Nebraska Football: Quarterback Adrian Martinez primed for big 2019

Adrian Martinez should have a great year for the Huskers in ’19.

It’s no secret that Nebraska’s 4-8 record left a lot to be desired. 3-6 in conference play, there are certainly things that need to be improved upon in 2019. However, not everything was a disappointment. Perhaps one of the hidden gems of the Big 10 Conference was freshman quarterback Adrian Martinez. The Fresno, Calif. native put on a show in 2018 and showed that he is more than ready to take charge next season.

Martinez threw for 2,617 yards, 17 touchdowns and eight interceptions. It would be a safe bet to say that Nebraska’s October 6 game against Wisconsin was one of his better games of the season. In that contest, Martinez threw for 384 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. He also posted an astounding completion percentage of 57.1. As Nebraska fans and college football teams alike would soon find out, the 57.1 mark was actually one of his worst ones on the year.

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A four-star duel-threat recruit coming out of Clovis West High School per 247Sports, Adrian Martinez quickly showed that he could go toe-to-toe with some of the best in major college football. Take for example the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes. Martinez went 22-of-33 on the day, throwing for 266 yards and a touchdown. A 46-yard pass was his longest of the afternoon. Especially when you take into account that the game was played at Ohio State, that makes his performance even more impressive.

Perhaps no performance that Martinez put together was more striking than the one that took place against Minnesota. That perhaps was his finest hour. He was efficient in that contest, going 25-of-29 and throwing for 276 yards and three touchdowns. His 200.3 quarterback rating was his highest mark of the season as the Huskers rolled to a 58-23 victory. Now I know it may seem as though I am just rehashing the season, but moreso I am pointing out these numbers in amazement. As a freshman, his numbers were not bad at all, and he only has room to grow.

With that in mind, what should we expect out of Martinez in 2019? For starters, I think his numbers will be a bit better. I would say over 3,000 yards 20 touchdowns and 11 interceptions would be minimum numbers. This could be the year that he truly breaks out, and that would be ideal for Nebraska. They are going to need him to have an even bigger impact for the team. There is no doubt that he has the potential to be the top playmaker on this offense and that is certainly not a bad thing. The sky is the limit for Adrian Martinez.

For now though,  we must sit and wait. Waiting is never fun, but what is coming down the road may make playing the waiting game all worth it.