We’re counting down the 50 most important college football players in Texas, and we’ve reached the top of the list.
When determining the most important players, we have to take into account factors from returning production to position. But most importantly, we’re looking at the players who we believe can swing seasons.
Naturally, the top group features multiple quarterbacks who can make or break their teams’ offenses. However, the top of the list is a couple of guys who have a chance to push for national recognition – and to compete for their conference crowns.
Here are the 10 most important college football players in Texas in 2021.
Previous Installments: 50-41 | 40-31 | 30-21 | 20-11
10. QB Tyler Shough, Texas Tech
Is Texas Tech just a quarterback away? We’ll find out once and for all as Oregon transfer Shough takes over under center. The Pac-12 champion quarterback completed 63.5 percent to hif passes for 1,559 yards, 13 touchdowns and six interceptions in seven appearances with the Ducks.
The Red Raiders ranked No. 90 nationally in yards per pass attempt, behind struggling offenses like Michigan State, UTEP and Tennessee. If Shough can provide stability, the receiver talent at Texas Tech ranks among the best in the state.
9. QB Eric Schmid, Sam Houston
No matter what happens this season, Schmid is already a legend at Sam Houston for throwing a national championship-winning pass, the first ever in program history. After accumulating 28 touchdowns in just 10 games, Schmid is back for more this fall.
The senior from The Woodlands had offers to play other positions at major schools, but wanted a shot under center at Sam Houston. When he’s healthy, the Bearkats are a different program. Schmid will compete for the Walter Payton Award.
8. DE DeMarvin Leal, Texas A&M
The one-time 5-star has transformed himself into a potential first team All-American on the defensive line and become a leader of the Aggies defense. Over his first two seasons, Leal posted 75 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks.
But while his numbers are good, the physical leadership role Leal plays in freeing up fellow defensive linemen is an integral part of Texas A&M’s defensive resurgence. Especially in the SEC, games are won and lost in the trenches and Leal represents a massive advantage – one of the biggest in the state.
7. WR Reggie Roberson, SMU
Roberson has played 12 games over the past two seasons because of injuries. In those 12 games, Roberson has caught 65 passes for 1,277 yards and 11 touchdowns. More importantly, SMU is undefeated over that stretch with wins over No. 25 Memphis, No. 25 TCU and Houston.
All this to say, Roberson is a nearly unmatched game-changer at receiver when he’s healthy. When I asked an SMU source why the Mustangs have been so much better with Roberson, his answer was simple.
“I don’t know, but he better stay on the field for us this year.”
6. RB Bijan Robinson, Texas
Perhaps the most hyped player of the offseason, Robinson brings some real reasons for excitement with the way he finished 2020. The Arizona native rushed for 522 yards and four touchdowns in his final four games, along with a pair of receiving scores in the bowl game against Colorado.
Steve Sarkisian noted that he wants Robinson to get at least 20 touches per game, a role Robinson never even played in high school. If Robinson can be a dynamic impact player, it gives Sarkisian something to build around heading forward.
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