If you have watched the Nebraska Cornhuskers play this year, you have, undoubtedly, watched Husker quarterback Taylor Martinez. Martinez, a sophomore, is, inarguably, one of the most explosive players in college football today. I’ve heard many Husker fans voice their opinion about Martinez and, oddly enough, I’ve heard more bad than good. Things like: “He runs with the ball “differently” than other quarterbacks.” “He’ll never make it in the NFL.” “He panics in the pocket and fumbles the ball,” and many other complaints I cannot repeat here.

I have also heard fans discussing personal issues about Martinez’s life. For instance, during Taylor’s senior year of high school he transferred to Centennial High School in Corona, California. There he passed for over 3,000 yards and 28 touchdowns and led Centennial High to an undefeated season and a state title. Some say Martinez only transferred to Centennial to win a state championship; they believed this was a sign of him having bad character. Furthermore, most Husker fans were not happy with the way Martinez finished last year’s Husker season. During the first six games last year with Nebraska, Martinez rushed for 886 yards and passed for 1,161 yards. Then, during the last six games, he only rushed for 79 yards and passed for 470 yards. Many questioned whether or not Martinez could continue to lead the Huskers; they wanted Martinez out. There were even rumors Martinez had left Lincoln and transferred to UCLA. People who personally knew Taylor added to the rumor mill by saying Taylor was selfish and a jerk. Long story short, Husker fans overwhelmingly wanted to see Martinez on the road back to where he came from.

Even I was in the “Martinez Hater” club, like everybody else in Husker Nation, until July, 28 2011. But then, during the Big 10 media days in Chicago, Illinois, Husker football coach Bo Pelini was asked about his quarterback and if he had improved. Pelini said, “He had a tremendous spring. Phenomenal summer. He’s more engaged as a leader. He’s really taken upon himself to grow in that area. I think he’s becoming a tremendous leader on our football team. Holding his teammates accountable. Holding himself accountable. I think he’s poised to have a great year.” I believed him.

Later, I also had an opportunity to meet Taylor during the Husker Fan Day at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln in early August. After Fan Day the players were ordered to go back into the locker rooms for workouts. Taylor, however, stayed out after Fan Day ended, signed more autographs, and took more pictures with fans. That choice helped to convince me that Taylor may really be a decent person and then his performance on the field convinced me he may really be a great quarterback.

So, I started the 2011 football season with high hopes for Taylor and the Huskers. Currently the Huskers are 4-0 and Martinez is, so far, having a great season. Martinez has accounted for 69% of Nebraska’s total offense and 50% of the points Nebraska has scored.

Thus far, Martinez is living up to the expectations of his being the quarterback leader for the Huskers, and, although there’s still a great deal of football left to be played, I’m confident Taylor Martinez will lead the Huskers in great way and to their ultimate goal: another national championship.