021.[19] He was waived on August 28, 2021.[20]

Toronto Argonauts

On October 15, 2021, Ivey signed with the Toronto Argonauts. He appeared in one game for the Argos during the regular season.

Edmonton Elks

The Edmonton Elks traded for Ivey just before the 2022 CFL season, acquiring him and defensive back Jalen Collins from the Toronto Argonauts for a 2023 6th Round Draft Pick.[21] Ivey played in 15 games for the Elks in his first season with the club. After missing training camp and both preseason games, Ivey was added to the active roster on May 29, 2023, after he resolved an issue with his passport.[22]

References

  1. ^ "UF linemen to keep top recruit Martez Ivey in the loop during Gators' spring practice". Orlando Sentinel. March 17, 2015.
  2. ^ "Apopka tops Cypress Bay 53–50 for state 8A football crown". Orlando Sentinel. December 15, 2012.
  3. ^ "Apopka falls 41–28 to South Dade in Florida 8A title game". Orlando Sentinel. December 14, 2013.
  4. ^ "Apopka wins 2nd state football title in 3 years". Orlando Sentinel. December 13, 2014.
  5. ^ "Apopka's Martez Ivey wins national player of year at Army All-American Bowl". OrlandoSentinel.com. January 2, 2015. Retrieved June 29, 2015.
  6. ^ "Martez Ivey wins U.S. Army All-American Bowl Player of the Year". NOLA.com. Retrieved June 29, 2015.
  7. ^ 2015 Prospect Ranking
  8. ^ "5-star lineman Martez Ivey '50/50 between Florida and Auburn' after final visit". AL.com. January 25, 2015.
  9. ^ "5-star Martez Ivey commits to Florida". GatorBait. Archived from the original on February 7, 2015. Retrieved June 29, 2015.
  10. ^ Adam Stites (February 3, 2015). "No. 1 OL Martez Ivey commits to Florida over Auburn on Signing Day". SBNation.com. Vox Media. Retrieved June 29, 2015.
  11. ^ "UF freshman OT Martez Ivey to undergo arthroscopic surgery". Orlando Sentinel. August 27, 2015.
  12. ^ "Florida LT Martez Ivey expected to miss 2–4 weeks after knee surgery, report says". AL.com. August 28, 2015.
  13. ^ "Gators get a boost from driven ex-Apopka star Martez Ivey". Orlando Sentinel. October 1, 2015.
  14. ^ "Gators Martez Ivey, CeCe Jefferson named to SEC All-Freshman team". Orlando Sentinel. December 10, 2015.
  15. ^ "Patriots sign OL Martez Ivey; release OL Cole Croston". Patriots.com. July 30, 2019.
  16. ^ Thomas, Oliver (August 30, 2019). "Patriots 2018 sixth-rounder Christian Sam joins list of reported exits". PatsPulpit.com. Retrieved August 30, 2019.
  17. ^ "OFFENSIVE LINEMEN DRAFT TRACKER". XFL.com. October 15, 2019. Retrieved October 16, 2019.
  18. ^ Condotta, Bob (April 10, 2020). "XFL suspends operations, terminates all employees, but Jim Zorn says he has hopes league will continue". SeattleTimes.com. Retrieved July 17, 2020.
  19. ^ Gantt, Darin (April 6, 2021). "Panthers sign tackle Martez Ivey". Panthers.com. Retrieved April 6, 2021.
  20. ^ Gantt, Darin (August 28, 2021). "Panthers part ways with six more players". Panthers.com.
  21. ^ "Elks acquire pair from Toronto". Edmonton Elks. June 5, 2022. Retrieved June 7, 2022.
  22. ^ "Edmonton Elks remove American OL Martez Ivy from suspended list". 3DownNation. May 29, 2023. Retrieved May 31, 2023.
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