Ayala QB hoping for scholarship offers
The window of opportunity is closing, but Matt Baca isn't panicking. While many will sign national letters of intent on Feb. 6, Ayala High School's quarterback has not received any college scholarship offers.
He was close to a deal with Utah State until their decision two weeks ago to switch to an option offense that doesn't fit the drop back passer that threw for 2,398 yards with 18 touchdowns and 10 interceptions this season.
Two Division I-AA schools are considering Baca: Northern Colorado and Southern Utah. Two Division II schools - Central Missouri and Minnesota Moorhead - are also looking at him. Division-I Idaho is still considering him, but Baca isn't confident they'll make an offer.
"A lot of people are telling me I shouldn't go to a Division II school, that I'm good enough to get a D-I scholarship," Baca said. "Recruiting is a tough game but I'm not going to start panicking. Our punter didn't get his scholarship last year until June."
Baca feels like Ayala's 0-10 season last year delayed his recruitment (0-10 sounds worse than it was; Eight of the ten teams Ayala played last year went to the playoffs). During the Bulldogs 7-4 season this year, he threw for 562 more yards in a wing-T offense than he did in a spread offense in 2006.
While Baca likely won't be signing anything on signing day, it could prove pivotal in his effort to play Division I college football. After Feb. 6, colleges will be looking to fill spots vacated by wavering recruits who signed elsewhere.
"I'm kind of that dark horse who's probably number two or three on some people's lists, so if their top recruits don't work out they might come looking for me," Baca said.
I wish I could shed some light on Baca's ability, but I never saw Ayala play this season. I did see future Division I quarterbacks Josh Nunes of Upland and Richard Brehaut of Los Osos. Baca isn't the prospect either one of those juniors is, but he did throw for more yards than either of them and before he threw three interceptions in a playoff loss to Norco had a touchdown-to-interception ratio that rivaled theirs.
Comments
Good Luck. There are others who have not gotten offers like AJ Springer of A.B. Miller. He did well, but he has to play the waiting game.
Posted by: iefootballfan | January 8, 2008 6:51 AM
When it comes to recruiting, there are many variables that can affect a player going D1, D2 or going the JC route. The first thing is "Film don't Lie." If you're a coach, you'd know exactly what I'm talking about. Going 0-10 really wouldn't matter if he could sling the rock. But the opinion of people who are on his jock can be a little biased and not sound. Recruiters know what type of players they want and they know who could play D1 or not. Second, how much backing does he have from the Ayala coaches? Would they put their name and reputation on the line for this kid? College recruiters rely heavily on the words of HS coaches. Recruiters know if a HS coach vouches for a kid that doesn't turn out, then he'll likely stay away from that coach and or the HS. There are exceptions, and recruiters will take a chance on some kids. Next thing is his grades, SAT/ACT, cleared through the NCAA clearing house? Sounds like Baca is a qualifier and is ready to go, so that's a plus. These are just a few things a person might think about, bcause the recruiting game can be brutal... I do wan't to wish Baca the best of luck and hope he gets a fair shot at going D1.
Posted by: Baldy | January 8, 2008 7:51 PM
BTW - I would not call Ayala's offense the Wing T.
He is a 1AA guy at best. But hey that is good football.
Posted by: coacher | January 9, 2008 8:51 PM
Matt has picked 1AA Northern Colorado.
Posted by: Ayala | January 25, 2008 12:34 AM