Luke Bauer was a highly sought-after linebacker before he transferred to Morehead State, and he's quickly turned into one of the most decorated players on the football team.
Whether it's racking up tackles, forcing fumbles, or getting to the quarterback, Bauer has been a consistent playmaker for the Eagles' defense.
But the gridiron isn't the only place where Bauer has made an impact.
He's embraced his role as a leader and helped guide this team through some difficult moments.
Whether it's through his preparation or communication, Bauer's presence has helped bring this team together.
And that has been his mission since he first stepped foot on campus.
Before Bauer transferred to Morehead State, he had to make one of the biggest decisions of his life.
He had multiple schools to choose from, but there was one that always stood out to him.
"I chose to transfer to Morehead State because it felt like the right fit for me both on and off the field," Bauer said. "The previous coaching staff believed in me and provided the opportunity to contribute right away. Academically, Morehead State offered the same program I began at Akron, which allowed me to transfer all of my credits and stay on track to graduate on time. Additionally, the university is located in an area I was not familiar with, which gave me a new and valuable perspective outside of what I was accustomed to."
Once Bauer arrived on campus, it didn't take long for him to make an impact.
In fact, one of his favorite memories came last season on the biggest stage possible.
"One of my favorite moments from the past couple of seasons was last year's Homecoming win against Presbyterian," Bauer said. "It was my first career win on Homecoming weekend, and it felt incredibly rewarding to get a victory for all the students and fans who came out to support our team. The Homecoming game always brings an electric atmosphere, and having the opportunity to play in front of the Morehead faithful is truly a privilege."
As a linebacker, Bauer is tasked with leading the defense on the field, and he's more than up for the challenge.
He's someone who leads by example, and he's always focused on putting his team in the best position to succeed.
"Something I like to instill in my teammates is the importance of focusing on your own assignment and executing it to the best of your ability," Bauer said. "When each of us focuses on our own 1/11, there is no need to overcompensate for someone else, so we can trust each other and play collectively as a unit. I also emphasize communication because being in sync is crucial. Everyone needs to understand the audibles and adjustments so we can put ourselves in the best possible position to succeed."
Bauer's leadership and communication have been an integral part of the Eagles' success, and he gives a lot of credit to his high school coaches for preparing him for this level.
"From a playing perspective, I thought my coaches did an excellent job preparing me for the collegiate level," Bauer said. "They held high expectations for my performance, which pushed me to consistently pursue excellence in everything I do."
As Bauer continues to make his mark on this program, he has some words of wisdom for the younger players who are hoping to follow in his footsteps.
"Enjoy the process," Bauer said. "You only have a finite amount of time to play this game, so never take a single day for granted because you never know when it could be your last. Do not get discouraged when things go wrong and view every situation as an opportunity to improve. Most importantly, embrace your role and perform it to the best of your ability. Someone is always watching, whether it is a coach or the eye in the sky, so hold yourself to a high standard and never allow yourself to be average."
Bauer's dad has always been a major role model in his life, and he's given him the confidence to become the player he is today.
"Someone who has played a major role in my football journey is my dad," Bauer said. "He has always been supportive but also critical in a way that pushed me to be my best. From the beginning, he believed in my dream of playing collegiate football and took me on countless visits and traveled to many of my road games just to watch me play. His confidence in me was essential in my decision to transfer and bet on myself. It helped me realize that I still had something valuable to offer another program and that I could make a meaningful impact in helping them win."
Whether it's on the football field or in the classroom, Bauer has proven to be a great student-athlete, but he's much more than that.
He has a wide range of interests and a personality that his teammates gravitate toward.
For example, his music taste is something that makes him unique, and it's something that helps him get prepared for the game.
"If I could control the music in the locker room, I would be playing Drake and Future," Bauer said. "They are my main artists on game day because they offer a great mix of hype and slower songs that help me manage my energy. Their music helps me gradually lock in during my pregame routine, so I am fully dialed and ready to reach my peak by kickoff."
Whether it's through music or words of encouragement, Bauer is always helping his teammates get prepared for the game, and it's something he takes a lot of pride in.
He remembers what it felt like to be a freshman, so he does everything he can to help the underclassmen.
"Make sure you are doing the right thing both on and off the field," Bauer said. "It is never a good thing to show up on lists or get on a coach's radar for causing issues because that only creates problems for you and the team. Also, do not be afraid to ask questions. The transition from high school to college can be tough, especially when it comes to the scheme. It is much simpler in high school, but college playbooks are dense and test a player's mental capacity. So, make sure to ask plenty of questions during install meetings and lean on your teammates for help. Lastly, go to class and build relationships with your professors because those connections will pay dividends in the future."
With a player like Bauer leading the way, the Eagles are in good hands.
Whether it's on the field or in the locker room, he's always willing to lend a helping hand, and that's what makes him such a special player.
Bauer has already accomplished so much in his career, and the future is only going to get brighter.
