When Ohio State announced Georgia quarterback Justin Fields was transferring to Ohio State University, it sent a ripple effect across the college football landscape — none greater than the ripple that hit former Bishop Gorman quarterback Tate Martell. Martell, who was the projected starter for the Buckeyes in 2019 if redshirt sophomore Dwayne Haskins declared for the NFL Draft, is reportedly now listed on the official NCAA Transfer Portal.
Fields is expected to win his waiver appeal after hiring Atlanta lawyer Thomas Mars, who will attempt to get him a hardship waiver from the NCAA that would allow him to be eligible to play immediately. The No. 1 recruit in the country in 2018, according to ESPN, Fields faced spending two years carrying a clipboard for Georgia's staring quarterback, Jake Fromm. Instead, he chose to leave amidst an ordeal that included an incident when Georgia baseball player Adam Sasser was kicked off the team for yelling racial slurs directed towards Fields. Part of Mars's argument for a waiver will include the Sasser incident, and many believe his case is a slam dunk.
Before Fields decided to transfer, there were already whispers he would leave Georgia. Not long after, Martell declared himself the starting quarterback and threw a subtweet Fields's way when he tweeted “word of advice: - don’t swing and miss ... especially not your second time” back on Dec. 21.
With the gauntlet thrown down, Martell faces a choice himself. Stick around in a program that accepted Fields instead of telling him they already had their man and compete for the job, or he can take his game elsewhere. There is inherent risk in both decisions, but it is strikingly odd the Ohio State coaching staff not only entertained the idea of adding Fields, but seemingly assisted in his transition (he began classes Monday).
If Martell did decide to leave Ohio State for whatever reason, he'd find a robust market for his ability and potential. Miami has been mentioned as a front-runner after news broke of Martell's presence on the transfer portal. The former Gorman quarterback is a proven winner. He threw for 7,507 yards as a three-year starter at Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas with 113 touchdowns and nine interceptions under current UNLV head coach Tony Sanchez.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPd242yH9pc
His skills are undeniable, which makes him a steal for the program he'd join, if he decided to jump ship. If he wanted to stay in the Big Ten, Northwestern is losing its senior quarterback, Clayton Thorson. While it signed 5-star signee Spencer Rattler, Oklahoma just lost its stud signal caller as Kyler Murray rides off into the pro baseball/pro football sunset. Plenty of options for Martell.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=US1pyOnFBKU
But why not come home? Sanchez is his former high school coach, the team is in dire need of an quarterback upgrade to go with some solid weapons on offense, the facilities are starting to take shape and the team will play its home games in the new Las Vegas Raiders Stadium starting in 2020, which would be Martell's second-to-last year of eligibility.
Here are some reasons Martell should return home to play for UNLV's football program:
(cont'd on next page)
As Las Vegas continues to evolve into a major league sport town and as the Raiders inch closer to their 2020 Sin City launch, Martell could be at ground zero for the community embrace of the Raiders. He could attend Raiders games, mingle with the fans, and enjoy the fruits of his legacy right here in the place it all began. This place is ripe with superstars like Major League Baseball stars Bryce Harper and Kris Bryant, Denver Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall, Las Vegas Aces center A'Ja Wilson, and even Vegas Golden Knights goalie Marc-Andre Fleury.
Martell would live like a king during his career and after his playing days are long-since finished.
This could be Martell.
Don't think for a moment his prospects as an NFL quarterback don't improve with him coming home either. Dominating in the city where the Raiders play and will more than likely be looking for Derek Carr's eventual successor in 2020, 2021. He could step right in, if someone else doesn't grab him first.
There will be comped dinners, open bar tabs, street-side hugs and high-fives and plenty of love for the man who would be king. Being a celebrity in Las Vegas is one of the most enviable positions one could find themselves in. Just ask Harper and Bryant.
While it may be wishful thinking for Martell to even consider UNLV, fans can dream, can't they? Martell is expected to be highly-sought after, if he were to make the move. Miami, Oklahoma — you name a top program without a QB, he's probably going to field offers but, what if he came home and won with the Rebels?
The dude would be a legend for life in a town that still lathers up when thinking about a national basketball championship team from 27 years ago, long before he was ever born. So, come home, Tate. Your kingdom needs you.
Your throne awaits...
With the gauntlet thrown down, Martell faces a choice himself. Stick around in a program that accepted Fields instead of telling him they already had their man and compete for the job, or he can take his game elsewhere. There is inherent risk in both decisions, but it is strikingly odd the Ohio State coaching staff not only entertained the idea of adding Fields, but seemingly assisted in his transition (he began classes Monday).
If Martell did decide to leave Ohio State for whatever reason, he'd find a robust market for his ability and potential. Miami has been mentioned as a front-runner after news broke of Martell's presence on the transfer portal. The former Gorman quarterback is a proven winner. He threw for 7,507 yards as a three-year starter at Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas with 113 touchdowns and nine interceptions under current UNLV head coach Tony Sanchez.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPd242yH9pc
His skills are undeniable, which makes him a steal for the program he'd join, if he decided to jump ship. If he wanted to stay in the Big Ten, Northwestern is losing its senior quarterback, Clayton Thorson. While it signed 5-star signee Spencer Rattler, Oklahoma just lost its stud signal caller as Kyler Murray rides off into the pro baseball/pro football sunset. Plenty of options for Martell.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=US1pyOnFBKU
But why not come home? Sanchez is his former high school coach, the team is in dire need of an quarterback upgrade to go with some solid weapons on offense, the facilities are starting to take shape and the team will play its home games in the new Las Vegas Raiders Stadium starting in 2020, which would be Martell's second-to-last year of eligibility.
