By Kevin Lonnquist
Publisher
Official Visit Weekend No. 1 – Visitors
Below is the known recruits that Baylor plans to entertain for the upcoming weekend. A mix between commits and top targets, the Bears have 16 members of the 2019 class. They probably need to add about 6-7 more.
The early signing period is Dec. 19-21. Analysis provided below each.
Note: With the Louisville coaching situation unresolved, Snyder is open to other possibilities. Whether this weekend’s visit is enough to sway him before Louisville finds its successor to Bobby Petrino remains to be seen.
Note: The former TCU commit re-opened in mid-October. Baylor needs a physical wide receiver in its corps. Lewis would offer it. Baylor had struck a pretty good relationship with him back in the spring before he wound up committing to the Horned Frogs.
Note: The former Miami (FL) is serious about the Bears and has struck up a pretty solid early relationship with assistant defensive backs coach Evan Cooper. Baylor likes him at running back. So do the other schools pursuing him. Time will tell if he’s ready to be a Bear.
Note: Baylor offered him in October but seemed to make a late push to at least get into his line of thinking. Texas remains the favorite. Don’t look for him to make a decision. He has visits set up to Minnesota Dec. 14 and Texas Dec. 21.
Note: A current Illinois commit, Baylor is making a push toward adding more depth on the defensive line. The Fighting Illini is coming off a 4-8 season. Baylor has some momentum. There is a possibility that Baylor could flip Coleman over the weekend. Remember, families get to take these visits too.
Note: A Baylor commit. Nothing suggests that he is looking elsewhere. There is some discussion of Baylor looking at him more as a defensive end than linebacker.
Note: A Baylor commit. There are no concerns for the staff.
Note: With Nebraska considered the favorite – he’s already taken his official visit to Lincoln – the Bears have been chipping away and can take a huge chunk if the weekend goes as planned. A decision isn’t expected over the weekend. However, Banks is planning on signing in December.
Note: Baylor defensive backs coach Fran Brown got the program into this race recently. The first thing to notice about Dodson is his length - 6-2. As Rivals analyst Chad Simmons said, Kentucky is considered the leader. Things can change.
Note: A Baylor commit. There are no concerns for the staff.
Note: A Baylor commit. There are no concerns for the staff.
Note: On the outside, nerves are still a bit frayed for Ellis because he has taken official visits elsewhere including Michigan. However, there is a sense in the Simpson Building that this is going to play out fine. Ellis still has a Jan. 4 announcement to make. It could be ceremonial.
https://n.rivals.com/content/prospects/2019/harrison-white-202292
Note: A Baylor commit. There are no concerns for the staff.
https://n.rivals.com/content/prospects/2019/hakeem-vance-181787
Note: A Baylor commit. There are no concerns for the staff. He was originally scheduled to visit Dec. 7. However, when Hattiesburg was upset in the playoffs, the date was moved up.
https://n.rivals.com/content/prospects/2019/solomon-turner-182444
Note: A Baylor commit. There are no concerns for the staff.
https://n.rivals.com/content/prospects/2019/tyrone-brown-213063
Note: A Baylor commit. There are no concerns for the staff.
The scoop on Coop
Navarro offensive lineman Josh Cooper announced a Baylor offer earlier in the week. He’s been talking to the Baylor staff for actually the last two seasons. But it was only until recently when things went to another level.
Baylor is looking at him at tackle. The native of Haughton, LA would have three years to play two.
“I didn’t come to a game this year because of our schedule,’’ Cooper said. “But I came to one last year. [McLane Stadium] had great energy out there. I love the fans. I thought they were very professional.’’
Within the last two recruiting cycles, Baylor has shown a willingness to pursue JUCO player especially on both the offensive and defensive fronts. In 2018, they added Johncarlo Valentin who eventually became the starting left guard.
Following the bowl, Baylor is losing the right side of its offensive line between guard Blake Blackmar and Patrick Lawrence. With the struggles Clemson/Florida transfer Jake Fruhmorgen has had, there needs to be some instant stability found.
An official visit to Baylor has not been finalized. Cooper has not taken any other official visits, even though he holds several P5 offers.
Big 12 Power Rankings
A look at the Big 12 Power Rankings through each week of the 2018 season. Rankings are determined by the previous week’s games. Agree or disagree, here they are.
1. Oklahoma – Cannot do the Horns Down Saturday or else they will get flagged
2. Texas – Horns looking to pull off the rarity and sweep the Sooners
3. West Virginia – An Oklahoma dust bowl at the end for the Mountaineers
4. Iowa State – Snapped an 11-game losing streak to Kansas State
5. TCU – Have to give Gary Patterson credit for getting this team to a bowl
6. Baylor – Most complete performance under Matt Rhule against Texas Tech
7. Oklahoma State – The most mindboggling team in college football
8. Kansas State – Reports are Bill Snyder is expected to retire as early as Friday
9. Texas Tech – Utah State coach Matt Wells succeeds Kliff Kingsbury
10. Kansas – Former head coach David Beaty helping Texas prepare for Oklahoma
Big 12 Weekend
A look at the final Saturday of the Big 12 season. This would have been the spot reserved for the Big 12 Championship game. However, Iowa State is playing a makeup game to get to 12 game. Games are listed in chronological order. All times are central. TV is listed.
