Interview: 2021 Washington QB Baylor Ayres Still Exploring Recruiting Options
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
As is the case for a lot of Class of 2021 high school football talents, the closed window on a fall season with a pickup in the spring has crushed recruiting options for dual-threat quarterback Baylor Ayres. The 6-2, 193-pound, field general threw for 975 yards with 13 touchdowns and rushed for 704 yards with seven scores in 2019. Executing Lynden High School’s ground and pound attack during a truncated 2020 season, Ayres put forth the same caliber of season throwing when needed while showcasing the wheels in the scheme.
Offers are down and interest is there, yet many college football programs are unaware of Ayres and what he can bring to a collegiate roster. Covering ground on his senior season this spring with a look at his ongoing recruiting process, Ayres stopped by the RNG Lab for another talk.
Interview
Baylor, it was fun catching up on your senior season with the game film posted. There is such a cool, calm, and poised presence you bring to the field that shows on film. Where does that come from and how do you maintain that for four quarters when all the chips are on the line?
I think it comes from my family, my grandma and dad. My dad played at Central. He has taught me in pressure moments to stay calm and tells me getting riled up doesn’t help. He has always told me to play your game and do you. I try to do that. I keep calm, that is what my teammates see. If they see me calm, they will stay calm. It helps the entire team. They will know not worry and we can just play our game.
Looks like the Lions were running a form of the Pistol this spring. What was the offensive philosophy of the offense during the 2020 schedule?
A lot of QB running to get that extra blocker in there. We did a ton of counters and QB draws. We did pass when we needed but the majority of the time we pounded the rock. We had a fantastic offensive line; they worked their butts off. They were ready to go and they played awesome.
Because you can throw and run, how were defenses trying to stop you guys?
The game plan for defenses was to load the box and make us throw. I think a lot of the defenses thought that they needed to do that. We threw when we needed, but we loved to pound the rock. It was tough, but it was fun getting those challenges. It changed in every game but sometimes we were seeing as many as eight in the box. Our coaches knew we were full of dudes, so we kept pounding the rock.
Getting those five games in, where did you show the improvements in your skillset as a passing quarterback?
I improved in reading defenses. I am not sure I drastically improved on my throwing, but my mental side did. Like you said, I felt way more calm and more settled in this season. That helps me with my throwing. Last season when I got in I was fired up. When I threw sometimes last season I sailed it. Being a senior, and being calmer, that helped me with my throwing. I learned a ton over the offseason on reading defenses.
As mentioned with the collected demeanor, that shows on your scrambling and running plays. Knowing when to hold it, throw it, and take off, how did that part of your decision process and skills improve?
My coach’s motto is the best play is the running quarterback. He tells me, if you don’t see anything open, run it; you are a good runner. He gives me a read, but if I don’t like it, I run.
If we were to sit down and watch film on your best game in 2020, what game are you putting on for us?
Oh boy. Probably the Squalicum game. I think that was our fourth game of the season. It was a 9-6 final. It was a battle and a dogfight. In that game I showed toughness and grit. I don’t think I had 100 yards rushing, but it showed I will get the yardage needed to win the game. That was a fun game and one of my best of the year.
Are you playing any other varsity sports for Lynden?
Right now, I am playing golf, believe it or not, and I will start basketball in a couple of weeks.
Nice. Going into the classroom, what is your cumulative GPA?
When this year is over it will end up around a 3.25.
Let’s transition into recruiting. Which schools are showing interest?
Whitworth, Pacific, PLU called, Linfield, UPS (Puget Sound), and a school in South Dakota, City Valley State. Those are the main ones right now.
Which programs have extended offers to you?
I have two offers, Pacific and Whitworth. I am looking at those two right now while the other schools are talking to me. Right now, I am keeping an open book and looking to see all options.
When you make that final decision on where you will play college ball, what does the ideal fit look like to you?
The style of offense and the program are important but I also want a college life vibe with a fun atmosphere. I want a business degree, so I am looking for a school with a good business program.
Baylor, thanks for your time today. Wishing you success with your ongoing recruiting process.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Ayres family; Baylor Ayres