Less than two weeks shy of his junior season, 5-star quarterback prospect Tate Martell committed to Texas A&M on Thursday evening.
The 5'11", 180-pound prospect picked the Aggies over fellow finalists Michigan, Washington, Alabama and USC. He'll join top-ranked 2014 quarterback recruit Kyle Allen and Texas high school legend Kyler Murray on a crowded depth chart in 2017:
Rated 12th overall in 2017 composite rankings and first among dual-threat talents, Martell is one of the most impressive players in America. He collected nearly 3,000 total yards and 45 touchdowns in 2014, leading Bishop Gorman High School (Las Vegas) to its sixth straight state title and national championship consideration.
He joins TCU pledge Shawn Robinson as the only 5-star quarterbacks to announce their collegiate decision in the 2016 cycle. Martell actually first committed in middle school, accepting a verbal scholarship offer from Washington before eighth grade.
Robinson and Martell boost the future fortunes of two Texas programs, while sending other coaching staffs searching elsewhere for options behind center. They have company when it comes to contemporaries who also puled the trigger on early pledges.
Danny Clark (Ohio State), Jake Allen (Florida), Sean Clifford (Penn State), Kellen Mond (Baylor), Chris Robison (Oklahoma), Bailey Hockman (Georgia), Braxton Burmeister (Arizona) and Lowell Narcisse (Auburn) are each 4-star quarterbacks in the 2017 class who already announced collegiate intentions.
Among the 22 total 4- and 5-star quarterbacks in this cycle, 10 are set to start their junior high school campaign already committed to a college team.
The situation at quarterback seemingly becomes harder earlier every year. If your program doesn't land a top-tier passer at least 12 months shy of national signing day, that player could be difficult to find.
Of course, each of these commitments is strictly verbal and non-binding. It's almost a guarantee at least one 2017 quarterback will change his decision before signing day because of coaching changes, depth-chart concerns or alternative opportunities that appear more ideal.
With Martell off the board, it forces a few marquee teams to re-establish 2017 recruiting priorities. His announcement immediately impacts Alabama, Michigan and USC.
The Trojans were runner-up in this race and tugged on his heartstrings as a former Southern California resident. Martell's longstanding relationship with head coach Steve Sarkisian wasn't enough to seal the deal days after it was announced 4-star 2015 signee Ricky Town opted to leave the program midway through his first college training camp.
USC still has true freshman Sam Darnold and 4-star 2016 commit Matt Fink to provide youth at the position. Former top-rated quarterback recruit Max Browne, now a redshirt sophomore, is likely to ascend into the starting role once senior Cody Kessler departs.
Keep a close eye on Hawaiian standout Tua Tagovailoa, who also holds an offer from Oregon. He is the top-rated dual-threat quarterback who remains uncommitted, though USC could also target in-state talent such as Los Angeles-area 4-star Tristan Gebbia.
Michigan is sure to remain a team in the spotlight for quarterbacks, considering head coach Jim Harbaugh's history at the position. The new Wolverines staff is on track to sign its third 4-star quarterback since arriving, as long as Indiana product Brandon Peters remains on board.
Dylan McCaffrey is probably the most notable fallback option in Ann Arbor. The son of former Stanford and Denver Broncos wide receiver Ed McCaffrey threw 22 touchdowns as a sophomore, per MaxPreps, and is rated fourth nationally among pro-style passers.
Alabama never appeared primed to land Martell, so this shouldn't be seen as much of a blow in Tuscaloosa. Head coach Nick Saban signed 5-star California quarterback Blake Barnett in February and holds a commitment from 4-star 2016 Texas dual threat Jalen Hurts.
Crimson Tide offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin seems motivated to infuse his attack with increased mobility behind center. Martell certainly would've fit the bill there, but other options are in place.
Alabama is always selective at quarterback, but early offers went out to a small collection of 2017 prospects. Georgia recruit Jake Fromm may be the most viable candidate to land in a Crimson Tide uniform, though Saban must contend with South Carolina and Ole Miss.
Martell's commitment leaves Indiana product Hunter Johnson as the only 5-star passer who enters his junior season undecided. Tennessee and Notre Dame are top contenders.
Tyler Donohue is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports' composite ratings. Follow Tyler via Twitter: @TDsTake.