The college football season begins on Sept. 2 for 12 of the 13 FBS teams in the state of Texas. The lone exception in the Lone Star State is UTEP, which face Jacksonville State in Week 0 to begin Conference USA play. 

As we approach the start of another season, we’ll countdown the 50-most important players in college football. We’ll go one-by-one until Sept. 1 as we enter the top 20. 

Previous rankings: 50-41 | 40-31 | 30-21

The college football season begins on Sept. 2 for 12 of the 13 FBS teams in the state of Texas. The lone exception in the Lone Star State is UTEP, which face Jacksonville State in Week 0 to begin Conference USA play. 

As we approach the start of another season, we’ll countdown the 50-most important players in college football. We’ll go one-by-one until Sept. 1 as we enter the top 20. 

No. 16: Texas A&M defensive tackle Walter Nolen 

The History 

Nolen arrived as the crown jewel of Texas A&M’s historic 2022 recruiting class, which ranked as the best in the history of college football since recruiting services began tracking such things. The 6-4, 290-pound five-star from Tennessee was a 2022 Under Armour All-American after registering 93 tackles, including 33 tackles for loss and a staggering 17 sacks as a senior. Nolen played in 10 games as a true freshman for the Aggies in 2022, starting four times. He received the defensive Top Newcomer award at the annual team banquet. 

The Importance

Nolen and fellow defensive tackle McKinnley Jackson provide the Aggies with one of the best interior defensive lines in college football. They’re backed up by potential stars like Albert Regis, Isaiah Raikes, and Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy. If Nolen can become the anchor up front that requires double teams, that frees up the linebackers in the run game and the defensive ends to rush the passer – something Texas A&M needs to be better at in 2023. Ask Georgia how important stars are in the interior of the defensive line. 

The Outlook  

The Texas A&M defense was putrid against the run – go ask Ole Miss. Youth up front and a new system were the main culprits. Most college coaches will tell you the best thing that can happen to a young offensive or defensive lineman is a birthday. Nolen and his running mates should be more mature – on and off the field – heading into 2023. Add in another year of the weight room and with defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin and the Aggies could be one of the most improved front sevens in college football if Nolen becomes a consistently dominant force. 

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