WACO, Texas -- Baylor football has signed 22 student-athletes part of the 2023 class, it was announced by head coach Dave Aranda on Wednesday.
“We are excited to welcome these 22 players to the Baylor Family,” Aranda said. “This group of young men represent the values we are building our program on, and will be a valuable part of our culture.”
The Bears have signed the nation’s No. 27 ranked class, according to Rivals and features five 4-star recruits and 17 3-star prospects. Baylor has also added several impact transfers, including BYU offensive lineman Campbell Barrington, Hutchinson College defensive lineman Jerrell Boykins Jr. and Arkansas wide receiver Ketron Jackson.
“We are grateful for the commitment these student-athletes and their families have made to our program and Baylor University,” Aranda said. “We are looking forward to working with them daily to help them achieve their goals on and off the field and in the community. I am also thankful for our staff, who work so hard throughout the year to build strong and lasting relationships throughput the process.”
Baylor welcomes the addition of 16 players from Texas, with recruits from Arizona, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina and Washington making up the class.
“One of our priorities with this class was continuing to build on our strong relationship with the Texas High School Coaches Association,” Aranda said. “We are proud to be able to keep 17 players home in Texas, and grateful for everything that Texas High School Coaches do for the game.”
Wednesday was the first day of the early signing period, which will run through Friday.
Campbell Barrington | OL | 6-6, 295 | Spokane, Wash. (University HS/BYU)
Previous School: Played in nine games off the bench in 2022 for BYU … Was a Freshman All-America selection in 2021 for the Cougars, starting six of his eight games played … Tabbed Freshman All-America by the Maxwell Football Club, second-team Freshman All-America by The Athletic and was named to the FOX College Football All-Freshman Team by RJ Young … Named second-team offense in Pro Football Network’s All-Independent listing … Member of BYU’s offensive line that was named to the Joe Moore Award Midseason Watch List, given annually to the nation’s best offensive line … Was a candidate for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award … Helped pave the way for a BYU offense that scored 33 points per game and averaged 452 yards of total offense … Offensive line allowed just 15 sacks on the year.
High School: Was a consensus three-star recruit at University High School in Spokane, Wash. … Rated as the 11th best player in the state of Washington by ESPN … Earned Greater Spokane League 4A All-League honors in 2017.
Brendan Bett | DL | 6-4, 298 | Killeen, Texas (Ellison HS)
High School: Consensus three-star prospect … Tabbed the No. 27 defensive tackle in the nation and No. 75 player in Texas, according to Rivals … Rated the No. 97 player on the defensive line in the nation and the No. 156 player overall in the state of Texas, according to 247Sports … Compiled 148 career tackles at EHS, including 112 solo and 42 for loss … Racked up seven career sacks, including career-high four as a senior in 2022 … Returned his only career interception for 51-yard touchdown … Has forced one career fumble and recovered two … Earned District 4-5A Co-Defensive MVP honors after collecting 63 tackles with four sacks as a senior in 2022 … Named to the District 12-6A First Team as a junior in 2021 … Also competed in track & field … Chose Baylor over offers from Colorado, Houston, SMU and Texas Tech, among others.
Jerrell Boykins Jr. | DL | 6-3, 341 | Gonzales, La. (East Ascension HS/Louisiana Tech/Hutchinson CC)
Previous School: Played the 2022 season at Hutchinson [Kan.] College after redshirting in 2021 at Louisiana Tech … Ranked as the 32nd best junior college prospect in the nation by 247Sports and as the sixth-best JUCO defensive lineman … Led Hutchinson College to the NJCAA National Championship Game in 2022, setting a program record with an 11-1 record … Had 18 tackles on the year with 1.5 for a loss and one fumble recovery in 10 games … Chose Baylor over Washington State, Colorado, Louisiana-Lafayette and Western Kentucky.
High School: Earned three letters at East Ascension High School in Gonzales, La. … Named Louisiana Football Coaches Association first-team All-State, also earning first-team all-metro and was a two-time all-district honoree … Also earned three letters in track & field, winning the state championship in 2021 in discuss and was the runner-up in shot put … Coached by Darnell Lee.
