Prospect Spotlight: Martin Koivisto – Shakopee (2022)
While doing some self-evaluation, Shakopee junior Martin Koivisto Martin Koivisto 6'6" | 290 lbs | OL Shakopee | 2022 State MN realized where he was strong and where he needed to improve. Although he has improved in those areas, instead…
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Continue ReadingWhile doing some self-evaluation, Shakopee junior
Martin Koivisto
Martin
Koivisto
6'6" | 290 lbs | OL
Shakopee | 2022
State
MN
realized where he was strong and where he needed to improve. Although he has improved in those areas, instead of focusing on what he is already good at – and enjoys – Koivisto has kept working on those areas where he feels he needs to improve. His work has paid off – not only on the field – but on the recruiting trail.
“This year went well,” Koivisto said. “Looking at my film from my sophomore year to my junior year, there are some big improvements in my footwork, power, and speed.”
Those improvements helped the Sabers overcome a slow start to put together a 6-2 season – including a section title.
“The season went great. We started 0-2, which we weren’t happy about,” Koivisto admitted. “I don’t think anyone thought we were going to start 0-2. We turned it around, went 6-0, and played well as a team. We didn’t give up many rushing yards or points after the first two games. The offense started scoring too.”
Koivisto has been the starting left guard since his sophomore season.
“On offense, we executed. We figured out what was going to work and what was not going to work. We switched a few things, and I think our offensive line and running back did really well, flipping things on the offensive side.”
Although he has been primarily an interior lineman, his versatility is one of his strengths.
“I have played every offensive line position throughout my career, but guard on varsity.”
Koivisto has taken a personal weakness and has turned it into a strength.
“I am not the fastest guy in the world, but I have learned to use my feet. I think one of the things I do well is pull. Run blocking is my strength. In Shakopee, we don’t do a lot of passing. As an offensive lineman, we are almost in a defensive lineman’s stance.”
This winter, Koivisto has not rested on his past improvements.
“I am working on my speed, footwork, and agility, and I plan to work on pass blocking. Right now, I am working on my steps with some resistance bands. I will be working on some more lineman-specific things later, but right now, I am focused on strength, agility, and footwork.”
As much as he likes to work on his agility, he has a passion for another form of training.
“I love lifting,” Koivisto told prepredzonemn.com. “It is really one of my hobbies. Right now, I do a lot of bench, squat, and deadlift. I would guess we will be adding power cleans later.”
Recruiting picked up for the Sabers’ big man in January.
“Recruiting has been exciting,” Koivisto said. “Each offer is just as exciting as the next. When I got my first offer from Kent State, I was amazed. That is everything I have been working for since I started playing football. I have five Division I offers.”
In addition to Kent State, Koivisto has offers from South Dakota, Eastern Michigan, Central Michigan, and Iowa State.
“I have a lot of contact with North Dakota State. Recently, I have started talking with Nebraska.”
He is being recruited exclusively as an offensive lineman. Where on the offensive line depends on who you talk to.
“Most of the schools have said they like my aggressiveness – especially when pulling. They like how I can move, being 6’6″ and 300 pounds. Some have said they like my finish – my drive to put people in the ground. The coaches that have offered me it is about 50/50 between guard and tackle. I think I could play either in college. I think I am versatile. If I had to guess, I would think my future will be at tackle because of my length.”
With his willingness to improve, schools will have even more to like about the Sabers’ big man.