Iron sharpens iron. That’s the overused cliché a lot of coaches use during a heated quarterback competition during the offseason. Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez seems to believe it though.

Speaking with the media on Thursday, Martinez says that he and backup Luke McCaffrey have had solid competition throughout the offseason this year. While it still seems that the starting job is Martinez’s to lose, the two-year starter says he’s feeling the pressure from McCaffrey right now.

“Luke’s pushing me, and I love it,” Martinez said, per Sam McKewon of the Omaha World-Herald. “I’m here for the competition.”

Martinez threw for 1,956 yards and 10 touchdowns for the Huskers last season, but also tossed 9 picks and completed under 60% of his passes. He rushed for 626 yards and 7 touchdowns, as well, but all his major statistical numbers dropped from his freshman campaign in 2018.

Nagging injuries forced Martinez to miss a few contests last season, as well as split time at the quarterback position in a few contests. But with time to recover, the junior says he’s ready for the 2020 season.

“I would say I’m feeling as good as I have in awhile,” he said.

It sounds like Martinez will need to be at full strength to retain his spot atop the depth chart. While McCaffrey appeared in only four games last season, he did post solid numbers for the Huskers.

McCaffrey finished the year completing 9-of-12 pass attempts with 2 touchdowns. He also racked up 166 yards and a touchdown on the ground on 24 carries and caught a pass for 12 yards.

The ongoing competition during practice should have Martinez ready to go for Nebraska’s season opener against Ohio State on Oct. 24.