Here are some reasons Martell should return home to play for UNLV's football program:
(cont'd on next page)
Warm weather in Vegas means plenty of great weather
It can quite brutal in Columbus as the fall gets deep into the season. Miami has great weather too, but it can rain and create havoc for passing quarterbacks. Las Vegas is dry most of the year, and — minus the occasional scorcher early in the season — has absolutely gorgeous weather for most the college football season.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hhEEwuWYIs Whether he plays at Sam Boyd Stadium or at the new Las Vegas Raider stadium, he can be guaranteed pleasant weather for the duration. More so, as a Bishop Gorman grad, he is familiar with this climate and elevation, making the transition smooth. His best years at quarterback, so far, have been here in Las Vegas. Weather can definitely play a factor in QB success. (cont'd on next page)Familiarity with the community and the city
Las Vegas is home for Martell. He's lived here, graduated from high school here, and has proven he can handle the temptations the average athlete faces here in Sin City. Moreover, he'll have a great support system being this close to family and friends. Rough patches will come with better solace than he'd find in some of the other potential locations, which would force him into isolation instead of helping him regain composure. Interacting with Gorman fans on the weekend also will help confidence. If he thought he was popular in Columbus, imagine how much of a rock star he'd be if he returned home to play with the hometown Rebels. He could roll into Gorman games, visit hospitals, work with aspiring young pee-wee leaguers. The community would embrace him wholeheartedly. He could be the "King of Las Vegas" if he so chose...well, maybe the second 'King."
As Las Vegas continues to evolve into a major league sport town and as the Raiders inch closer to their 2020 Sin City launch, Martell could be at ground zero for the community embrace of the Raiders. He could attend Raiders games, mingle with the fans, and enjoy the fruits of his legacy right here in the place it all began. This place is ripe with superstars like Major League Baseball stars Bryce Harper and Kris Bryant, Denver Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall, Las Vegas Aces center A'Ja Wilson, and even Vegas Golden Knights goalie Marc-Andre Fleury.
Martell would live like a king during his career and after his playing days are long-since finished.
Familiarity with UNLV's coaching staff and offense
Speaking of Bishop Gorman, Martell is the former protege of UNLV head coach Tony Sanchez. Martell won more games than any quarterback in the history of Nevada under the fourth-year UNLV coach. He knows what to expect and what it would mean to Sanchez for Martell to take a chance on his struggling program. Unless there is some sort of issue between the two (you never know), I can't see why Martell wouldn't consider coming home and staking his claim to raising his former coach's program into something special. If Sanchez is the "Players Coach" he's always been billed as, you'd think his former pupil would jump at the chance to come play the "Aragorn" to Sanchez's "Gandalf."
Rockstar status for life in a town of comps
The last time a local boy took the reigns at QB for UNLV, it was Green Valley grad Jon Denton in 1996. Denton was outstanding his first two years at UNLV. As a redshirt freshman in 1996, threw for 3,591 yards and 25 touchdowns. He had the top two passing days in Rebel history (503 yards versus San Diego State and 486 against Wyoming) that season while playing in 12 games and setting 10 NCAA freshman records. Denton threw for 6,177 passing yards through his first 21 games at UNLV, a total that is still third on the school’s career list. His legend status in Vegas grew almost too fast, as he was suspended and then left UNLV after his second season for violating team rules. Still, Denton was a king here in town. Now imagine Martell keeps his off-the-field issues in check while leading the Rebels to prominence. He could flourish here in Las Vegas, be the face of the program for years to come. Banners with his likeness would hang all over the new Raiders stadium. He'd be the ultimate draw, especially if he led them to a few bowl games. And don't forget how Vegas treats its own after their amateur days are done. I don't think players like former UNLV quarterback (and punter) Randall Cunningham have ever struggled based on name recognition. He was handed the reigns to a high school program, he is loved by so many in the community, and he is one of the most recognizable athletes in town.
This could be Martell.
Don't think for a moment his prospects as an NFL quarterback don't improve with him coming home either. Dominating in the city where the Raiders play and will more than likely be looking for Derek Carr's eventual successor in 2020, 2021. He could step right in, if someone else doesn't grab him first.
There will be comped dinners, open bar tabs, street-side hugs and high-fives and plenty of love for the man who would be king. Being a celebrity in Las Vegas is one of the most enviable positions one could find themselves in. Just ask Harper and Bryant.
While it may be wishful thinking for Martell to even consider UNLV, fans can dream, can't they? Martell is expected to be highly-sought after, if he were to make the move. Miami, Oklahoma — you name a top program without a QB, he's probably going to field offers but, what if he came home and won with the Rebels?
The dude would be a legend for life in a town that still lathers up when thinking about a national basketball championship team from 27 years ago, long before he was ever born. So, come home, Tate. Your kingdom needs you.
Your throne awaits...
