POLL: Should Colleges Recruit Young Teens To Play Sports Years From Now?

When I was 14, college wasn't on my mind quite yet.

I was more involved with watching sports with my friends, getting good grades and, of course, looking sharp for my female classmates. I succeeded at two of the three. The one I missed? Here's a hint: I watched sports and was on the honor roll.

Awkward years aside, I've always thought that the teen years are reserved for learning to be an adult, and knowing that your future is what you make it.

So what happens when a young teen, or perhaps his parents, decide some of his pivotal years before he or she can even get a driver's permit?

That's exactly what happened Wednesday when Tate Martell, a 14-year-old from San Diego, agreed to play quarterback for the University of Washington.

That's right, UW. The one on Montlake. The one with a medical school. The big kid school.

The move made immediate headlines and sparked plenty of discussion in the world of college athletics. In this ear of one-and-done athletes and big-money college sports, the question everyone is asking is whether the signing goes too far.

Is it harmful to the athlete? Does it damage recruiting overall.

We ask you, Patch users, what you think. Tell us by taking our poll above and sharing in the comments section.