We’re counting down the top 50 most important college football players in Texas, and we have reached the penultimate installment.
This group is the most decorated group yet, featuring a national award-winning quarterback and a national champion. It also features players from Baylor and Houston that we named best at their position in the summer magazine.
Choosing the most “important” players is never easy. We take into account returning production, accolades and position. Most importantly, we judge whether a player can make or break a team’s season.
Here is part four of the most important college football players in Texas.
Previous Installments: 50-41 | 40-31 | 30-21
20. OL Derek Kerstetter, Texas
One of the most experienced linemen in college football, Kerstetter has started almost every position on the offensive line in 37 starts over four years. With Samuel Cosmi off to the NFL, Kerstetter steps into an unquestioned leadership role up front. Texas projects at least three underclassman starters
19. CB Marcus Jones, Houston
Jones earned critical acclaim nationally for his punt return ability, but also ranks as one of the top returning cornerbacks in the state. PFF ranks Jones as its highest-graded returning cornerback and gives him an 89 coverage grade. The only corner ranked ahead of Jones in both metrics was first round pick Patrick Surtain.
18. OT Connor Galvin, Baylor
Baylor’s offensive line ranked among the worst units in the Big 12, but Galvin was a steadying presence. He was the only Bears lineman to post a PFF offensive grade over 70 – or over 60. Now, Baylor’s staff tells Texas Football that Galvin has transitioned exceptionally well to the new wide zone scheme. Locking down the left tackle position is a great start.
17. LB Dee Winters, TCU
TCU lost mainstay Garret Wallow at linebacker. But if you ask Gary Patterson, Winters might have been even better than Wallow last year. As a sophomore, Winters posted 65 tackles and 9.5 tackles for loss. Forty of his tackles were solo stops. Since TCU plays just two linebackers, getting real production from that spot is critical; Winters is ready.
16. QB Clayton Tune, Houston
Dana Holgorsen is known for his work with quarterbacks, but Tune’s first three seasons at Houston have been a real mixed bag. The Carrollton Hebron product has completed just 57.7 percent of passes, and is at a 26-19 touchdown-to-interception ratio over the past three seasons. If he can come into his own, Houston’s ceiling rises dramatically.
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