Tate Martell Commits to Texas A&M: 5-Star QB Wants to Be Different from Manziel

As one of the nation's top-ranked quarterbacks of the 2017 class, Tate Martell hears a lot being said about him. The comparisons to former Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel seem to be among the top, even though he wants to write his own script as a college football quarterback.

As the nation's No. 1 dual-threat quarterback, per 247Sports' composite rankings, Martell will give Texas A&M fans every shot to fully support—or renege—the comparisons to Manziel.

Martell announced Thursday evening that he has verbally committed to Texas A&M. He is the Aggies' first commit of the 2017 class and, as the No. 12 overall player in the class, is an outstanding keystone to building the future.

"

I'm excited to announce that I'm committing to Texas A&M University. #GigEm pic.twitter.com/oA8Fhv5Yto

— Tate Martell™ (@TheTateMartell) August 21, 2015"

Martell, the quarterback for national power Bishop Gorman High School out of Las Vegas, chose Texas A&M over USC, Alabama, Michigan and Washington.

"It was a difficult decision, but I now know exactly where I want to go," Martell said. "I think it's the best decision I've made so far. It's a great school, and I think I'll do well there."

Martell said he "felt right at home" after an unofficial visit last month. He wanted to commit while on campus but deferred, choosing to make an educated decision with the guidance of his parents rather than a decision on impulse.

Listed as a dual-threat quarterback, Martell receives comparisons to Manziel because of his size and playmaking ability. Martell is 5'11" and 180 pounds and has shown spurts of being a magician on the field.

Although he has the utmost respect for Manziel, he's hoping to write his own story as an Aggie.

"It's not a bad comparison to have, being compared to a guy who won the Heisman. I'll never complain about that," said Martell, who feels his game better fits NFL quarterback Russell Wilson's than Manziel's.

"I just think I'm my own player. I feel like I have that same kind of ability [as Manziel], but I'm looking to be the first Tate Martell and not the next Johnny Manziel."

Martell was recruited by offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Jake Spavital, as well as head coach Kevin Sumlin.

"I loved Coach Sumlin and Coach Spav. They were awesome," Martell said. "The facilities there are unreal. Everything about the school, I loved. It just felt like home to me."

Credit: 247Sports

The visit had to be something special considering Martell, a Southern California kid, seriously considered returning to the state and playing for USC. After all, Martell once was committed as a 14-year-old eighth-grader to Washington—then coached by Steve Sarkisian, who now is the USC coach.

Martell decommitted from the Huskies in January, and some felt he would reunite himself with Sarkisian at USC when it was his turn to make a commitment. Texas A&M, however, proved to be an opportunity too good to pass up.

Part of it for Martell was the shot to be included in what's anticipated to be an electric quarterback competition. He chose a school that already has an established starter at quarterback in Kyle Allen and a freshman with tons of potential in Kyler Murray. Allen will be a senior and Murray a junior at Texas A&M when Martell arrives on campus.

"That was definitely a big thing for me," Martell said. "When I go there, the job will be open for me to compete against. I was really pleased to know that's where I could go and have that opportunity to play early if I win the job.

"I always said I wanted to play early, but I wasn't really looking at the depth chart. I just want the coaches to give me the opp to show what I can do. I want to earn it, and I know they're going to give me that opportunity there."

Martell threw for 2,537 yards and 40 touchdowns as a sophomore at Bishop Gorman. He completed 62 percent (124 of 200) of his passes and also rushed for 433 yards and five touchdowns.

Martell said he's looking into attending home games against Alabama on Oct. 17 and South Carolina on Oct. 31. He added that he's looking to join the program with the aspirations of leading the Aggies to multiple SEC championships and at least one national title.

"I don't think I'll change my decision," he said. "This is where I want to be."

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