Interview: Big Breakout Season Ahead for 2021 Washington Dual-Threat Baylor Ayres
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Implementing a two-headed attack under center, Lynden High School rode their Spread attack and dual-threat talents in the pocket to a 9-3 campaign in 2019 rolling to Washington’s 2A semifinal round. Senior quarterback Brock Heppner got the starts but rising Class of 2021 quarterback Baylor Ayres got the Lions’ share of the time guiding the offense. The 6-1, 193-pound, talent slung the pigskin around for 975 yards and 13 touchdowns off 60 completions and rushed 137 times for 704 yards with seven trips into the end zone.
Ayres’ play is starting to attract next level scouts with opportunities this offseason to compete at various college camps displaying the abilities in-person. In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with one of Washington’s under the radar talents who is preparing for a big senior season.
Interview
Baylor, all the work you and the Lions put into the preseason and regular season paid off with a deep run going to the semifinal round. What was that playoff run like for you going up against some of the best in Washington?
“It was really special and cool to see all the talent Washington has. It was an eye opener. Steilacoom, those are top guys – wow, there are some top guys on their team. At Lynden, we don’t typically see players like that. When Steilacoom came to Lynden, we beat them but when we went there, we got beat. It is cool to see the college level athletes in the playoffs. It is fun to compete against them.”
The Lions appear to be running a wide-open Spread attack. How does that offense fit your skillset as a quarterback?
“It fits my skillset. We pass a lot and run the QB a lot. I like to run. It benefits me both ways because I can pass and run the ball.”
You split time at quarterback last season with a senior. How did that time-share in the pocket play out with series in games?
“Last year our senior QB had a really good season, I split time with him and he did the same the year before with a senior at that time. Our coach made it to the state championship, he thought that it would work again. Our senior QB started every game, I came in throwing more, he is more of a runner. If there were six series in a game, I got four, he got two. I had about 3/5 of the snaps, more than half of the snaps.”
Which areas of your game saw the biggest growth last season?
“Running the ball. Over the summer, I got my body into football shape. The season gave me the chance to run the ball, I think I had somewhere between 630 to 650 yards rushing. That is an area that grew dramatically. Reading defenses improved. Reading Cover 3, Cover 2, and Cover 0. I got smarter as a player. I was playing JV in 2018. There it is about who is more skilled. At the varsity level it is more about understanding the game.”
Is there an aspect to your game that gets overlooked?
“Something that gets overlooked, last summer our senior QB and I did a lot of throwing with our receivers. We worked and created that bond. I spent a bunch of time in the weight room preparing for the season; a lot of people may not know that about me.”
What’s your leadership style?
“I’m not the guy that gets everyone riled up. I watch the most film and show leadership by my play on the field.”
What are you working on this offseason with your game?
“This offseason I am working on my footwork, accuracy, and overall QB skills. I am working on the fundamentals of throwing and becoming an accurate precision passer.”
Are you competing at any camps this offseason?
“There is an FBU camp, I might attend that. This summer, I have been receiving camp invites. I will work my summer around going to college camps. Montana invited me to their QB Junior Day and Eastern Washington did the same.”
Nice transition. Which schools are showing recruiting interest?
“Montana, Eastern Washington, and Central Washington.”
Have you visited any programs yet?
“Yes. We went to Central Washington, my dad played on the line there. His old coach took me around on a tour.”
Going forward, might you visit any other schools?
“For now, I will visit during the camps.”
Baylor, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Randy Small; No. 1 Baylor Ayres touchdown (2019)