He's not the biggest or strongest, or intimidating for that matter, but he sure has a nose for the ball and works as hard or harder than anyone can possibly work. What a great kid. The epidomy of what the rest of BYU's players should be like. It's cool too that he took the BYU gig after being denied by Utah and swallowed his pride to play for the team he grew up hating. I admire this kid and hope he does very well. I can say that I want to see him succeed even though I'm not much of a BYU football fan in general. Guys like Bauman and Jorgensen are stand up guys, the best you can ask for. I don't know a person who doesn't like them. Congrats and good luck.

Sounds like a terrific kid. He's playing for the right team. Well written article, very enjoyable.

I was Baumans Ward Mission Leader when he was serving as an AP in the Harrisburg Mission. I spent a lot to time with him. He is a great young man, a great leader, and will be a valuable asset to the team for the next two years.

Good Job, Bauman! You picked the right place!

You'll win many more games at BYU. The tradition is set and winning is that tradition once again. You would not have gotten that at that other school. You also don't have to listen to coaches and fans swear at you all the time.

The guy is most welcome here, and can't wait to see him take it to the utes.

Why is it that just because somebody grew up a fan of team A that you just assume he hates team B? I'm a BYU fan, but I don't hate Utah. Utah is a great school academically. They also have good sports programs that I wish a ton of success on; just not when they play my Cougars.

It's too bad for Utah they passed on Bauman. I hope he makes them regret their mistake like Kevin Curtis made both BYU and Utah regret not offering him a scholarship.

I have had the chance of getting to know Matt over the past 4 months and everytime we have spoken, or I have listen to him give a lesson I have been impressed. He is a great person and I can see him leading the football team to success. Good luck Matt and congratulations!

It's great to see a fine young man repent of his evil Ute ways and turn his life around. (kidding Utes) Terrance Hooks injury was a huge loss for Cougar football based on Bronco's reaction. Hopefully Bauman can fill those big shoes adequately.

I had the opportunity to get to know Matt while he was serving his mission in Pennsylvania. It was an equal blessing to have been living in the Boise area when Jan Jorgensen served his mission there. They were both some of the most dedicated, hardworking individuals that I have ever met. I'm glad to see them both succeeding. If I had the chance I would personally thank them both for the examples that they set, and continue to set, for my boys. I hope that my kids can one day be as dedicated and hard working as these two fine young men I was honored to know.

I've known Matt for the past year, and he's one great person and he does have a great nose for the ball. Do you remember the Wyoming game last year when he was not even a starter. He ended up having the most tackles on defense.

Utah, you passed on this gem, and it's going to cost you !!

Can you say 4th and 18 ???? See you Nov 22nd.

Go Matt!!

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haha byu is starting rejected utah players. hmmm

Haha BYU is beating Utah with rejected Utah players... hmmm

If I recall....Bauman was the one who picked off Brian Johnson. If that is a rejection than I will take it. I am a Ute fan but I bigger Bauman fan. He is the man!

The comments here were all great except for the few who turned them towards Utah. I can see why there is such a hatred between these two great schools and it really has no place in intercollegiate sports. We should be able to support and cheer for our team without tearing down our opponents, especially those within our own state.

I got to know Matt when I was watching Leave it to Beaver in Heber. He really is a great Cleaver.

It's a little strange to be a Utah Fan, but have a cousin-in-law as like Matt play for BYU. As BYU beat us last year, I had to have a little cheer in my heart for how awesome Matt did! :)

The writer of the article was big on "football hype" and only hinted at this guys academic prowess and personal style. His manner is that of a confident but humble gentleman who easily gets along with others. Maybe it's in his DNA? His dad is an MD Ortho Surgeon; his two older brothers-just finishing dental school; I dont' know if he has other siblings (sisters or more brothers)and his mother, she is sterling soul too - academic and neighborly wise. Nice story line-walk on.(The Ute's have had successful walk on's too.) I wish all these young men (at the Y & U) the best, and on the football field, may they avoid injury and enjoy the ride. Ute's thump Michigan and the Y cruise past Wash and UCLA? Personally I tire of the football hype - the piece on Matt was OK though. When it comes time, play the games. BYU & Utah may, outside of conference play, be mediocre, or to our surprise, may shine; and in the process folk like Bauman can have their brief and deserving moments of glory.

There's only way to settle this BYU vs. Utah fight and ongoing argument, annually, is to have the Great Reverse Game...BYU players wear Utah's uniforms and Utah, BYU's uniforms...and may the best team win! Where I'm from, there's only really one game that counts...this year. BYU better beat Washington, and Utah, better beat Michigan! Go Cougs and go MWC!

Great job Matt! I'm lookin forward to watchin you start next year. My dad always spoke highly of you from a basketball, football, and academic standpoint.

The kid was a leader in the mission field and will now be a leader on the football field. I am not suprised. He was a great missionary out here in PA.

That a boy! You're a great football player, and you will continue to be successful at the Y. We are cheering you on! WOO HOO!

Its funny how it all works out over time. BYU overlooks people that end up being incredible players at Utah, and Utah overlooks people that end up being great at BYU. I think it all evens out over the long run (though, having seen Bauman play, I'd say the scales are tipped a little towards BYU right now). I can't wait to see how Bauman and the rest of the defense (esp. the secondary) do this year.

is to be a returned missionary in order to play at BYU, then of course, they will have only to compete with the University of Utah for the local players.