OSU Player to Watch, Day 13: Nick Martinez

Oklahoma Sports brings you the 13th day of a 15-part series detailing the players to keep an eye on next season.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 11:31 am

By: News On 6

OSU Player to Watch, Day 13: Nick Martinez

Originally Published: Feb 27, 2010 6:14 PM CDT

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- TU Player to Watch, Day 13: Trent Dupy

Gerald Goodridge
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

OL Nick Martinez

Background:

Nick Martinez was a three-star recruit at guard from Floresville High School in Floresville, Texas who had offers from Big 12 and Conference USA teams before deciding on Oklahoma State. Martinez redshirted his freshman year, and saw limited playing time in his next two seasons, but was slated as the backup offensive tackle on both sides of the line. At 6-foot-4 317-pounds, Martinez is a big body that can take up space on the offensive line.

Why He’s on the List:

Offensive line is one of the hardest-hit positions by graduation. The Cowboys are losing a starter at every position except for one guard position. Martinez has been in the program for four seasons and is ready to take up the mantle on the line. He’s a big blocker that can excel in a pass-heavy offensive, and should be able to keep either quarterback upright.

Best Case Scenario:

Martinez needs to keep up the high standard of play that the OSU offensive line set this season. The Cowboys’ front line only gave up 11 sacks during the 2009 season, ranking top in the Big 12 and sixth in the nation. Inexperienced quarterbacks tend to hold on to the ball longer and need extra time to make their reads. Martinez and sophomore guard Lane Taylor need to anchor the line and ensuring they can keep the quarterback upright.

Worst Case Scenario:

The Cowboys already have huge holes to fill along the offensive line, and if Martinez can produce he adds yet another gap along the front five. There will be very little experience along the front five and the loss of an older player can be detrimental to the cohesion of a group that has to rely on chemistry and communication.

My Take:

This all hinges on whether or not Martinez is on the field next season after a being arrested for public intoxication Feb. 25. If Martinez is still with the Cowboys he should be able to contribute on the field because of his experience in the system. It’s unrealistic to expect him to be able to completely replace Russell Okung, but if he can keep the quarterback upright the Cowboys should be able to produce offensively.

Other OSU players to watch (click the names below to read the full stories)

- Day 1: LB Orie Lemon
- Day 2: S Markelle Martin
- Day 3: RB Jeremy Smith
- Day 4: TE Wilson Youman
- Day 5: S/KR/PR Johnny Thomas
- Day 6: QB Johnny Deaton
- Day 7: OL Lane Taylor
- Day 8: LB Shaun Lewis
- Day 9: CB Andrew McGee
- Day 10: WR Justin Blackmon
- Day 11: RB Dexter Pratt
- Day 12: LB Caleb Lavey