WHY TATE MARTELL IS MORE THAN A DUAL-THREAT

Tate Martell, who once committed to an early scholarship offer from Washington before his eighth grade year, committed to Texas A&M on Thursday, Aug. 20 (photo contributed). 

While the newest Texas A&M quarterback commit is property of the Battle Born state, Tate Martell of Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas) has plenty of ties to Southern California.

And it was at a prominent California 7-on-7 tournament that grabbed Cali Gold Mine’s attention and solidified the belief that Martell - who verbally committed to the Aggies on Thursday, Aug. 20 - is an electric signal caller, playmaker and coach.

The Class of 2017 prospect Martell - who was once a freshman quarterback on Poway High School’s varsity team - made his return to So Cal in March 2015 with his club team 702 Elite, featuring predominately Gorman talent. Martell was precise with his throws and played mind games with defensive backs. Regardless if it was deep or short throws, the 5-foot-11, 180-pound Martell picked defenses apart.

But it’s what he does outside of the field that earns our seal of respect.

Martell doesn’t just execute his plays flawlessly on the field - he creates plays. He told CGM and passingdown.com back in March that he’s the one drawing the schemes and calling the Gaels’ offense, making him an offensive coordinator in football cleats. Martell said the plays he’s implemented are zone read and empty packages. He’s shouting the calls off of a wristband.

High school football has its own version of a mad football scientist in Nevada. Martell is not even 18 years old and he’s in command of the play-calling at a national prep powerhouse.

Now, with his decision to join Texas A&M, he’ll be going to an offense that’s similar to what he runs for the Gaels. We shouldn’t be shocked if the Aggies hand Martell the offensive play-calling reins once he starts playing in front of the Kyle Field crowd.