DJ Coleman | S | 6-0, 193 | Mesquite, Texas (Horn HS)
High School: Recorded 72 total tackles his senior year at Horn High School, with 10.5 TFLs and 2.5 sacks … Caused one fumble in the 2022 season, recovered two, blocked four punts and one field goal … Tallied 62 tackles in both junior and sophomore seasons … Played running back shortly his junior year, rushing for 61 yards … Recorded one interception his sophomore year … Helped the Jaguars to the first round of the state playoff championships … Named first team All-District defense his senior season … Ranked 19th by DCTF in the safety position.
Micah Gifford | WR | 6-3, 196 | Pflugerville, Texas (Weiss HS)
High School: Consensus three-star prospect at Weiss High School in Pflugerville, Texas … Caught 41 balls for 840 yards and nine TDs as a senior in 2022, earning unanimous All-District 12-6A honors. … Rated as a three-star prospect by 247Sports and is tabbed as the 70th best wide receiver in the class and the 76th best prospect in Texas … A three-star prospect by ESPN, rated as the 76th best wide receiver and the 97th best prospect in the state … Rated by Rivals as a three-star prospect, tabbed as the 68th best WR in the nation and the 92nd best prospect in Texas … Three-star rating from Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, ranked as the 75th best prospect and the 15th best WR in the state … Had 44 grabs for 893 yards and 13 TDs as a junior in 2021 … Was a first-team District 11-5A-I selection as a junior in 2021 … Also runs track, qualifying for regionals in the 110m hurdles, running a 14.67 and a 38.71 in the 300m hurdles … Picked Baylor over Oklahoma State, Indiana, Mississippi State and Pittsburgh.
Ketron Jackson Jr. | WR | 6-2, 195 | Royse City, Texas (Royse City HS/Arkansas)
Previous School: Played the 2021 and 2022 seasons at Arkansas … Saw action in 25 games with eight starts over two seasons, with 21 catches for 374 yards and four TDs … Played in 12 games with eight starts in 2022 with 16 catches for 277 yards and three TDs … Also had a 19-yard rush … Had a career-long 64 yard catch vs. Missouri State … Had a 32-yard TD grab at Texas A&M … Had a TD grab, to go with four catches for 48 yards vs. Alabama … Had a catch for 21 yards at Mississippi State … Had three catches for 55 yards at BYU … Had two grabs, including a TD, vs. Ole Miss … In 2021, played in all 13 games, with five catches for 97 yards and a TD … Had his first career catch, a 16-yard grab vs. Rice … Had a 29-yard TD grab vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff … Had two catches for 53. Yards, including a 39-yard grab vs. Missouri … Played in 247 offensive snaps and had 38 snaps on special teams as a true freshman according to Pro Football Focus.
High School: Four-star wide receiver as ranked by 247Sports, Rivals and ESPN out of Royse City High School … Tabbed as the No. 21 wide receiver in the nation and the 21st best prospect in Texas by 247Sports … Was No. 219 in ESPN’s Top 300 recruits … A two-time all-district 8-5A selection … Had 39 catches for 765 yards with 10 TDs as a senior in 2020, also seeing time at defensive back where he had two interceptions … Coached by David Petroff … Made four catches for a career-high 197 yards and registered two TD grabs while also returning a kickoff 90 yards for a score against Forney … Had an interception on the game’s final play, securing a 55-48 win over Greenville … As a junior, hauled in 61 catches for 889 yards and six TDs … Grabbed a career-high 13 receptions for 190 yards against powerhouse Aledo … Led team to a 5-2 record in 2020 and a 9-3 record – with a berth in the playoffs – as a junior … Starred in track & field, competing in the long jump, triple jump and 4x200 relay, leading DFA athletes in the long jump (24-11) and ranking third in the triple jump (47-6).
Caden Jenkins | CB | 6-2, 165 | Lewisville, Texas (Lewisville HS)
High School: Consensus three-star prospect … Ranked as the No. 73 player on The Dallas Morning News’ top 100 recruits list … Rated the No. 98 cornerback in the nation and No. 177 overall player in Texas by 247Sports … The No. 77 corner nationally according to Rivals … Helped Lewisville to a 12-2 record and a regional finals appearance in 2022 … Earned District 6-6A first-team honors in 2022 after tallying 25 total tackles, five pass breakups and forcing two fumbles … Recorded 30 tackles and 13 pass breakups as a junior in 2021 … Earned District 6-6A first-team honors in 2021, leading Lewisville to an 11-2 record and an appearance in the third round of the 6A Division I playoffs … Also ran track, serving on the third leg of Lewisville’s bronze medal-winning 4x200-meter relay team at 6A state championship … Chose Baylor over offers from Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas State, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, SMU and Texas Tech, among others.
