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. 

15. CB Jarron Morris, Texas State

When a cornerback puts up huge stats, it often means that they’re getting picked on consistently. In Morris’ case, it’s because defensive coordinator Zac Spavital did anything to get him on the ball. Morris posted 69 tackles, four interceptions and 11 passes defended in a tremendous junior season, and will play an even bigger part on a Texas State defense that continues to get better. 

14. QB Cameron Ward, UIW

Ward only had one scholarship offer coming out of West Columbia. Luckily, it was the only one he needed. Ward won the Jerry Rice Award as the top freshman in the FCS, and finished the season with an insane 2,260 yards and 24 touchdowns in just six games. Adding a quarterback like Ward makes UIW an early Southland favorite. 

13. DB Jefferson Fritz, Mary Hardin-Baylor

Fritz is perhaps the most decorated individual player in the state of Texas, at any level.The Kaufman product is a two-time first team All-American at safety, a multiple time all-conference pick at punter, a national champion and the conference record holder for career interceptions. The 2021 season will be his best yet. 

12. DB Rashad Wisdom, UTSA

Wisdom is the unquestioned heart of a defense filled with talent and experience. The San Antonio native passed up Power Five offers for the chance to build something special in his hometown, and his attacking mentality sets the tone for one of the fast-rising programs in the state. On the field, Wisdom led the Roadrunners in tackles – by more than 20 – interceptions and forced fumbles. 

11. LB Terrel Bernard, Baylor

How good was Bernard last season? Despite missing half the season with a shoulder injury, the La Porte product still earned All-Big 12 honors. Bernard posted 55 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, two pass breakups and an interception in just five games. With a full season, he’ll easily compete for All-America honors.