By Ryan Murken

Your Prep Sports

The most productive pass catcher in Iowa state history will play his college football out of state.

West High wide receiver Oliver Martin committed to Michigan on Monday night, announcing his college choice on Twitter two days before national signing day.

“First off, I want to give a big thank you to all the incredible football programs that have recruited me. I have met some amazing people during this process and I appreciate all of them greatly,” Martin wrote on his Twitter post. “Second, I owe my parents, grandparents, coaches, friends and family a tremendous amount of gratitude for everything they do for me and for helping guide me through this process.

“Lastly, I am proud and excited to announce my commitment to play football for the University of Michigan! Go Blue!”

Martin will leave West High as one of the best receivers the state has ever seen.

The 6-foot-1, 190-pound Martin is the state’s all-time reception leader with 239 and his 3,449 receiving yards are the most ever in 4A.

His 33 career touchdowns are also a 4A best and rank third all-time.

“He is one of the best, if not the best to ever come through West High maybe even the state of Iowa at this point,” West High coach Garrett Hartwig said. “It’s been an honor to work with him, he has a bright future.”

A rare four-year varsity starter at West High, Martin saw his recruiting stock soar this summer.

A four-star prospect, Martin is ranked as the No. 42 prospect in the country for 2017 by 247Sports.

Martin drew offers from many of the top programs in the country and took official visits to Michigan, Iowa, Notre Dame and Michigan State.

He ultimately chose the Wolverines over a host of schools that also included UCLA, Florida, Auburn, Oregon and Wisconsin.

“I’m very happy for Oliver, this was a very intense and exciting process and I’m appreciative of all the coaches and schools that came to visit with me about Oliver, he’s easy to talk about,” Hartwig said. “In the end, he made a great choice, the choice that is best for him and I support him 100 percent and I’m excited to see what he becomes.

Martin ended his prep career with one of the best seasons ever for a prep receiver in Iowa.

He led the state with 85 receptions and 1,272 yards and caught 14 touchdown passes to help West High to a 10-3 record and its first state title game appearance since 1999.

Martin also scored on a kickoff and punt return, had two interceptions, recovered a fumble and made 14 tackles.

“The best thing I will say about Oliver and this is what I have said all year long is he’s a great teammate first,” Hartwig said. “He is going to a program where is going to be successful because he puts the team first and his skill set and athleticism speak for themselves. There is nothing but great things in front of him.”