Dike “D.K.” Kalu | DL | 6-4, 278 | Missouri City, Texas (Ridge Point HS)
High School: Consensus three-star prospect … Tabbed as the No. 23 defensive lineman in the nation and No. 69 overall player in Texas by Rivals … Ranked the No. 77 defensive lineman in the nation and No. 114 overall player in the state of Texas by 247Sports … Recorded 93 total tackles during career at RPHS, including 16 TFL’s and three sacks … Also collected one interception, one pass breakup and a QB hurry during prep career … Unanimous All-District 20-6A First Team selection in 2022 … As a senior in 2022, made 45 total tackles, 38 of which were solo, including 10 tackles for loss, two sacks and recovered one fumble … Was limited to just two games in 2021 due to injury … Unanimous All-District 20-6A First Team selection as a sophomore in 2020 … All-District 20-6A Second Team as a freshman in 2019 … Also competes in shot put and discus, throwing a 48-11.5 shot and 129-1 disc as a sophomore … Father, N.D., played 12 seasons in the NFL as a defensive end for Philadelphia, Washington and Houston … Chose Baylor over offers from Georgia Tech, Houston, Iowa State, Kansas State, SMU, TCU and UTSA, among others.
Matthew Klopfenstein | TE | 6-5, 226 | Scottsdale, Ariz. (Horizon HS)
High School: Star tight end at Horizon High School in Scottsdale, Ariz. … Totaled 42 catches for 652 yards and six TDs in 12 games in 2022 … A four-star prospect by 247Sports, rated as the 19th best tight end in the nation and the eighth-best prospect in Arizona … Rated as a four-star prospect by ESPN, tabbed as the 12th best TE in the nation and the eighth-best overall prospect in the state … Tabbed by Rivals as a three-star prospect, the 11th best prospect in the state and the 38th best tight end … Had 45 catches for 575 yards and 10 TDs as a junior in 2021 to earn The Arizona Republic All-Arizona honors, leading the Huskies to the 5A State Championship … Grabbed 17 catches for 174 yards as a sophomore … Had three catches for 23 yards as a freshman … Chose Baylor over UCLA, Arizona, Arizona State, Michigan, Tennessee, Oregon State and Cal.
Dawson Pendergrass | RB | 6-2, 221 | Alba, Texas (Mineola HS)
High School: Four-year varsity player at Mineola High School … Closed his high school career with 7,414 rushing yards in 45 games played … Averaged 274.4 yard per game in his senior campaign – 3,184 on the ground, 479 passing and 109 receiving in total for the year … Named Offensive Co-MVP for 2022 District 5-3A Football All-District Honors … Led Mineola to the Area round of the Texas 3A Division I playoffs … District first-team selection his junior and sophomore years at running back and defensive back his sophomore year … Offensive Newcomer of the Year for District 8-3A … Qualified to the regional track meet his junior year in three different events: 110-meter hurdles, long jump and triple jump … Owns a DCTF three-star rating … Chose Baylor over Arkansas and Texas Tech, among others.
Hawkins Polley | TE | 6-4, 256 | Houston, Texas (Stratford HS)
High School: A standout tight end for Stratford High School in Houston… Had 22 catches for 393 yards and seven TDs … First-team all-district selection as a junior in 2021 … Offensively in 2021, had 39 catches for 426 yards and five TDs … In 2020, had 26 catches for 437 yards and nine TDs … A three-star prospect from 247Sports, tabbed as the 154thbest prospect in Texas … Ranked by Rivals as a three-star prospect and as the 129th best player in the state … Tabbed by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football as a three-star prospect … Chose Baylor over Houston, Vanderbilt, USC, Kansas and SMU.
Isaiah Robinson | OL | 6-6, 296 | Arlington, Texas (Lamar HS)
High School: A three-year starter at Lamar High School … A four-star recruit by Rivals and ESPN … No. 267 on ESPN’s top-300 recruit listing … Allowed a 1.2% career pass protection pressure rate … Graded out at 91% for his career with 39 pancakes … District 8-6A Offensive Newcomer of the Year his sophomore season at Arlington Lamar … Won 2020 MaxPreps Sophomore All-American Team – Second Team Offense honors … Named a four-star recruit by 247 Sports and Dave Campbell’s Texas Football and the No. 1 prospect at the position in Texas … Committed to Baylor over Cal, Arizona, Arkansas and Auburn.
