Irish 2020 TE Commit Kevin Bauman Plays Key Part In State Title Win
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Though Red Bank (N.J.) Catholic product Kevin Bauman has committed to Notre Dame as a tight end recruit, the 2020 prospect came up huge last weekend helping his team capture a New Jersey Non-Public Group Three state championship inside of MetLife Stadium.
Red Bank Catholic (11-0) led 14-10 when the team’s defense had to stand tall with New Monmouth (N.J.) Mater Dei Prep (11-2) having a first-and-goal from their own nine. The Seraphs eventually faced a fourth-and-goal from their own two and decided to go for the touchdown.
That’s when Bauman and the Caseys made their mark.
While Mater Dei tried a quarterback run to the right, Bauman was able to penetrate into the backfield forcing the ball carrier back inside which allowed multiple teammates to lock down a crucial stop with just under five minutes to play.
On the team’s offensive possession, Red Bank Catholic went deep to Bauman for a clutch 56-yard gain to get the Caseys away from their own end zone. Mater Dei had another crack to take the lead, but again Bauman and company held strong to capture the coveted state title.
“Honestly, it was a real surreal feeling,” Bauman told Blue & Gold Illustrated. “We worked so hard to get to that exact moment starting from that point last year when we lost in the playoffs. It was definitely a long road to get back to that point. Just doing it with this group of guys and coaches to go with the families and fans was really special.”
Even with a close contest and adversity, Bauman and company never lost confidence in their ability to complete their goal.
“If you ask any guy on the team, there was not a single doubt in our minds that we were going to win that game,” Bauman explained. “It was close the whole game being within one possession. We were all so calm in the big moment. That paid off huge for us … We made a big stop on the run and that was probably the biggest turning point in the game.”
Bauman enjoyed the opportunity to make plays on a big stage at MetLife.
“It was incredible, but once you get on the field all of that kind of blocks itself out,” Bauman stated. “At the end of the day, it’s still football on the same size of field. We were used to playing in big games throughout the season. It was another big one for us and we were ready to take care of business.”
For the Rivals250 prospect, building on a successful junior season is the goal for the next several months.
“I thought I performed well in the run and pass game and defensively as well,” Bauman said of his junior campaign. “This was the first year I really got to play defense, so that was really fun. It felt great to be able to help out the team in a bigger way in multiple phases of the game.
“I definitely improved a lot in the run game overall, which was big for me. I want to be that complete and well-rounded tight end. That showed a lot this year. As well as coming through in big moments and making the most of every opportunity that the ball came my way. There’s always room for improvement in every facet of my game. This offseason is going to be the best one yet.”
Rivals ranks Bauman as the No. 103 player nationally and No. 2 tight end in the 2020 class.
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