Dawson County High School football player Zack Martin was one of 10 players in the state of Georgia to receive the NAPA Auto Parts/Larry Csonka "Blue Collar Player of the Year" award.

The award, which was presented March 19 in Macon, is given to "hard-working" players that, according to NFL Hall of Famer Larry Csonka in a released statement, "show up for work every day and never complain, unsung heroes who spend little time in the spotlight, but play pivotal roles in their team's success."

"I'm honored to be one of 10 people in the whole state to receive the award. It's really a great honor," Martin said. "I'm really excited to meet Larry Csonka."

Martin, a senior, will be presented with a plaque from Csonka to commemorate his achievement.

Martin said that it is his coaches that drive him to be the best he can be.

"The coaches always push me to do the best I can and always play my hardest," he said. "That's what I try to do. I always try to play as hard as I can."

He also said that it's not always about doing the perfect thing on the field. It's about always giving it your best.

"Always play every play like it's your last play. Play as hard as you can at all times," Martin said. "Even if you do something wrong and you're playing as hard as you can, good things will happen."

Martin will continue his athletic career at Union College in Kentucky. He signed a football scholarship Feb. 22.