Former Griffin High standout Sherrod Martin said he’s ready for whatever will come his way when the Carolina Panthers open training camp Aug. 2 at Wofford College in Spartanburg, S.C.

“I heard that NFL training camp is a whole different animal,” said Martin, taken with the 59th pick overall in this year’s NFL Draft. “It’s something I’m looking forward to. I’m ready to go to work, even in the heat.”

Martin, who played safety at Troy but was drafted by the Panthers to play cornerback, said he learned a lot during the team’s Organized Training Activities (OTAs) and minicamps.

“Each day during the OTAs and early minicamps I made some progress and I bonded with the coaches and players,” the Troy University graduate said. “Basically, I was getting more comfortable each time out.”

Martin said he’s working on special teams, like most rookies do, and he feels his play there will lead to opportunities to get into the Panthers’ lineup.

“Right now, it all starts with me. I’ve got to do all I can to impress the coaches and my teammates,” Martin said. “I’ve got to work hard and be prepared when my number is called, either in the secondary or on special teams.”

Martin said his teammates and coaches said he’ll see the true NFL when training camp starts next week. He said they’ve told him the game speeds up in camp and in preseason games.

He said he’s learned a lot from his teammates, whom he describes as “a great group of guys.” He said they don’t mind sharing their knowledge of NFL life with him and they’ve definitely been showing him the ropes of being an NFL player.

“I’ve learned that even now, you have got to take care of your body and it will take care of you,” he said. “That means eating right, lifting weights, getting massages and getting in the cold tub even if you aren’t hurt.”

Martin said his goal in training camp is to do what he can to stand out.

“I will do my best to make my own way and the rest will be up to the coaches to insert me in the lineup,” Martin said. “I just plan to make plays.”