Gunslinger CSU commit has eye-popping numbers at Texas QB factory

The dream of becoming a star began with a signed foam finger.

CSU verbal commit Matthew Baldwin was 8 or 9 when Lake Travis High School quarterback Garrett Gilbert gave Baldwin what he called “the greatest thing ever” with the autographed paraphernalia. 

Gilbert went on to play college football at Texas and SMU and is now a Carolina Panther.

Meanwhile, Baldwin continued to grow up in Austin, watching his local school become one of the top programs in Texas, winning five straight state titles (2007-11).

That stretch coincided with a stunning trend of quarterback excellence. Seven straight Lake Travis quarterbacks went on to play big-time Division I football, including Gilbert and current Oklahoma star and Heisman candidate Baker Mayfield.

Baldwin is DI-bound QB No. 8 and his numbers this season are enough to make any offensive-loving fan or coach drool. He has completed 69 percent of his passes for 1,867 yards (373 per game), 24 touchdowns and just two interceptions.

He didn’t make his first career start until this his senior season as he was stuck behind Baylor-bound quarterback Charlie Brewer, who easily led Lake Travis to a Class 6A state title last season.

Baldwin committed to Colorado State University in July and Lake Travis (4-1) is now ranked No. 7 in 6A.

“It’s an honor to be in that group, and I hope I can live up to and reach and maybe surpass what they’ve done in high school and beyond,” Baldwin said. “I’ve just been dreaming about being in this spot now.”

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The success is really no surprise.

Not only is Lake Travis a QB factory, Baldwin shined in limited duty to help the Cavaliers win a state title a year ago. He completed 76 percent of his passes and threw for 673 yards and 10 touchdowns in 93 pass attempts. He also delivered in an overtime win over eventual Class 6A Division II state finalist Cibolo Steele, leading Lake Travis to a game-winning drive.

“We have had a long history of great quarterbacks, we’ve been fortunate to have that,” Lake Travis coach Hank Carter said. “I would say that Matthew has handled that incredibly well so far. Even though he has big shoes to fill, he is a great player and a super smart kid. We’re obviously very excited about the way he’s playing so far but know he can get a lot better. I can’t wait to watch him continue to improve every Friday night.”

The 6-foot-3, 203-pound right-hander is rated as a three-star prospect and the 40th-best pro-style QB in the recruiting class by 247Sports. While primarily a pocket passer, he is mobile (110 rush yards this season) to go with his cannon arm.

“He’s got an incredible arm. He’s built like Matt Ryan, that’s who his game reminds me of. He’s got a high, quick release,” Carter said. “He’s an incredible leader for us. He takes care of business in the classroom. He’s an amazing student, he’s great off the field. He’s a vocal kid. Shoot, I wish I could say something negative about him. He’s awesome.”

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By nature of how his high school career has gone, Baldwin will naturally field increased recruiting calls if he continues to shine his senior season. He says he politely takes the calls, but tries to keep conversations to a minimum, telling suitors he’s committed to CSU.

The Rams have a plenty of young quarterbacks in Collin Hill (sophomore) and Justice McCoy (freshman), plus freshman walk-on Judd Erickson. They're all likely to redshirt this season, with Hill the presumed starter next season after Nick Stevens graduates.

But CSU coach Mike Bobo, who can’t comment on recruits until they sign, has previously said he wants players who come in and compete and don’t count the depth chart when picking a school.

Baldwin quickly rattles off Bobo’s history of success offensively, citing the greatness of Matthew Stafford under Bobo at Georgia. He follows the Rams, noting they still have the most points scored on No. 1 Alabama this year and marvels at the offense (particularly the play of wide receiver Michael Gallup).

He had never been to Colorado when CSU offered, so this summer he spent some time enjoying a vacation in Pagosa Springs with some friends before making a visit to Fort Collins later in the summer to see the campus and new stadium.

“They have top-of-the-line facilities now. It’s a great place. All of that is great and all, but what really made me commit was the people there. I love Coach Bobo; he’s a great guy,” Baldwin said. “I am excited. Can’t wait.”

Follow sports reporter Kevin Lytle at twitter.com/Kevin_Lytle and at facebook.com/KevinSLytle.

Matthew Baldwin file

School — Lake Travis (Austin, Texas)

Year — Senior

Highlights — A first-year starter for Lake Travis, Baldwin has thrown for 1,867 yards, 24 touchdowns and two interceptions in five games…Threw for 673 yards and 10 touchdowns in limited duty as a backup as Lake Travis won a 6A state title last season…Rated as a three-star prospect and the 40th-best pro-style QB in his class by 247Sports...The eighth Lake Travis QB in a row to commit to a Division I, FBS football program.

Lake Travis’ 8-straight DI QBs — Todd Reesing (Kansas), Garrett Gilbert (Texas then SMU), Michael Brewer (Texas Tech then Virginia Tech), Collin Lagasse (SMU), Baker Mayfield (Texas Tech then Oklahoma), Dominic DeLira (Iowa State), Charlie Brewer (Baylor) and Matthew Baldwin (committed to CSU).