Derrick Tucker is currently the highest-rated commit in Texas A&M's class of 2017.

Manvel, Texas, safety Derrick Tucker always made one thing clear when talking about important factors in his recruiting process — there is no place like home.

And that’s the biggest reason why the four-star defender made a verbal commitment to Texas A&M on Friday.

“I’ve been saying all along that there is nothing like football in the state of Texas,” Tucker said. “I felt like it was the right time to make a decision, and Texas A&M is close, and they have a great program.”

Just last month, the 6-foot-2, 194-pound Tucker said the three schools standing out to him the most were Houston, TCU and Texas. While A&M wasn’t exactly in the picture at the time, the Aggies were just starting to make their push.

Both running backs coach Clarence McKinney and secondary coach Terry Joseph ramped up their recruiting efforts with Tucker over the last month and made a big impression.

WATCH: Tucker talks A&M commitment

“I have a great relationship with them,” Tucker said. “They keep me updated on everything going on. They stay in contact with me and everything like that. It’s just a good situation.”

The allure of playing in the SEC and having his family nearby played major roles in his decision, but Tucker said it was actually the NFL Draft that ultimately put the Aggies on top.

Texas A&M had three players drafted, including cornerback Brandon Williams, who was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the third round. Fellow cornerback De’Vante Harris signed a free agent deal with the Saints.

“A&M got the edge after the draft,” Tucker said. “They put two defensive backs in the league and had others drafted, so that was really appealing to me.”

Tucker is ranked as the No. 146 overall prospect in the country and the nation’s No. 14 safety, according to 247Sports Composite.

WATCH: Tucker announces Aggie commitment

As a junior at Manvel, he recorded 46 tackles, four interceptions – one of which he returned for a touchdown, three fumble recoveries – including one for a score – and a forced fumble and helped lead the Mavericks to a deep run in the state playoffs.

Tucker still has his senior year to go and doesn’t want to look too far ahead, but he does believe he has the potential to make a big impact in College Station early on.

“The coaches said I’m going to have to compete,” Tucker said. “But I love competition, so I feel like I already have a spot. I just have to work for it. I feel like I fit in great in their system. I’m going to have a lot of opportunities to make plays. And that’s all I know how to do — make plays.”

Tucker said he is completely solid to Texas A&M but added that ‘things could change’ as the recruiting process continues to run its course.

Tucker is commitment No. 6 for the Aggies and is the highest-rated pledge in the class so far. He also had offers from the likes of Alabama, Ole Miss, Texas and USC.

Brian Perroni contributed to this report.