The suspense lasted all the way until the end for ESPN 300 wide receiver Christian Kirk, who announced Wednesday that he will attend Texas A&M.
Kirk, the nation's No. 30 overall prospect and No. 3 receiver, made the declaration in front of a packed room, including friends and family, at Saguaro High School in Scottsdale, Arizona, and provided yet another significant recruiting victory for Kevin Sumlin and the Aggies.
Kirk cited Sumlin's straightforwardness during the recruiting process as one of the factors that led to his decision.
This is the third time in the past two classes that Texas A&M invaded the Grand Canyon State to grab a top Arizona prep. Sumlin signed quarterback Kyle Allen and defensive end Qualen Cunningham -- the Nos. 1 and 5 Arizona prep prospects -- in the 2014 class.
On the surface, there weren't many twists or turns in Kirk's recruitment. Texas A&M took a commanding early lead and eventually earned his commitment.
But it wasn't that easy for the Aggies. Kirk eventually took official visits to Arizona State, Auburn and UCLA, as well as Texas A&M, and said as of Monday night that he still was unsure as to where he was headed. Texas A&M received one of Kirk's first unofficial visits, and that trip made an impact that would be felt all the way through his recruiting process.
"From the first time I stepped on campus, I knew this was going to be a place for me until the end," Kirk said.
But Arizona State coaches made a significant push for Kirk, who said it "came all the way down to the line," as he woke up Tuesday morning finally sure of his decision.
"It was the most pressure I've ever had, to go there," Kirk said of the local push for him to attend Arizona State. "With everybody around here being ASU fans -- I'm a real independent guy and I wanted to start something on my own and create my own journey. I trusted Coach Sumlin (about) what Coach [Jake] Spavital had talked to me about."
Playing all over the field as a senior, Kirk rushed 159 times for 1,692 yards and 25 touchdowns, caught 61 passes for 1,187 yards and 17 touchdowns, registered 49 tackles and four interceptions -- two returned for touchdowns -- and blocked two kicks and returned a kickoff and punt for touchdowns.
Kirk became something of a legend during his prep career, as he set state records for touchdowns, receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns while leading Saguaro to back-to-back state titles. Kirk was recently named the Gatorade state player of the year.
Kirk's commitment gives Texas A&M's No. 6-ranked class 11 ESPN 300 prospects and 22 total recruits. Kirk will join fellow ESPN 300 wide receiver Kemah Siverand as well as ESPN JC 50 wideout Damion Ratley as receiving weapons for No. 1 overall quarterback Kyler Murray.