Tate Martell Decommits from Texas A&M: Latest Details, Comments, Reaction

Class of 2017 5-star quarterback recruit Tate Martell announced via his Twitter on Wednesday night that he has decommitted from Texas A&M:

"

After talking with my family about
what is best for my future, I have
decided to reopen my recruiting
process.

— Tate Martell (@TheTateMartell) May 5, 2016"

Martell is the No. 1-rated prospect in the state of Nevada and the top-ranked dual-threat quarterback in the nation, according to 247Sports' composite ratings. 

Martell also provided an update Thursday night on where he'll go from here:

"

Thank you for everyone's support! pic.twitter.com/L4xP8ktTXw

— Tate Martell (@TheTateMartell) May 6, 2016"

On Thursday, Martell's father, Al, discussed the reasons behind the decision to decommit, per Adam Gorney of Rivals:

"

Tate ran a good campaign with them and found a love affair really quick. Everybody was really comfortable with it. I was comfortable with it up until shortly after the Mazzone arrival.

We were there at the end of January and again in February and then a third time in March after the Ohio State visit. Just making the trips and through it all, I try to keep my opinions and feelings what I see as a parent when we’re on those trips, but it was different. ...

It was different with Mazzone with the whole communication. Mazzone had been there two weeks for our visit in January, he had been there maybe all of 10 days, so I get it. If the guy didn’t want to talk a whole lot, he’s still feeling out his job and his co-workers and his staff and where he fits in.

"

In the last two seasons, Martell has been unstoppable at Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, throwing for 5,145 passing yards with 72 passing touchdowns and just eight interceptions, along with 1,037 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns, per 247Sports.

He's an elusive quarterback with quick feet, which allows him to avoid pressure and get out of the pocket. But when called upon, he can hang in there, set his feet and make the tough throws. 

Martell had been committed to Texas A&M since August 2015, per his 247Sports timeline, but Matt Young of the Houston Chronicle reported that he will make official visits to all five schools that have expressed interest in him, including Ohio State.

The Aggies look like they have a backup plan of sorts. Jack Sears, a 4-star recruit and the 14th-ranked pro-style quarterback prospect in the nation, per 247Sports, has an offer from A&M. 

According to Jeremy Birmingham of Eleven Warriors, A&M is also one of three other schools recruiting Baylor hard commit Kellen Mond—the No. 4 dual-threat quarterback prospect out of the 2017 class, according to 247Sports.

But losing such a highly touted prospect, regardless of whether the Aggies have possible replacements in mind, is a tough blow for an A&M program trying to work its way back up to an elite level in the SEC.