Evaluating the Fifth Year Candidates
By Andrew Hall
Zack Martin, Offensive Tackle
Oct. 6, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive tackle Zack Martin (70) celebrates after running back Cierre Wood (20), not shown, scored a touchdown in the third quarter against the Miami Hurricanes at Soldier Field. Notre Dame won 41-3. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Brian Kelly has already announced that Martin will be returning in 2013. Zack Martin is critical to Notre Dame’s Offense and leadership in 2013. Having a Linemen of Martin’s caliber is invaluable. The Left Tackle position may be one of the most important postions in football. This is why we constantly see NFL teams selected Left Tackles high in the Draft each year. Martin is just as important to Notre Dame. Clearly, he was the more important than all the other fifth-year candidates because Brian Kelly announced his name before everyone else’s at BCS Media Day. Martin will probably become a two-time captain of the Fighting Irish and compete for some prestigious post-season awards.