We’re counting down the list of the top 50 most important college football players in Texas. This is our second installment. 

Spots 40 through 31 include two quarterbacks and three skill talents that will define how explosive this state’s offenses are in 2021. Additionally, there are a handful of defenders that have earned strong reputations and will anchor key position groups. 

Here is part two of our list of the most college football players in Texas heading into the 2021 season. Read Part One, and keep an eye on TexasFootball.com over the next several days for more. 

40. DE Praise Amaewhule, UTEP

The dynamic Miners defensive lineman changed UTEP’s defense with his ability to get after the quarterback in 2020. He nearly doubled his sack numbers in four less games as a sophomore and will anchor a developing Miners front seven. 

39. OL Amon Simon, Texas A&M-Commerce

One of the most decorated offensive linemen in this state plays in Commerce. The Humble Atascocita product was an All-American and Lone Star Conference Offensive Lineman of the Year when he last played in 2019 and should reach even higher in his sixth season as a college football player on a national title contender. 

38. QB Luke McCaffrey, Rice

Not many Conference USA squads have former Nebraska starters on the roster, but the former blue-chip quarterback decided to make West University his home this offseason. McCaffrey can be a major playmaker with his legs and completed 64.8 percent of passes in his young career with the Cornhuskers. 

37. LB Delano Robinson, SMU

Robinson started his career at defensive back but has transformed himself into a hard-hitting linebacker. The senior posted 153 tackles and 11 tackles for loss over the past two seasons. With Richard McBryde off to the NFL, Robinson’s steady production becomes even more important. 

36. WR Troy Omeire, Texas

Steve Sarkisian has plenty of talent to work with on offense, but DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle aren’t coming to town anytime soon. Omeire was seen as a breakout star in 2020 camp before suffering a season-ending injury. With two of the top three receivers gone, Omeire needs to be a bonafide star for the Longhorns’ offense to reach its potential. 

35. DB Dominique Ramsey, Texas A&M-Commerce

The sixth-year senior not only ranks as an All-American safety at the Division II level, but also has established himself as one of the great returners in the history of Texas D-II ball. His combination with fellow sixth-year senior Alex Shillow makes up the backbone of Texas A&M-Commerce’s playoff case. 

34. WR Ainias Smith, Texas A&M

There’s a reason DCTF named Smith as a utility player to its Preseason All-Texas College Team. Smith’s versatility is matched by few players in the sport. As a running back, Smith averaged six yards per carry and scored four touchdowns while catching 43 passes for 564 yards and six touchdowns. Expect him to line up out wide more often, where he can do plenty of damage. 

33. RB Zach Evans, TCU

After the whirlwind recruitment, Evans has settled in as a model football player at TCU. Following an adjustment period, Evans was unleashed to end the season with 396 yards and four touchdowns on just 50 carries in his last six games. Expect Evans to play an integral role in a revamped TCU offense. 

32. QB Frank Harris, UTSA

If UTSA reaches the mountaintop, consistency at the quarterback position will be a significant reason why. While his completion percentage is high, Harris has averaged just 6.2 yards per attempt in his young career. With Joshua Cephus and Zakhari Franklin back, not having a downfield passing game won’t cut it. 

31. LB Colin Schooler, Texas Tech

Schooler gave up immediate transfer scholarship offers to walk on for a semester at Texas Tech last fall. It paid off, as Schooler became one of the best linebackers in the state. In just nine games, Schooler posted 63 tackles and five tackles for loss. He could be the best overall player on an improving Texas Tech defense in 2021.