Trent Thomas | DL | 6-4, 237 | Missouri City, Texas (Thurgood Marshall HS)
High School: Consensus three-star prospect … Rated the No. 74 edge rusher in the nation and the No. 135 overall player in the state of Texas by 247Sports … Made 47 total tackles, including 18 solo, in eight games before a season-ending injury as a senior in 2022 … Also recorded seven tackles for loss, six of which were sacks, and tallied one pass breakup … Forced a fumble in 2022 campaign … Two-time All-District selection … Helped Marshall to a 10-1 record and Texas 5A Division II first-round playoff appearance as a junior in 2021 … Chose Baylor over offers from Boston College, Colorado, Houston, San Diego State, SMU, Tulane, Tulsa and UTSA, among others.
Sean Thompkins | OL | 6-5, 318 | Covington, Ga. (Newton HS)
High School: Three-star recruit out of Georgia … Helped Newton to an appearance in the 2022 GHSA playoffs … First-team member of the Georgia 7A All-Region team his senior season … Experienced at tackle and guard spots on offensive line … Won second-team honors for the 2021 All-Region 7A Team … Chose Baylor over Florida, Auburn and Georgia Tech.
LeVar Thornton Jr | CB | 6-3, 168 | Fort Worth, Texas (Timber Creek HS)
High School: A four-star prospect, according to 247Sports … Rated as the No. 47 cornerback in the nation and No. 73 overall player in Texas by 247Sports … Amassed a total of 68 tackles in prep career, with four TFL’s … Recorded six career interceptions, including two returned for touchdowns … Also made eight catches on offense for 108 receiving yards … In 2022, racked up 31 tackles, two for loss, and three interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown … Also made three receptions for 35 yards as a senior … Competed in basketball and track & field as well … State qualifier in the high jump, placing fourth in Texas 6A as a junior with a mark of 6-6 … Chose Baylor over offers from Air Force, Army, Boise State, Navy, Texas State and Vanderbilt, among others.
Wes Tucker | OL | 6-5, 268 | Argyle, Texas (Argyle HS)
High School: Standout offensive lineman helped lead Argyle High School to the state semifinals of the 2022 Class 5A Division II playoffs … Named District 3-5A Offensive Lineman of the Year … Graded out at 82% on the season with 30 knockdown blocks … Paved the way for an offensive unit that rushed for 3,532 yards and 45 TDs, an average of 5.9 yards per carry … Did not give up a sack at all throughout the year, playing left tackle and left guard … Three-year member of varsity … Team captain as voted on by his team in 2022 … Three-star prospect by 247Sports, rated as the 52nd best interior offensive lineman in the nation and the 113th best overall prospect in Texas … Ranked by Rivals, ESPN and Dave Campbell’s Texas Football as a three-star prospect …Played left tackle and left guard in 2021 as a junior before suffering a season-ending injury … Helped lead Argyle to a 16-0 record and the Class 4A Division I State Title in 2020 … Also competed in track & field, recording a 41-11.5 in the shot put in March of 2022 as a junior and a 106-3 throw in the discus as a sophomore … Brother, Jack, is an offensive lineman at Texas Tech … Chose Baylor over Kansas, Tulane and Texas Tech.
Bryson Washington | RB | 6-0, 205 | Franklin, Texas (Franklin HS)
High School: Star two-way player for powerhouse Franklin High School in Franklin, Texas … A semifinalist for the 2022 Mr. Texas Football Award … Has led Franklin to 32 straight wins and consecutive 3A-DI State Championships … A four-year starter at running back and safety … Has rushed for over 2,000 yards and over 30 TDs as a senior … Rated by 247Sports as a three-star prospect, tabbed as the 55th best athlete in the nation and as the 104th best prospect in Texas … Rivals rated as a three-star prospect … Ranked by ESPN as a three-star prospect, No. 49th best running back in the class and as the 130th-best prospect in Texas … Tabbed by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football as a three-star prospect and was rated as the third-best athlete and the 59th best prospect in the state … As a junior in 2021, was named Texas District 13-3A D-II Overall Co-MVP, helping lead Franklin to a 16-0 record and a Class 3A-Division II State Title … Rushed for 1,480 yards with 20 TDs on 104 carries as a junior, adding five catches for 212 yards and four scores … Defensively as a junior, had 119 tackles, eight pass break-ups, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and returned a fumble and an interception for a TD … As a sophomore, carried it 111 times for 1,376 yards and 19 TDs, while adding 120 tackles, 11 pass break-ups, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and three interceptions … Named district Overall MVP as a sophomore, leading Franklin to the state championship game … Tabbed first-team all-state at defensive back by the Texas Sports Writers Association in 2020 … Tabbed district Defensive Newcomer of the Year as a freshman … Standout on the basketball court and in track & field … Helped lead Franklin’s basketball squad to a 20-4 record and a Texas 3A fourth-round playoff appearance as a junior … Chose Baylor over Arkansas, Houston, SMU and Boston College.
