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For Alvin (Texas) Manvel jumbo athlete Koda Martin, having to say no to coaching staffs recruiting him was one of the most difficult parts, but he finally did it on Saturday, committing to the Texas A&M Aggies.
Now the third commitment in the last week for head coach Kevin Sumlin and his staff, the Aggies once again have some momentum in recruiting. Martin joins Katy (Texas) Seven Lakes defensive end Jarrett Johnson and Scottsdale (Ari.) Desert Mountain quarterback Kyle Allen as the recent additions.
Despite the fact that the 6'5, 250-pounder seemed genuinely conflicted about his decision when he spoke with SB Nation Recruiting at the Texas state track meet last month, industry projections were unanimous in predicting that he would end up in College Station to play his college football.
He released a statement on Twitter describing his decision:
— Koda Martin (@KmartSmart91) June 8, 2013
A consensus three-star prospect who is rated as an offensive tackle by 247Sports, but could start out at tight end for Texas A&M (some schools recruited him at his primary high school position of defensive end), Martin chose the Aggies over finalists Alabama, LSU, Oklahoma, and Texas. He held 14 offers total.
Back in March, he said that he biggest factor in his decision would be fit and his comfort level with the coaching staff and players, the latter something that Sumlin and his staff have done an excellent job of fostering with prospects.
Athletic and remarkably fluid for his size, Martin is an impressive and imposing presence at tight end in 7-on-7, where he shows the overall ability to stick at the position in college. However, with his frame easily capable of handling the weight needed to make the move to offensive line, tackle is probably his ultimate destination. The Aggies see him as a difference-maker there and while that requires some projection, it's easy to see why with the way that he moves at 250 pounds.
Martin is now the 13th pledge in a Texas A&M class ranked no. 1 nationally by the 247Sports composite team rankings.
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