It remains to be seen how Ohio State's quarterback recruiting is going to unfold between now and February, but one of Urban Meyer and Tim Beck's top targets is no longer committed elsewhere. Moments ago, just hours after Beck was at Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, five-star Tate Martell announced that he is backing off his pledge to Texas A&M.
After talking with my family about
— Tate Martell (@TheTateMartell) May 5, 2016
what is best for my future, I have
decided to reopen my recruiting
process.
Coincidence? Probably, but noteworthy anyway.
Martell had been committed to the Aggies since last August, but he recently took to Twitter to announce that he would be taking all five official visits this fall. He was in Columbus in late March visiting with family and made the trip to campus with his father and grandfather, who is an Ohio State alum. At the time, he wasn't shy about his affinity for the Buckeyes.
"I'm really excited to visit Ohio State because it's been my dream school for as long as I've known," Martell said. "My whole family on my mom's side loves Ohio State and a lot of them live in Ohio. I'm still excited about and committed to Texas A&M, but Ohio State would have to be my No. 2 right now."
Since the trip to Columbus, he's also been spotted at Southern Cal, a school that is also in the running for fellow five-star and close friend Tyjon Lindsey. While Lindsey is no longer attending Bishop Gorman, the two have a long-standing relationship and spent years living under the same roof. The duo has discussed playing together in college and Ohio State will continue to be a major factor in both recruitments.
While Danny Clark remains a part of the Buckeyes' 2017 class, some eyebrows were raised last month when he headed Tuscaloosa instead of partaking in Ohio State's spring game festivities. The Buckeyes also remain a serious contender for four-star Baylor commit Kellen Mond.
Martell currently checks in as the nation's top-ranked dual-threat quarterback. While only standing 5-foot-11 and weighing in at 200 pounds, his numbers are impossible to overlook. Last season he threw for 2,608 yards and 32 touchdowns while adding another 600 yards and nine scores with his legs.
The aforementioned Trojans along with California and Oregon are three other schools to keep a close eye on. The West Coast connections are strong as Martell grew up in Southern California before transferring to Las Vegas for his sophomore season. New Golden Bears' offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Jake Spavital previously held the same position in College Station and was an integral part in landing the five-star.
Eleven Warriors will have more on the Martell recruitment as it develops.