Palmer Williams | P/K | 6-1, 179 | Advance, N.C. (Davie HS)
High School: A three-star prospect according to 247Sports and ESPN … A 4 ½-star prospect according to Chris Sailer Kicking ratings … Ranked as the No. 3 punter in the nation and No. 42 overall player in the state of North Carolina by 247Sports … The No. 14 punter in the country and No. 37 player in the state, according to ESPN … Selected to 2023 Adidas All-American Bowl on NBC Punter … A “great-looking athlete with excellent college potential whose punting is a major strength,” according to Chris Sailer Kicking, averaging over 40 yards per punt with 4.6+ hang time … Also has 50+-yard field goal range … Averaged 43.6 yards per punt as a senior in 2022 … In 2021, averaged 36.8 yards per punt and downed four inside-the-20 … Also served as kicker for DHS, connecting on 54 of 56 PAT attempts … Made seven of 10 career field goal attempts, with long of 47 yards … Also competed in track and field, as well as lacrosse … Regional qualifier in the discus throw as a junior with a personal best 136-8 in the event … Chose Baylor over offers from Connecticut and interest from North Carolina, NC State, Virginia Tech and Wake Forest.
Carl Williams IV | CB | 6-0, 173 | Baton Rouge, La. (Southern Lab HS)
High School: Consensus three-star prospect … Ranked as the No. 56 cornerback nationally and No. 22 overall player in Louisiana by 247Sports … Tabbed as the No. 61 corner in the nation according to Rivals … Helped Southern Lab to a 12-2 record and the Louisiana Division IV state championship as a junior in 2021 … Also plays baseball and runs track … Ran a 10.49 in the 100 meters as a junior in spring 2022 … Ran the third leg of SLHS’ 1A state champion 4x100-meter relay team and the third leg of bronze medal-winning 4x200-meter relay … Hit .333 as a sophomore in 2021 for SLHS baseball team, drove in 16 and stole 20 bases on 29 attempts … Chose Baylor over offers from Kentucky, Louisiana Tech, Missouri, Tennessee, Tulane and Vanderbilt, among others.
Trey Wilson | DL | 6-3, 250 | Garland, Texas(Lakeview Centennial HS)
High School: Star defensive lineman in Garland, Texas, for Lakeview Centennial High School … A four-star prospect according to ESPN, ranked as the 58th best prospect in the state and the 49th best defense end … Ranked by 247Sports as a three-star prospect, the 111th best defensive lineman in the nation and the 176th best prospect in the state … Tabbed by Rivals as a three-star prospect and the 41st best weakside defensive end in the class … A three-star prospect according to Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, where he is ranked as the 80th best prospect in the state and the 13th best defensive end … A first-team pick at defensive end as a junior in 2021 … Tabbed defensive newcomer of the year in the district in 2020 as a sophomore … Chose Baylor over Arkansas, Florida State, Michigan, Houston, Nebraska, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Oklahoma State, SMU, Stanford, Texas Tech, Miami, USC, Utah, Washington and Arizona State, among others.
Tay’Shawn Wilson | CB | 6-0, 175 | Cypress, Texas (Mayde Creek HS)
High School: Consensus four-star prospect according to Rivals … Rated the No. 31 cornerback nationally and No. 39 overall player in the state of Texas by Rivals … Tabbed as the No. 32 corner in the country and the No. 59 overall player in Texas by ESPN … Ranked as the No. 41 cornerback in the nation and No. 69 overall player in Texas by 247Sports … Made 19 tackles, including 12 solo, forced a fumble, broke up a pass, and collected an interception as a senior in 2022 … Blocked four field goals and scored two defensive TDs as a junior in 2021 … Also ran track, recording a 10.62 100-meter dash and a 21.86 200-meter time … Chose Baylor over offers from Colorado, Georgia Tech, Houston, Kansas, Nebraska, SMU, Texas, Tulane and UTSA, among others.
