Just days before Louisiana football kicks off the 2025 college football season this Saturday, one of it’s own has solidified himself on the next level.
Former Ragin’ Cajuns cornerback Keyon Martin earned a spot on the Baltimore Ravens’ 53-man roster after signing on as an undrafted free agent.
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“Everday I step in this building, I know that I’m beating the odds and its a blessing,” Martin said in the Ravens’ press conference after making the team. “It was destined for me to be with the Ravens. The scouting, they seen something in the way that I play aggressive, fast, twitchy and a very instinctive football player.”
Listed at 5-foot-9 and 170 pounds, whatever Martin lacks in size, he makes up for in heart and football IQ. As one of eight other undrafted free agents UL football players that signed with an NFL team this past NFL Draft period, Martin stood out during spring, fall and preseason while in Baltimore.
During preseason play, Martin showed flashes of what he do for the Ravens any given Sunday, kicking off his NFL career with a pick six in their 30-3 victory over the Washington Commanders on Aug. 23. Martin ended that game with five total tackles, two tackles for loss and a pass deflection, showing out his NFL debut.
ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO – DECEMBER 28: Cornerback Keyon Martin #21 of the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns forces a fumble against running back Trent Battle #17 of the TCU Horned Frogs during the first half of the Isleta New Mexico Bowl at University Stadium on December 28, 2024 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images)
He continued to be a hound in the secondary in the Ravens’ other two preseason games against the Dallas Cowboys and Indianapolis Colts. Against the Cowboys, Martin blasted quarterback Joe Milton III for a big-time sack for a safety en route to a 31-13 Ravens victory. Martin also racked up four tackles for loss and finished with an opponent passer rating of 13.4.
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Martin is the latest former Cajun to make it to the NFL and is among seven who made a 53-man roster this season, joining Percy Butler (Commanders), Kevin Dotson (Rams), Robert Hunt (Panthers), Elijah Mitchell (Chiefs), Max Mitchell (Jets) and Nate Thomas (Cowboys).
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Shannon Belt covers high school sports, the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns and LSU men’s basketball for The Daily Advertiser as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow her high school and Cajuns coverage on Twitter: @ShannonBelt3. Got questions regarding HS/UL athletics? Send them to Shannon Belt at sbelt@gannett.com.
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This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: Former Ragin’ Cajun Keyon Martin makes Baltimore Ravens’ 53-man roster