Texas A&M Lands Versatile TE Nicknamed Optimus Prime with Awesome Backstory

Fans of the movie Transformers know one thing: Not everyone can carry the nickname Optimus Prime. It's one of utmost respect.

Zarrian Holcombe, who committed to Texas A&M on Monday, isn't your average high school athlete—both on off the field. If you know his routine at Houston's Summer Creek High School, then there's no contesting the fact that he's earned the nickname.

"Optimus Prime makes things happen," Holcombe said. "He's a big guy, and he's a leader. Even when he's down or hurt, he still leads the pack.

"It's just a nickname on campus. Mostly only the football guys on the team know about it."

At 6'5" and 215 pounds, he fits the name physically. As a flex tight end, he's big, tall, respected and fearless. His game is versatile to where he can frustrate defenders in multiple ways.

In short, he enjoys treating opposing defenses the same way Optimus Prime treats Megatron, Starscream and the rest of the Decepticons. And that's one reason why Texas A&M head coach Kevin Sumlin offered on Monday—an offer Holcombe said he accepted roughly 20 minutes later.

But it's Holcombe's responsibilities off the field where some may believe he truly is a leader. When he isn't working on his game, he's serving as a campus mentor who works with special-education children. He works one class period a day and began volunteering this semester.

"I have them for an athletic period, so I work with them while getting to do what I love to do," Holcombe said. "We might play kickball or throw the Frisbee around. Most of the time, we're just sitting around playing and interacting with each other."

Holcombe then added: "I call my kids 'The Autobots.'"

And to put icing on his philanthropic cake, the tight end committed to Texas A&M while at a spring practice Monday. Holcombe chose the Aggies over offers from Oregon, Missouri, Cal, Illinois, Washington, Colorado and other programs.

According to statistics generated by the Houston Chronicle, Holcombe caught 14 passes for 261 yards and two touchdowns for Summer Creek as a junior. Recruited as a tight end, he could be used in a similar way as Mike Evans was used in his time at Texas A&M. He's a good route-runner and a reliable red-zone option.

"

Took a visit to Aggieland and had a meeting with @CoachSumlin and decided to commit to the Aggies #Gigem #YESSIR  pic.twitter.com/0VFbPOEHYb

— Optimus Prime (@ZarrianJk) March 3, 2015"

"That's pretty much what Coach Sumlin said," Holcombe said, "but I'll still have to put my hand in the dirt and do some big-guy stuff."

Summer Creek coach Brian Ford added: "He's a good kid. He came here after his freshman year, so we've been working with them. He works very hard and has a lot of talent. I'm excited for him to have a chance at A&M."

Holcombe said the commitment is "a big relief," and he's excited about the future. He wants those who watched him last year to expect a player "10 times better this year."

"

#Gigem #YESSIR TAMU Commit 2016  Thank God and the grind doesn't stop here pic.twitter.com/c4J6IfnuEE

— Optimus Prime (@ZarrianJk) March 3, 2015"

"I'm going to be bigger, stronger, quicker more agile...and more of a leader," Holcombe said. "At the same time, I want to see more guys just like me. Being a leader, I want to see as many guys on the same track as I am."

Holcombe said he wants to major in engineering at Texas A&M and ultimately get involved in either metallurgical engineering or petroleum engineering. He added that he's looking into attending the Aggies' "Friday Night Lights" practice this week.

That is, if he isn't with his Autobots.

"If I don't go to Friday Night Lights, it's because I'm helping with the special-ed kids at a basketball tournament," he said.

Damon Sayles is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. All quotes were obtained firsthand. All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports' composite ratings. Follow Damon via Twitter: @DamonSayles.