Notre Dame football: Top-25 players of the Brian Kelly era

Notre Dame Football: Top-25 players of the Brian Kelly era

SOUTH BEND, INDIANA - NOVEMBER 07: Head coach Brian Kelly of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish leads his team out of the tunnel before the game against the Clemson Tigers at Notre Dame Stadium on November 7, 2020 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Matt Cashore-Pool/Getty Images) /

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Notre Dame Football OT Zach Martin. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

Notre Dame Football: Top-25 players of the Brian Kelly era

9. Zack Martin, OT, 2010-13

Zack Martin was one of the early, dominant offensive linemen under Brian Kelly. Martin was a four-year starter at left tackle for the Irish, after taking a redshirt in 2009, the final season of the Charlie Weis era.

During that time, Martin was a key player in turning the program around and going to the National Championship in the 2012-13 season.

A two-time team captain, Martin was the left tackle who helped lead the Irish to 4.8 yards per carry in 2011. During his time at Notre Dame, Martin started in 52 games, which is a record, showing the kind of durability needed during those early years of the Brian Kelly Era.

He anchored several dominant offensive lines, was named an All-American and was named Pinstripe Bowl MVP. From there, he was a first-round pick of the Dallas Cowboys, where he has been named an All-Pro at left tackle four times.

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