Big 12 Championship
No. 14 Texas (9-3) vs. No. 5 Oklahoma (11-1); 11:00 a.m., AT&T Stadium, Arlington (ABC)
Series: Texas leads 62-46-5
Notable: This is the first time that these programs will meet in a championship game. It’s also the third time they’ve played twice in the same season. The others were in 1901 and 1903. Texas won the first meeting on Oct. 6 in the Cotton Bowl on 47-yard field goal at the gun, 48-45. The winner clinches at least a trip to the Sugar Bowl. Oklahoma is still in the running for a spot in the college football playoff. The main issue is if Texas’ defense can slow down Oklahoma enough. The Sooners lead the Big 12 in scoring (50.3) and total offense (583.8). Texas is third in scoring defense (25.4). Watch the turnover margin. Texas is second in the Big 12 at +7. Oklahoma was sixth at -2.
Drake (7-3) at No. 23 Iowa State (7-4); 11:00 a.m., Jack Trice Stadium, Ames (CyclonesTV.com)
Series: Iowa State leads, 48-17-5
Notable: Iowa State scheduled this game after its Sept. 1 season opener against South Dakota State was canceled because of the weather. The Cyclones already clinched a program-best six Big 12 wins and are looking for an eight-win season and improving their bowl chances. ISU running back David Montgomery needs 53 yards to reach 1,000. Drake plays in the FCS Pioneer League and was not going to the FCS playoffs. These teams haven’t met since 1985 when Drake won, 20-17.
Emptying the Notebook
https://n.rivals.com/content/prospects/2019/peyton-powell-208762
>With Odessa Permian athlete Peyton Powell scheduled to take his official visit to Baylor on Dec. 7, there’s no clear indication that he would de-commit from Texas. He’s been on the Baylor campus on several occasions including the July 29 camp. Powell is still considered an athlete. But he appears to have a future more in the secondary.
>In case you didn't see this, Baylor's staff is really playing its first two bowl practices up with the Texas High School coaches community. They have made Friday's and Saturday's practices open for all members of the THSCA.
https://twitter.com/coachdwetzel/status/1067480097823866880
Publisher
Official Visit Weekend No. 1 – Visitors
Below is the known recruits that Baylor plans to entertain for the upcoming weekend. A mix between commits and top targets, the Bears have 16 members of the 2019 class. They probably need to add about 6-7 more.
The early signing period is Dec. 19-21. Analysis provided below each.
Note: With the Louisville coaching situation unresolved, Snyder is open to other possibilities. Whether this weekend’s visit is enough to sway him before Louisville finds its successor to Bobby Petrino remains to be seen.
Note: The former TCU commit re-opened in mid-October. Baylor needs a physical wide receiver in its corps. Lewis would offer it. Baylor had struck a pretty good relationship with him back in the spring before he wound up committing to the Horned Frogs.
Note: The former Miami (FL) is serious about the Bears and has struck up a pretty solid early relationship with assistant defensive backs coach Evan Cooper. Baylor likes him at running back. So do the other schools pursuing him. Time will tell if he’s ready to be a Bear.
Note: Baylor offered him in October but seemed to make a late push to at least get into his line of thinking. Texas remains the favorite. Don’t look for him to make a decision. He has visits set up to Minnesota Dec. 14 and Texas Dec. 21.
Note: A current Illinois commit, Baylor is making a push toward adding more depth on the defensive line. The Fighting Illini is coming off a 4-8 season. Baylor has some momentum. There is a possibility that Baylor could flip Coleman over the weekend. Remember, families get to take these visits too.
Note: A Baylor commit. Nothing suggests that he is looking elsewhere. There is some discussion of Baylor looking at him more as a defensive end than linebacker.
Note: A Baylor commit. There are no concerns for the staff.
Note: With Nebraska considered the favorite – he’s already taken his official visit to Lincoln – the Bears have been chipping away and can take a huge chunk if the weekend goes as planned. A decision isn’t expected over the weekend. However, Banks is planning on signing in December.
Note: Baylor defensive backs coach Fran Brown got the program into this race recently. The first thing to notice about Dodson is his length - 6-2. As Rivals analyst Chad Simmons said, Kentucky is considered the leader. Things can change.
Note: A Baylor commit. There are no concerns for the staff.
Note: A Baylor commit. There are no concerns for the staff.
