Bishop Gorman Gaels quarterback Tate Martell (18) calls out a play to his offensive line during a team practice at Fertitta Field. (Photo: Stephen R. Sylvanie, USA TODAY Sports)
Tate Martell is a Texas A&M commit no longer.
The Bishop Gorman quarterback, a 5-star recruit who is rated as the top dual-threat quarterback in the Class of 2017, decommitted from Texas A&M late Wednesday night, citing ongoing discussions with his family about his future as motivation behind the decision.
The decision to decommit from the Aggies apparently came hours after Martell’s latest dalliance with Ohio State, with the Buckeyes’ co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Tim Beck visiting Martell in Las Vegas. While Martell is wanted by just about every major program in America, his visit to Columbus gained significant attention and support from other existing Ohio State commits.
Kenny Sanchez, Martell’s coach at Bishop Gorman, said that his quarterback’s decommitment should not have been a surprise to Texas A&M, especially after he told A&M coach Kevin Sumlin of his decision before Martell tweeted last night.
“I talked to him today and he’s doing fine,” Sanchez said. “It all started with him wanting to reopen his recruiting. I don’t think that was a surprise to me or anyone else who’s been paying attention. He’s always upfront with the offers he gets. But, any time you put anything on social media, it can be interpreted in different ways.”
While Martell has said often that he is “100 percent committed” to Texas A&M over the last few months, he announced in mid-April that he was planning to enjoy the process and take all five of his official visits. He then listed a number of schools he’d be interested in visiting.
MORE: Martell says he plans to take all five official visits
This is Martell’s second decommitment, as he previously decommitted from Washington.
In a touching note of compassion and understanding, other members of Texas A&M’s Class of 2017 were forgiving about Martell’s decision to back away from Sumlin’s program.
While future Aggies were willing to give Martell the benefit of the doubt, Texas A&M’s receivers coach, Aaron Moorehead, authored a Twitter screed attacking, “ppl who never understand loyalty,” fewer than 10 minutes after the quarterback’s decommitment. While Moorehead was quick to claim that he wasn’t directly address Martell, the timing of the tweets you see below are almost certainly related.
To be fair, Moorehead claimed that his tweets were not related to Martell’s decommitment.
Still, it would appear Moorehead’s rant had an adverse affect on a few other A&M targets, as well, including Mannie Netherly, whose tweet above is in support of Martell, but, after Moorehead’s tweets, also decommitted.
Tyjon Lindsey, one of the top receivers in the class of 2017, was Martell’s teammate at Bishop Gorman and among his closest friends. Lindsey has returned to Southern California at Corona Centennial for his senior year, but he apparently also took offense to Moorehead’s tweets and removed A&M from his list.
Moorehead apologized Thursday.
Clearly, Martell’s recruitment will continue to drive plenty of drama and attention. He hasn’t ruled Texas A&M out as a potential destination, though College Station certainly seems like a longer shot now.