By Kevin Lonnquist
Publisher
Baylor’s spring football season enters its final week. There are two more practices before Saturday’s Green & Gold game at McLane Stadium. The Bears had their second scrimmage this past Saturday. Some thoughts as we hit the home stretch:
Defensive Line: The entire defense has a lot of questions surrounding it. But a number of them are going to focus on this unit which has a lot of people to replace including nose tackle Apu Ika. Dave Aranda is a 3-4 coach and likely will stay with that. But it would interesting to watch on Saturday to what extent he will throw a 4-man front out there. Really, the 3-4’s effectiveness is going to depend on how JUCO transfer Jerrell Boykins performs as the new nose tackle. Is he pushing the pile and keeping things even? Is he giving linebackers a clear lane to make plays?
For sure it helps that veterans TJ Franklin and Gabe Hall are back – wouldn’t be surprised if Baylor sticks with a 3-4 that Franklin, Boykins and Hall are the starters – and have been steady. But after that, you have a bunch of new faces mixing in between defensive end Cooper Lanz and defensive tackle Tre Emory. Jackie Marshall’s move to the defensive line is something to watch. Expectations are high for him to make an immediate impact.
This group isn’t deep and it wouldn’t hurt Baylor to search the portal – It opened on April 15 and runs through April 30 – to search for some depth.
Linebacker: This theme is going to be consistent of a group that has some familiar names but a lot of inexperience. Kaian Roberts-Day is going to be the Jack. He can be that fourth defensive lineman if need be. But his lateral speed is going to be paramount. Matt Jones and Garmon Randolph are both proven. There’s experience coming from Liberty transfer Mike Smith who should take one of those inside slots. Josh White has been coming along and should be a factor.
The depth is going to come through the likes of Kyler Jordan, Brooks Miller and Tony Anyanwu. This is Jordan’s first spring football because he played baseball. Anyanwu is likely in that now-or-never phase.
Like defensive line, Baylor likely should search the portal for help.
Cornerback: This is pretty much starting over with a new group. There’s going to be some growing pains. Tevin Williams III has been good in camp and likely should be one of the starters. Miami (FL) transfer Isaiah Dunson likely needs to win the job at the other spot. If he doesn’t, then that’s not good. Chateau Reed and Reggie Bush are getting some burn.
Safety: With Matthew Powledge returning as defensive coordinator and handling this position, there’s some inexperience. However, Powledge’s history doesn’t make me feel so concerned. If this group is forcing turnovers, then it’s on its way. Bryson Jackson at the Star is intriguing. Will be looking to see how he plays Saturday. He’s a different type of player at that spot because he’s taller and thicker. Devin Lemear having a good camp so he’s becoming a fixture back there. He started doing that in the second half of last year. Then you have a lot of new faces for depth between Deyvn Bobby, Corey Gordon and Alfonso Allen.
Publisher
Baylor’s spring football season enters its final week. There are two more practices before Saturday’s Green & Gold game at McLane Stadium. The Bears had their second scrimmage this past Saturday. Some thoughts as we hit the home stretch:
Defensive Line: The entire defense has a lot of questions surrounding it. But a number of them are going to focus on this unit which has a lot of people to replace including nose tackle Apu Ika. Dave Aranda is a 3-4 coach and likely will stay with that. But it would interesting to watch on Saturday to what extent he will throw a 4-man front out there. Really, the 3-4’s effectiveness is going to depend on how JUCO transfer Jerrell Boykins performs as the new nose tackle. Is he pushing the pile and keeping things even? Is he giving linebackers a clear lane to make plays?
For sure it helps that veterans TJ Franklin and Gabe Hall are back – wouldn’t be surprised if Baylor sticks with a 3-4 that Franklin, Boykins and Hall are the starters – and have been steady. But after that, you have a bunch of new faces mixing in between defensive end Cooper Lanz and defensive tackle Tre Emory. Jackie Marshall’s move to the defensive line is something to watch. Expectations are high for him to make an immediate impact.
This group isn’t deep and it wouldn’t hurt Baylor to search the portal – It opened on April 15 and runs through April 30 – to search for some depth.
Linebacker: This theme is going to be consistent of a group that has some familiar names but a lot of inexperience. Kaian Roberts-Day is going to be the Jack. He can be that fourth defensive lineman if need be. But his lateral speed is going to be paramount. Matt Jones and Garmon Randolph are both proven. There’s experience coming from Liberty transfer Mike Smith who should take one of those inside slots. Josh White has been coming along and should be a factor.
The depth is going to come through the likes of Kyler Jordan, Brooks Miller and Tony Anyanwu. This is Jordan’s first spring football because he played baseball. Anyanwu is likely in that now-or-never phase.
Like defensive line, Baylor likely should search the portal for help.
Cornerback: This is pretty much starting over with a new group. There’s going to be some growing pains. Tevin Williams III has been good in camp and likely should be one of the starters. Miami (FL) transfer Isaiah Dunson likely needs to win the job at the other spot. If he doesn’t, then that’s not good. Chateau Reed and Reggie Bush are getting some burn.
Safety: With Matthew Powledge returning as defensive coordinator and handling this position, there’s some inexperience. However, Powledge’s history doesn’t make me feel so concerned. If this group is forcing turnovers, then it’s on its way. Bryson Jackson at the Star is intriguing. Will be looking to see how he plays Saturday. He’s a different type of player at that spot because he’s taller and thicker. Devin Lemear having a good camp so he’s becoming a fixture back there. He started doing that in the second half of last year. Then you have a lot of new faces for depth between Deyvn Bobby, Corey Gordon and Alfonso Allen.
