AUSTIN, Texas — Austin Novosad started his sophomore year playing on the junior varsity team at Dripping Springs High School. That changed quickly when the starting quarterback on varsity got hurt, and not long after, Novosad became the main man under center. That season, he helped the Tigers reach the second round of the playoffs.

What You Need To Know

  • Three-year starting QB at Dripping Spring

  • He committed to Baylor

  • Austin had offers from schools like Notre Dame, Texas A&M and Ohio State

  • Outside of football, he loves to be on the lake and wake surf

“Getting to play on varsity and getting to have the real 'Friday Night Lights' experience is when it clicked,” says Novosad. “Then I just really started working from there.”

That work started paying off as Novosad came back as the starting QB his junior season and led Dripping Springs to an undefeated regular season. His success on the field created attention from colleges and he committed to Baylor. That commitment didn’t stop other schools from calling, and this summer Novosad’s recruiting profile took off when schools like Ohio State, Notre Dame and Texas A&M all offered.

“It was a cool experience just getting to see all the colleges,” said Novosad. “I made the most of my opportunity to get out and explore, and now that it’s closed I feel great.”

After seeing what else was out there, Novosad ultimately decided to stick with his commitment to Baylor and plans to sign with them in December.

“Ultimately it’s the perfect fit for me, the offense, the coaches,” Novosad said. “Just the vibe there kind of brings everything together.”

Choosing Baylor will give Novosad the opportunity to stay and play close to his family. He credits them as his motivation to put in all the work and be successful after all the sacrifices they’ve made to help him. While football consumes a lot of his time, Novosad does have a few hobbies off the field.

“I’m always at the lake,” said Novosad, who enjoys wake surfing. “When I do get time fishing and hunting are things I love to do.”

Before he gets to enjoy those things in the off-season, Novosad is hoping to lead Dripping Springs deep into the playoffs in their first year as a 6A program. They are off to a 7-1 start, including a big win recently over Lake Travis.