Big Spring High School’s Matt Ritchey is so versatile that he stepped in at quarterback last season after the starter went down with an injury.

But he’s planning to play linebacker at Baylor after becoming the fourth verbal commitment in the Bears’ 2010 class.

The 6-foot-3, 205-pound Ritchey collected 89 tackles while making two interceptions and forcing two fumbles for Big Spring’s team that reached the third round of the Class 4A Division II playoffs last season.

“Matt is a do-it-all kind of guy,” said Big Spring coach Phillip Ritchey, who is Matt’s uncle. “He’s a real good linebacker, but he’d be successful wherever you put him. He’s got a real knack for knowing where the ball is. He was the leader of our defense, and a guy we’d count on to make checks to get us in the right formation.”

Ritchey has played for the Big Spring varsity since he was moved up as a freshman for the 2006 playoffs. After starting at safety during the playoffs that year, he played linebacker and tight end as a sophomore.

But when starting quarterback Tyler Tannehill went down with an injury early last year, Ritchey moved to quarterback.

“Matt passed for over 1,100 yards and ran for 1,100 more yards,” Phillip Ritchey said. “Defenses didn’t like to see him as a quarterback because he’s so fearless. Several colleges looked at him as a tight end, but he loves playing linebacker.”

Phillip Ritchey said Matt is also an excellent student who is ranked first in his class.

“Matt isn’t just lucky to be going to Baylor, they are lucky to get him because of his character and athleticism,” Phillip Ritchey said. “I’m just real excited for him. I’ve been real impressed by Baylor’s coaching staff — they made him feel like he’s got a place there.”

Baylor previously received verbal commitments from Midland receiver Antwan Goodley, Midlothian receiver Eddie Johnson and Gilmer cornerback Tristen Holt.

jwerner@wacotrib.com

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