Parents who potty trained their boys at an early age...by age 2 (or early 2's)?

Do you think it was because he was just ready, or were you diligent in your regimen of training? My son is 17 months, and now tells me every time he poops. Yesterday he told me he pooped before he pooped...and when I went to change him...his diaper was empty. He pooped about 2 minutes later. I'm wondering if I should begin training him soon. Does it sound too far fetched of an effort at such a young age? Also, he isn't very verbal at all. Basically he pats his and grunts to let me know he's dirty.