Tate Martell to Ohio State: Buckeyes Land 4-Star QB Prospect

The Ohio State Buckeyes added one of the elite offensive playmakers in the entire 2017 recruiting class Sunday when quarterback Tate Martell joined the fold.

Martell took to Twitter to announce his decision:

"

I'm excited to announce that I
have officially committed to
THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY! pic.twitter.com/fWpD7hcZ13

— Tate Martell (@TheTateMartell) June 13, 2016"

The 5'10 ½" and 203-pound Martell is a 4-star prospect, per 247Sports' composite rankings, and the No. 33 overall player, No. 1 dual-threat quarterback and No. 1 recruit from the state of Nevada in the 2017 class.

While Martell is a Las Vegas native, he generated interest from across the nation as a top-notch prospect. National powerhouses such as Ohio State, Alabama, USC and Michigan were all on his 247Sports college list, and he originally committed to Texas A&M before he reopened his recruitment in May.

There was plenty of drama surrounding Martell's decommitment from the Aggies. Connor Tapp of 247Sports noted that Texas A&M assistant coach Aaron Moorehead apologized for sending critical tweets after Martell decommitted: "Moorehead's tweets criticized Martell—without mentioning him by name—for lacking loyalty and accountability."

Kevin Wade of Scout reported in April that Martell planned to use all of his official visits even before he decommitted from Texas A&M, which indicated he was still open-minded about his collegiate future.

Martell's choice to join the Buckeyes comes after 247Sports' "crystal ball" predictions were split on May 5, with 42 percent going to Ohio State, 38 percent going to Texas A&M, 12 percent going to USC and 8 percent going to California.

Hudl shared some highlights from his junior campaign, which displayed the overwhelming talent that enticed so many blue-chip programs to pursue him during his recruiting cycle:

Scout provided a breakdown of Martell's game and pointed out that he "is accurate on the short, intermediate and deep throws." Martell can hit wide receivers all over the field, but his athleticism also helps him stand out because he can escape pressure in the pocket or pick up first downs with his legs when plays break down.

Scout also listed "poise and leadership" as strengths for Martell, which will help him earn the respect of his new teammates from the early stages of his college career. If he fulfills his potential from a talent perspective and continues to be an on-field leader from the quarterback spot, Martell may be the face of a talented Buckeyes squad in the near future.

247Sports ranked Ohio State's 2017 class No. 1 in the country, and it only got stronger with Sunday's news.