The 50 most important college players in Texas in 2017 — No. 16: Texas A&M's Koda Martin

The importance of a player is not always defined by their skill level. The most important player on a team or in a unit is not always the best player on a team. This list is designed to breakdown the 50 most important players in Texas college football for the 2017 season. It is not a ranking of the 50 best college football players in the state. Importance can be defined by position, need, skill or leadership. We’ll count down the list through the summer, all the way to No. 1. Previously:50 – Lamar DE Daniel Crosley / 49 – TCU WR KaVontae Turpin / 48 – UTEP QB Ryan Metz47 – UMHB RB Markeith Miller / 46 – Sam Houston State DE PJ Hall / 45 – Baylor WR Blake Lynch44 – Texas Tech WR Jonathan Giles (transferred) / 43 – Texas Tech RB Justin Stockton42 – PVAMU WR Joshua Simmons / 41 – Rice RB Samuel Stewart / 40 – UNT WR Jalen Guyton39 – Texas RB Chris Warren / 38 – Rice OL Trey Martin / 37 – Texas A&M Commerce QB Luis Perez36 – Baylor DL K.J. Smith / 35 – Texas State LB Gabe Loyd / 34 – Texas State WR Thurman Morbley33 – Houston DB Khalil Williams / 32 – Texas Tech LB Jordyn Brooks / 31 – SFA DL John Franklin30 – SMU DE Justin Lawler / 29 – Texas State QB Damian Williams / 28 – ACU QB Dallas Sealey27 – UTSA QB Dalton Sturm / 26 – Texas A&M RB Trayveon Williams / 25 – UTSA WR Josh Stewart24 – TCU LB Travin Howard / 23 – Texas Tech OL Travis Bruffy / 22 – Rice LB Emmanuel Ellerbee21 – UNT DT Bryce English / 20 – TCU LB Ty Summers / 19 – UTEP LB Alvin Jones18 – The Baylor QB / 17 – UTSA LB Josiah TauaefaThe History Left tackle has long been a position of strength for the Texas A&M offense. From first round draft picks Luke Joeckel, Jake Matthews and Cedric Ogbuehi to All-SEC selection Avery Gennessy last season, the Aggies have traditionally been solid at the most important position on the offensive line. Now, Koda Martin will be expected to fill that role as a junior. Martin spent last season filling in with a few starts at right tackle, but has continued to improve throughout the spring. Martin was originally a tight end and defensive end at Manvel, where he was a two-time all-district selection while also earning all-state honors. But he was recruited to play offensive line with his frame and potential at the position in mind, and redshirted in his first season on campus. Martin went on to serve as the top reserve lineman for the last two seasons. The Skillset When Martin arrived in College Station, he was a 6-6 245 lb. TE/DE the Aggies were hoping would fill out into his frame. Three years later, Martin looks the part of a starting left tackle. He’s up to 310 lbs. and is still athletic and quick on his feet. Going against top defensive talent in Myles Garrett and Daeshon Hall helped to expedite his growth on the offensive line, and his work ethic has helped him emerge on a line that has several questions going into the fall. The Impact As a unit, the Texas A&M offensive line struggled last season. With both Avery Gennesy and Jermaine Eluemunor gone to graduation, Martin will be heavily relied upon to fill in at left tackle. If he is able to play well and lock down that position, it will go a long way towards solidifying things up front for Kevin Sumlin and the Aggies’ coaching staff. His success up front will be vital as A&M looks to move past the eight-win mark for the first time since 2013.

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