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Opposing Players We're Dreading: Adrian Martinez

Dual-threat quarterback key to resurgence for Scott Frost's Nebraska

Athlon Sports

There's going to be some great quarterback play in the Big Ten this year.

Between Trace McSorley (Penn State), Nathan Stanley (Iowa), Kasim Hill (Maryland) and Shea Patterson (Michigan), there will be plenty of talent at the most important position on the field.

A big part of that will be the play of Adrian Martinez of Nebraska as well. One of the top quarterback prospects in the country from the class of 2018, the Fresno, California native will be central to the rebuild of Nebraska into national players. Head coach Scott Frost has a history of molding quarterbacks who can beat you with their feet as well as their arms, such as Marcus Mariota.

Martinez might have the most God-given ability than any player Frost has coached at the position. Ever. Just watch some of his play in the Nebraska spring game.

He's big. He's fast. He has a funky, quick delivery on his throws. He'll blow the competition once he gets his feet wet.

That will be the biggest issue, however. A true freshman hasn't started for Nebraska in over 20 years. But like Tommie Frazier before him, Martinez has a much more mature game than his age belies.

It's not a guarantee that he will start, but the writing is on the wall. He clearly has the highest upside of the group. It would surprise me if he wasn't tabbed for the season opener. It also wouldn't surprise me if we heard his name in the conversation for Big Ten Freshman of the Year by season's end.

Circle November 11 on your calendar. You might just see a rising phenom freshman put on a show.

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