The 2024 college football season presents an entirely new landscape. Texas is in the SEC. SMU is back in a power conference as ACC members. The College Football Playoff now includes 12 teams and an automatic bid for the best G5 team in the land. For most, the start of the season is in Week 1 on August 30, though SMU starts in Week 0 and TCU plays its first game on Aug. 29. 

To celebrate us making it through another off-season, we’re counting down the 50 most important players in Texas as we inch closer to kickoffs. This list isn’t necessarily about which players are the best in terms of NFL draft stock. It ranks players in order of importance to their team's success. 

NO. 16: SMU TE RJ MARYLAND 

The history: The three-star tight end from Southlake Carroll High School committed to his hometown Mustangs in the 2022 class after catching 65 passes for 14 touchdowns and over 1,100 yards as a senior. Maryland started six times as a freshman in 2022, registering 28 receptions for 296 yards and six touchdowns. He was second on the team in 2023 with 54 catches and 518 receiving yards. He was tied for the team lead with seven touchdown receptions while averaging 15.24 yards per carry. His father, Russell, was an NFL defensive tackle who starred for the Cowboys in the 90s. 

The skillset: Maryland is more wide receiver than traditional tight end. That’s not to say he can’t or won’t run block, it’s just that he’s excellent as a pass catcher. His speed was unrivaled at the tight position in the G5 ranks. He was too big for defensive backs and much too fast for linebackers. Maryland is an excellent route runner with consistent hands. He’s also durable. 

The impact: Offensive stars such as Maryland must take the next step for SMU to compete as an ACC program in the Power Four. Tight ends provide mismatch opportunities for the offense and Maryland is a mismatch against most players. He’s more than just a security blanket – he’s a big play waiting to happen. Not many tight ends average more than 15 yards per catch. That top end speed puts pressure on a defense because you can’t man up a linebacker on him. His threat in the middle of the field and vertically create 1-on-1 opportunities for the SMU wide receivers on most plays.