“Don’t swing and miss — especially not your second time.” Fans love shoving this quote at players, and not many understand that more than Tate Martell. The new UNLV QB returns home and gives fans a chance to see what he’s learned from his journey. Martell may not be an NFL Draft prospect, but he can still be a stellar college quarterback.
Tate Martell had an electric high school career
If you watched the Netflix series QB1: Beyond the Lights, Martell stole the spotlight early in his playing career at Bishop Gorman High School. From his antics to his play, no one missed the Gaels’ starting quarterback on or off the field.
The former four-star recruit won Gatorade Player of the Year (2016), USA Today Offensive Player of the Year (2016), and was a two-time USA Today All-American (2014, 2016). He dominated in his tenure at Bishop Gorman, throwing for over 7,500 yards with 113 touchdowns. He even added another 2,294 yards and 35 scores on the ground. The Gaels won two national championships with Martell at the helm of the offense.
Stints at Ohio State and Miami went poorly
His journey at Ohio State and Miami doesn’t need any further explanation. We know it. He knows it. Martell pushes people to move on from the past and focus on his future. A future that still allows him to achieve his goals and elevate a program he almost seemed destined to lead.
Martell and Las Vegas were always a great fit. A city known for its entertainment, Martell embodied that in high school and still brings a level of excitement that many quarterbacks cannot replicate. A confident (sometimes cocky) player, Martell played the game without fear or regret — a trait his new team will love.
Whether you liked him or not on QB1, the kid knew how to win and make insane plays. That’s the kind of skill set that UNLV head coach Marcus Arroyo is banking on as the Rebels try to exit the cellar of the Mountain West. His newest addition won’t just be given the UNLV starting QB job, though.
Martell transfers to UNLV
Group of Five programs never crossed Martell’s mind in the recruiting process, but it’s now the best fit for him. While UNLV always came up when he hit the transfer portal, nearly any program would have been ideal for his talent. His return home adds a nice piece to his story. Martell gives UNLV its most talented player, but he must earn everything he gets with his new school.
Former TCU transfer Justin Rogers, sophomore Doug Brumfield, and freshman Cameron Friel are already competing for the job. They’ve all had more time to study the playbook, so it’s tough to see Martell starting this year. Still, Arroyo understands how foolish it would be to keep his new addition off the field.
With UNLV’s struggles (two winning seasons this century), Arroyo’s pulling out all the stops to right the ship. Martell, if anything, brings a new flavor to a program that’s needed on-field excitement. A dual-threat quarterback who once was compared to Johnny Manziel checks that box and potentially many more.
Win-win situation in Las Vegas
Both parties benefit from this move as each side is trying to revive something. Should Martell win the job, the offense features a couple of players that make this team extremely intriguing. Running back Charles Williams returns just two years removed from a 1,257-yard, 11-touchdown season. Additionally, Kyle Williams has star potential at wide receiver. That’s a trio that Arroyo can sell and a group that can elevate the program.
To many, the move to UNLV shows that Martell’s ready to move on from the past. He’s chosen to focus on the future and what could be for his career. People quickly forget the tweets and the transfers the second he makes a big throw or breaks off a highlight-reel run. Sometimes, coming home is what a kid needs.
Martell realized that you’re going to miss in life, even on your second time. It’s not about the misses but how you respond to them. Martell learned lessons in his journey to and from Las Vegas. His focus on his future will play a more significant part in his story than his past destinations.
Joe Broback is a College Football Writer at Pro Football Network. You can find him on Twitter @joebroback.