Note: On the outside, nerves are still a bit frayed for Ellis because he has taken official visits elsewhere including Michigan. However, there is a sense in the Simpson Building that this is going to play out fine. Ellis still has a Jan. 4 announcement to make. It could be ceremonial.
https://n.rivals.com/content/prospects/2019/harrison-white-202292
Note: A Baylor commit. There are no concerns for the staff.
https://n.rivals.com/content/prospects/2019/hakeem-vance-181787
Note: A Baylor commit. There are no concerns for the staff. He was originally scheduled to visit Dec. 7. However, when Hattiesburg was upset in the playoffs, the date was moved up.
https://n.rivals.com/content/prospects/2019/solomon-turner-182444
Note: A Baylor commit. There are no concerns for the staff.
https://n.rivals.com/content/prospects/2019/tyrone-brown-213063
Note: A Baylor commit. There are no concerns for the staff.
The scoop on Coop
Navarro offensive lineman Josh Cooper announced a Baylor offer earlier in the week. He’s been talking to the Baylor staff for actually the last two seasons. But it was only until recently when things went to another level.
Baylor is looking at him at tackle. The native of Haughton, LA would have three years to play two.
“I didn’t come to a game this year because of our schedule,’’ Cooper said. “But I came to one last year. [McLane Stadium] had great energy out there. I love the fans. I thought they were very professional.’’
Within the last two recruiting cycles, Baylor has shown a willingness to pursue JUCO player especially on both the offensive and defensive fronts. In 2018, they added Johncarlo Valentin who eventually became the starting left guard.
Following the bowl, Baylor is losing the right side of its offensive line between guard Blake Blackmar and Patrick Lawrence. With the struggles Clemson/Florida transfer Jake Fruhmorgen has had, there needs to be some instant stability found.
An official visit to Baylor has not been finalized. Cooper has not taken any other official visits, even though he holds several P5 offers.
Big 12 Power Rankings
A look at the Big 12 Power Rankings through each week of the 2018 season. Rankings are determined by the previous week’s games. Agree or disagree, here they are.
1. Oklahoma – Cannot do the Horns Down Saturday or else they will get flagged
2. Texas – Horns looking to pull off the rarity and sweep the Sooners
3. West Virginia – An Oklahoma dust bowl at the end for the Mountaineers
4. Iowa State – Snapped an 11-game losing streak to Kansas State
5. TCU – Have to give Gary Patterson credit for getting this team to a bowl
6. Baylor – Most complete performance under Matt Rhule against Texas Tech
7. Oklahoma State – The most mindboggling team in college football
8. Kansas State – Reports are Bill Snyder is expected to retire as early as Friday
9. Texas Tech – Utah State coach Matt Wells succeeds Kliff Kingsbury
10. Kansas – Former head coach David Beaty helping Texas prepare for Oklahoma
Big 12 Weekend
A look at the final Saturday of the Big 12 season. This would have been the spot reserved for the Big 12 Championship game. However, Iowa State is playing a makeup game to get to 12 game. Games are listed in chronological order. All times are central. TV is listed.
Big 12 Championship
No. 14 Texas (9-3) vs. No. 5 Oklahoma (11-1); 11:00 a.m., AT&T Stadium, Arlington (ABC)
Series: Texas leads 62-46-5
Notable: This is the first time that these programs will meet in a championship game. It’s also the third time they’ve played twice in the same season. The others were in 1901 and 1903. Texas won the first meeting on Oct. 6 in the Cotton Bowl on 47-yard field goal at the gun, 48-45. The winner clinches at least a trip to the Sugar Bowl. Oklahoma is still in the running for a spot in the college football playoff. The main issue is if Texas’ defense can slow down Oklahoma enough. The Sooners lead the Big 12 in scoring (50.3) and total offense (583.8). Texas is third in scoring defense (25.4). Watch the turnover margin. Texas is second in the Big 12 at +7. Oklahoma was sixth at -2.
Drake (7-3) at No. 23 Iowa State (7-4); 11:00 a.m., Jack Trice Stadium, Ames (CyclonesTV.com)
Series: Iowa State leads, 48-17-5
Notable: Iowa State scheduled this game after its Sept. 1 season opener against South Dakota State was canceled because of the weather. The Cyclones already clinched a program-best six Big 12 wins and are looking for an eight-win season and improving their bowl chances. ISU running back David Montgomery needs 53 yards to reach 1,000. Drake plays in the FCS Pioneer League and was not going to the FCS playoffs. These teams haven’t met since 1985 when Drake won, 20-17.
Emptying the Notebook
https://n.rivals.com/content/prospects/2019/peyton-powell-208762
>With Odessa Permian athlete Peyton Powell scheduled to take his official visit to Baylor on Dec. 7, there’s no clear indication that he would de-commit from Texas. He’s been on the Baylor campus on several occasions including the July 29 camp. Powell is still considered an athlete. But he appears to have a future more in the secondary.
>In case you didn't see this, Baylor's staff is really playing its first two bowl practices up with the Texas High School coaches community. They have made Friday's and Saturday's practices open for all members of the THSCA.
https://twitter.com/coachdwetzel/status/1067480097823866880
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