WKU defensive lineman Brodric Martin had his dream of playing professional football become a reality on Friday evening when he was selected by the Detroit Lions in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft as the 96th overall pick.

Martin is the 39th Hilltopper in program history to be drafted into the NFL, the second to be drafted by the Detroit Lions and will be the fourth player out of Western Kentucky to join the franchise, joining Troy Snardon, Riley Ware and Quanterus Smith.

Martin's selection additionally marks the second-consecutive year that Western Kentucky has found success in the NFL Draft during the third round as former WKU defensive end DeAngelo Malone was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons as the 82nd overall pick in the the 2022 NFL Draft as the 82nd overall pick.

Martin is now the sixth-highest drafted Hilltopper in program history behind Forrest Lamp (38th, 2017), Taywan Taylor (72nd, 2017), Joseph Jefferson (74th, 2002), Malone and Virgil Livers (83rd, 1975).

After spending his first two collegiate seasons at North Alabama, Martin joined the roster of Western Kentucky ahead of the 2021 season, competing in all 28 games in both years with the Hilltoppers.

The native of Tuscaloosa, AL. helped lead Western Kentucky to 18 wins in two years, including a Boca Raton Bowl win in the 2021 season followed by a victory in the New Orleans Bowl Championship in the 2022 campaign. As a senior last season, Martin started in 14 contests on the Hilltoppers' defensive line.

Martin closes out his career at Western Kentucky with 56 total tackles, including six tackles for loss and four sacks. He also recorded two deflected passes, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.

Against Indiana last season, Martin recorded a career-high six tackles. In a contest against UAB later in the season, Martin recorded one forced fumble and a sack. Martin's performance helped the Hilltoppers to an explosive year defensively as Western Kentucky led the country in forced turnovers and defensive touchdowns in 2022.

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