One to Watch Texas: Rowlett 2017 Safety Dylan Bauer Covering even more Ground on Camp Circuit

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Rowlett High School had a season to remember in 2015 going 10-3 with a run to the UIL Texas State Championship game before losing a 31-24 heartbreaker to Atascocita in overtime. The Eagles were dialed in last season and one of the emerging leaders on defense was safety Dylan Bauer.

Bauer improved as the season went along arguably playing his best by season’s end. The 6’0”, 170 pound, talent came up with 63 tackles, 1.5 sacks, broke up four passes, and picked two off for the Eagles. Bauer played as a sophomore working his way into the starting line up by the end of the 2014 campaign getting five starts under his belt. All is adding up to an explosive senior campaign.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Bauer to go over his junior year, his offseason camp schedule, and got a recruiting news update.

Interview

Dylan, you turned in a really nice performance in 2015. At this point in your career, what are your strengths on the field as a safety?

“I feel I have an above average IQ for football at the level that I am at now. I know most of the plays and where the ball is going before the play starts.”

What are some of the gains you made on the field from your sophomore season when you started five games to your junior year where you got the entire year to grow as a player?

“Going into my junior year I felt like I could be better coming downhill. I was better this year coming downhill and at breaking up passes.”

Who did you play your best game against last season and why do you consider that your best game?

“I would say, if I have to pick one, our second round game of the playoffs verses Skyline (won 24-21). There was so much energy going into that game. No one thought we would win. Everyone looking past us which made me want to play even harder.”

Did you earn any individual honors at the end of last season?

“I was first team All-District.”

What are you working on this offseason for your senior year?

“This year I am working more on the same defensive back drills. I’m focused on getting faster and stronger more than I was last year.”

What is the best 40-yard dash time you’ve posted?

“I’ve ran a hand-held 4.63.”

Will you take on a different role with the Eagles next season?

“I have not talked to my coach about that but feel that I will have to play more of a down safety, almost like an outside linebacker this year. Other than that I don’t see any other position I would potentially play except maybe returning kicks.”

What camps did you go to in 2015?

“I went to SMU, UNT (North Texas), SFA (Stephen F. Austin), Abilene Christian, and one more – Louisiana-Lafayette.”

Which camps are you going to this offseason?

“That is something I have not finished scheduling. Some of the same D-I camps like SFA, Sam Houston State, SMU, and North Texas but I’m not sure where all I will go yet.”

Which schools are recruiting you right now?

“SFA, Abilene Christian, Midwestern State, they are a D-II school, and most recently Brown.”

Have you gone on any unofficial visits yet?

“I went to SFA’s spring game last year, same with Midwest and Abilene Christian.”

How did your visit to SFA go?

“It was fun. It made me like the school a lot more than I already had.”

Do you have any unofficial visits coming up?

“I’m working on going to SFA and one to Midwestern State.”

Are you playing 7×7 this spring?

“Yes, with my high school team.”

How is that season going for you so far?

“We had our first practice last Wednesday getting ready for state qualifying.”

Are you participating in any spring sports for Rowlett?

“Yes – track.”

Which events?

“The high jump and long jump. I’m running with the track team but not competing in the races. I’m running to work on my speed.”

What is your PR (personal record) in the high jump?

“My PR is 6-feet.”

What about in the long jump?

“My PR in the long jump is 19’3.5”.”

Do you have a long jump goal for this season?

“I would like to break 20 but that would be a big jump.”

How is everything going in the classroom?

“I have a 3.3 GPA.”

Have you taken the SAT or ACT yet?

“I took the SAT and got a 1,430. I just took it again and I’m waiting on my new score.”

Do you know what you want to major in when you go to college?

“No, not really.”

What is your favorite part of playing football?

“My favorite part is spending time with your brothers. Also, there is nothing like Friday nights.”

Dylan, thanks for your time today. Good luck with your track season, 7×7, and upcoming camps.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Bauer family; Dylan at Stephen F. Austin

Photo credit: BHMImages.com; No. 19 Dylan Bauer in action.

Photo credit: Mark Martin, ETSN.fm; No. 19 Dylan Bauer goes up for a pass.