USC quarterback Cody Kessler is hit as he throws by Stanford linebacker Blake Martinez, foiling a fourth-down attempt by the Trojans late in the game at Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto, Calif., on Sept. 6, 2014. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times/MCT)

 Robert Gauthier

CDO gradΒ Blake MartinezΒ has emerged as a top defensive player in the Pac-12 after Stanford’s first three games. Martinez, a junior inside linebacker, leads Stanford with 24 tackles and was No. 10 in the league through three games. β€œI think he’s playing about the best of anybody on defense right now,” Stanford defensive coordinatorΒ Lance AndersonΒ told reporters last week. β€œHe had a great offseason in terms of just improving his speed, improving his strength. He’s a big, physical kid that runs really well. It’s all translating on the field.”

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