Nick Starkel Commits to Texas A&M: Elite 11 Finalist 'Can't Wait to Be an Aggie'

Texas A&M's quarterback issues have been the source of some not-so-positive discussions in recent weeks. In-state recruit Nick Starkel is hoping to help turn things around.

In front of Aggies head coach Kevin Sumlin Thursday evening, Starkel verbally committed to Texas A&M and became the program's 20th pledge of the 2016 class. More importantly, Starkel filled a void as the Aggies were without a quarterback commit for the class.

And Texas A&M ended up with a good one.

Starkel, from Liberty Christian School in Argyle, Texas, was an Elite 11 finalist over the summer and earned the respect of several college coaches with his leadership, arm strength, personality and ability to adjust. A one-time Oklahoma State commit, Starkel ultimately chose Texas A&M over UCLA and Yale.

"Overall, it's a great institution," Starkel said. "Solid academics, a good location being close to home and great SEC football. I feel really comfortable with the coaches and their vision at A&M. I can't wait to be an Aggie."

In three varsity seasons, Starkel threw for 4,745 yards and 48 touchdowns. In his senior year at Liberty Christian, he threw for 3,091 yards and 29 touchdowns.

One of Starkel's biggest fans entering the summer was former NFL quarterback and Super Bowl champion Trent Dilfer, head coach of the Elite 11. Dilfer said Starkel reminded him of Jared Goff, who made headlines throughout the past year at Cal and is expected to be one of the first quarterbacks taken in the upcoming NFL draft.

Starkel committed to Oklahoma State in April but chose to part ways with the Cowboys on Dec. 13 to explore other options. UCLA was considered a favorite at one point, but when Sumlin hired former UCLA offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone to take over similar duties at Texas A&M, momentum began to shift.

The Aggies appeared to be fully in the driver's seat when UCLA picked up a quarterback commitment on Monday in 4-star prospect Devon Modster of California.

"It's been stressful, really stressful," Starkel said of the process and the decommitment. "You always question whether you made the right decision or not. But I'm comfortable now and positive that it was the right decision."

Credit: 247Sports.com

At 6'3 ½" and 186 pounds, Starkel is a long quarterback with good pocket presence and solid footwork. He displays poise in pressure situations and has good accuracy with his intermediate and deep passes. Perhaps most importantly, Starkel brings charisma to a huddle. He's a people person who is well-liked on and off the field.

Starkel, who took an official visit to Texas A&M last week, will have a few offensive weapons to work with. Also committed are 4-star all-purpose back Trayveon Williams of Houston, who already is enrolled, and 4-star receiver Clyde Chriss of New Orleans, who committed to the Aggies a week ago.

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