TE Zarrian Holcombe Decommits from Texas A&M; What's Next for 'Optimus Prime'?

Late Thursday night, Humble, Texas, tight end Zarrian Holcombe announced his decommitment from the Texas A&M Aggies. He called the move a mutual decision.

The next move for the 3-star, Summer Creek High School standout: Formulating a plan to experience and enjoy the recruiting process that he's yet to have.

Holcombe committed to Texas A&M in March after taking a few unofficial visits to the campus. With November approaching, Holcombe, originally recruited by Aggies special teams coordinator and tight ends coach Jeff Banks, now will get the opportunity to take some official visits and make a decision after experiencing some other schools.

"Coach Banks and I are still close, and he's going to help me with my decision," Holcombe said. "I honestly don't know who's interested in me at this point. I'm hoping to find out soon."

Holcombe, who holds—and has earned—the nickname "Optimus Prime," has nine reported offers from schools in the Pac-12, Big 12, Big Ten, SEC and American conferences. The Pac-12 is a conference to keep an eye on, as he has offers from Oregon, Cal, Washington and Colorado.

Holcombe's Texas offer also is one to watch. The Longhorns have a blocking tight end with pass-catching ability already committed in 3-star Peyton Aucoin. Adding a flex tight end who, at 6'5" and 215 pounds, also could line up at wide receiver would be a win for Texas and coach Charlie Strong.

For now, Holcombe is wide open, and there are no set plans on official visits at the moment.

"I honestly don't know; I plan on going to the U of H [Houston] game Saturday," he said. "I'm hoping I can get some attention within the next three days so I can start over."

Holcombe added that he's looking forward to experiencing the recruiting process like some other athletes he's spoken with. He's recently been in contact with a Summer Creek teammate, defensive end Isaiah Bean, about making trips.

"Hopefully, it's as fun as the other guys make it seem to be," Holcombe said. "I'm just hoping [the process] is not a slow restart."

Whichever school lands Holcombe will get a big, pass-catching option who has good speed, athleticism and power. He's explosive off the line and has been reliable when the ball is in his hands. He has nine catches for 126 yards and two touchdowns this season, per the Houston Chronicle. He had 14 catches for 261 yards and two scores as a junior.

"I know how to make a positive out of a negative play," Holcombe said. "I worked all summer to be a war-ready ball player."

The next couple of months will give Holcombe a new chance at showing off his skills to schools that have already recruited him, as well as new interests looking for a flex tight end. Holcombe is the nation's No. 26 tight end, but his mission is to make believers out of those who are still on the fence about him.

"I'm going to be bigger, stronger, quicker, more agile ... and more of a leader," Holcombe said in March. "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."

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