Heisman winner Baker Mayfield did not sign on National Signing Day

The action posters of 2017 Heisman Trophy winner and Cleveland Browns starter Baker Mayfield no doubt fill the walls of aspiring young quarterbacks nationwide.

But  Mayfield is clearly already the poster child of college recruiting help organizations everywhere such as LRT Sports.

Under-recruited coming out of Texas high school power Lake Travis (Austin), Mayfield overachieved by throwing for 6,255 yards, 67 touchdowns and just eight interceptions in two seasons for the Cavaliers, including a perfect 16-0 2011 campaign and No. 7 national ranking.



Yet, despite a strong arm, great leadership skills and a sturdy 6-foot-1, 210-pound frame, he was given just a 3-star recruiting rating and only three colleges — Rice, Florida Atlantic and New Mexico — offered him a scholarship.

Rather than inking on National Signing Day, Mayfield trusted his judgment. He wanted something else. Something more.

WATCH BAKER MAYFIELD: High school highlights

He took a step back, surveyed the field of colleges that suited his talents and walked on at Texas Tech with quarterback guru coach Kliff Kingsbury. Turned out, the starter, another former Lake Travis standout Michael Brewer, got hurt and Mayfield stepped right in as the Red Raiders' starter.

His first start in college, he threw for 413 yards and four touchdowns and his illustrious college career had begun, leading to Mayfield being chosen as the No. 1 pick overall in the 2018 NFL Draft.

The best decision Mayfield made, said Keirsten Sires, founder and CEO of LRT Sports, was not signing initially on NSD. It's exactly what her company professes when aspiring college athletes aren't sure.

"The main thing is to stay calm and not panic throughout the process," she said. "Researching is the key

The best decision Mayfield made, said Keirsten Sires, founder and CEO of LRT Sports, was not signing initially on NSD. It's exactly what her company professes when aspiring college athletes aren't sure.

"The main thing is to stay calm and not panic throughout the process," she said. "Researching is the key. And don't be scared to put yourself out there. Always step back and consider all your options. And be realistic."

Sires offered expert inside advice during a 30-minute podcast of "Making the Jump" with Steve Montoya.