Arlington Martin defensive end Garrett picks Aggies

Myles Garrett gave Texas A&M football fans another reason to cheer, committing to the Aggies on Friday morning before a raucous crowd of coaches, teammates and family members at Martin High School.

The 6-foot-4, 245-pound, five-star defensive end has 15 sacks and five blocked extra points in six games this season.

“He’s a force,” Martin coach Bob Wager said. “He’s been unblockable at this level, and I feel very confident that he’ll be unblockable at the next level as well.”

Garrett’s mother, Audrey, said TCU narrowly missed receiving a commitment from her son.

“I don’t think TCU knew how close they were [to getting a commitment from Myles],” Audrey said. “I don’t think [coach] Gary Patterson realized just how close he was.”

The Aggies, whose defense is allowing 474 yards a game this season, were desperate for Garrett, pulling out all the stops in their recruiting efforts. Fans in attendance at Martin’s Week 3 game against South Grand Prairie were treated to a low-flying helicopter entrance by A&M coach Kevin Sumlin, who watched the game from the Martin sideline.

The state’s top recruit fielded offers from more than 18 schools, with A&M, TCU, Florida State, Ohio State and Alabama leading the way.

“I wanted to play in the SEC,” Garrett said. “I was pretty set on A&M, but I wanted to take my visits. [A&M] was the bar that everyone else had to surpass, but ultimately, A&M was the place for me.”

So Garrett will take his services to A&M, joining his older sister, Brea, who’s already made a name for herself as an Aggies track and field athlete.

“I’m ready to step in right now,” said a smiling Myles Garrett after the news conference. “Hopefully when I get there I can make a difference right away.”

This story was originally published October 18, 2013 at 3:09 PM.