Jaren Woods | DL | 6-4, 265 | La Grange, Texas (La Grange HS)
High School: Recorded 61 tackles, 22 solo and six for loss, with one sack in his junior campaign with the Leopards … Helped La Grange advance to the second round of the 2021 UIL State Championships … Suffered a season-ending injury to his leg in the first game of his senior season … 2022 Regional champion in the discus, recording a throw of 148-8 … Rated the 88th best player in Texas by 247Sports … Tabbed as the seventh-best defensive tackle and a three-star recruit by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football … Chose Baylor over Vanderbilt, Auburn, Cal, Texas, TCU and Houston, among others.
“We are excited to welcome these 22 players to the Baylor Family,” Aranda said. “This group of young men represent the values we are building our program on, and will be a valuable part of our culture.”
The Bears have signed the nation’s No. 27 ranked class, according to Rivals and features five 4-star recruits and 17 3-star prospects. Baylor has also added several impact transfers, including BYU offensive lineman Campbell Barrington, Hutchinson College defensive lineman Jerrell Boykins Jr. and Arkansas wide receiver Ketron Jackson.
“We are grateful for the commitment these student-athletes and their families have made to our program and Baylor University,” Aranda said. “We are looking forward to working with them daily to help them achieve their goals on and off the field and in the community. I am also thankful for our staff, who work so hard throughout the year to build strong and lasting relationships throughput the process.”
Baylor welcomes the addition of 16 players from Texas, with recruits from Arizona, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina and Washington making up the class.
“One of our priorities with this class was continuing to build on our strong relationship with the Texas High School Coaches Association,” Aranda said. “We are proud to be able to keep 17 players home in Texas, and grateful for everything that Texas High School Coaches do for the game.”
Wednesday was the first day of the early signing period, which will run through Friday.
2023 Baylor Football Signee Roster
| Name | Position | Height | Weight | Hometown (Previous School) |
| Campbell Barrington | OL | 6-6 | 295 | Spokane, Wash. (University HS/BYU) |
| Brendan Bett | DL | 6-4 | 298 | Killeen, Texas (C.E. Ellison HS) |
| Jerrell Boykins Jr. | DL | 6-3 | 341 | Gonzales, La. (East Ascension HS/Louisiana Tech/Hutchinson CC) |
| DJ Coleman | S | 6-0 | 193 | Mesquite, Texas (Horn HS) |
| Micah Gifford | WR | 6-3 | 196 | Pflugerville, Texas (Weiss HS) |
| Ketron Jackson Jr. | WR | 6-2 | 195 | Royse City, Texas (Royse City HS/Arkansas) |
| Caden Jenkins | CB | 6-2 | 165 | Lewisville, Texas (Lewisville HS) |
| Dike “D.K.” Kalu | DL | 6-4 | 278 | Missouri City, Texas (Ridge Point HS) |
| Matthew Klopfenstein | TE | 6-5 | 226 | Scottsdale, Ariz. (Horizon HS) |
| Dawson Pendergrass | RB | 6-2 | 221 | Alba, Texas (Mineola HS) |
| Hawkins Polley | TE | 6-4 | 256 | Houston, Texas (Stratford HS) |
| Isaiah Robinson | OL | 6-6 | 296 | Arlington, Texas (Lamar HS) |
| Trent Thomas | DL | 6-4 | 237 | Missouri City, Texas (Thurgood Marshall HS) |
| Sean Thompkins | OL | 6-5 | 318 | Covington, Ga. (Newton HS) |
| LeVar Thornton Jr. | CB | 6-3 | 168 | Fort Worth, Texas (Timber Creek HS) |
| Wes Tucker | OL | 6-5 | 268 | Argyle, Texas (Argyle HS) |
| Bryson Washington | RB | 6-0 | 205 | Franklin, Texas (Franklin HS) |
| Palmer Williams | P/K | 6-1 | 179 | Advance, N.C. (Davie HS) |
| Carl Williams IV | CB | 6-0 | 173 | Baton Rouge, La. (Southern Lab HS) |
| Trey Wilson | DL | 6-3 | 250 | Garland, Texas (Lakeview Centennial HS) |
| Tay’Shawn Wilson | CB | 6-0 | 175 | Cypress, Texas (Mayde Creek HS) |
| Jaren Woods | DL | 6-4 | 265 | La Grange, Texas (La Grange HS) |
2023 Baylor Football Signee Bios
Campbell Barrington | OL | 6-6, 295 | Spokane, Wash. (University HS/BYU)
Previous School: Played in nine games off the bench in 2022 for BYU … Was a Freshman All-America selection in 2021 for the Cougars, starting six of his eight games played … Tabbed Freshman All-America by the Maxwell Football Club, second-team Freshman All-America by The Athletic and was named to the FOX College Football All-Freshman Team by RJ Young … Named second-team offense in Pro Football Network’s All-Independent listing … Member of BYU’s offensive line that was named to the Joe Moore Award Midseason Watch List, given annually to the nation’s best offensive line … Was a candidate for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award … Helped pave the way for a BYU offense that scored 33 points per game and averaged 452 yards of total offense … Offensive line allowed just 15 sacks on the year.
High School: Was a consensus three-star recruit at University High School in Spokane, Wash. … Rated as the 11th best player in the state of Washington by ESPN … Earned Greater Spokane League 4A All-League honors in 2017.
Brendan Bett | DL | 6-4, 298 | Killeen, Texas (Ellison HS)
High School: Consensus three-star prospect … Tabbed the No. 27 defensive tackle in the nation and No. 75 player in Texas, according to Rivals … Rated the No. 97 player on the defensive line in the nation and the No. 156 player overall in the state of Texas, according to 247Sports … Compiled 148 career tackles at EHS, including 112 solo and 42 for loss … Racked up seven career sacks, including career-high four as a senior in 2022 … Returned his only career interception for 51-yard touchdown … Has forced one career fumble and recovered two … Earned District 4-5A Co-Defensive MVP honors after collecting 63 tackles with four sacks as a senior in 2022 … Named to the District 12-6A First Team as a junior in 2021 … Also competed in track & field … Chose Baylor over offers from Colorado, Houston, SMU and Texas Tech, among others.
Jerrell Boykins Jr. | DL | 6-3, 341 | Gonzales, La. (East Ascension HS/Louisiana Tech/Hutchinson CC)
Previous School: Played the 2022 season at Hutchinson [Kan.] College after redshirting in 2021 at Louisiana Tech … Ranked as the 32nd best junior college prospect in the nation by 247Sports and as the sixth-best JUCO defensive lineman … Led Hutchinson College to the NJCAA National Championship Game in 2022, setting a program record with an 11-1 record … Had 18 tackles on the year with 1.5 for a loss and one fumble recovery in 10 games … Chose Baylor over Washington State, Colorado, Louisiana-Lafayette and Western Kentucky.
High School: Earned three letters at East Ascension High School in Gonzales, La. … Named Louisiana Football Coaches Association first-team All-State, also earning first-team all-metro and was a two-time all-district honoree … Also earned three letters in track & field, winning the state championship in 2021 in discuss and was the runner-up in shot put … Coached by Darnell Lee.
DJ Coleman | S | 6-0, 193 | Mesquite, Texas (Horn HS)
High School: Recorded 72 total tackles his senior year at Horn High School, with 10.5 TFLs and 2.5 sacks … Caused one fumble in the 2022 season, recovered two, blocked four punts and one field goal … Tallied 62 tackles in both junior and sophomore seasons … Played running back shortly his junior year, rushing for 61 yards … Recorded one interception his sophomore year … Helped the Jaguars to the first round of the state playoff championships … Named first team All-District defense his senior season … Ranked 19th by DCTF in the safety position.
Micah Gifford | WR | 6-3, 196 | Pflugerville, Texas (Weiss HS)
High School: Consensus three-star prospect at Weiss High School in Pflugerville, Texas … Caught 41 balls for 840 yards and nine TDs as a senior in 2022, earning unanimous All-District 12-6A honors. … Rated as a three-star prospect by 247Sports and is tabbed as the 70th best wide receiver in the class and the 76th best prospect in Texas … A three-star prospect by ESPN, rated as the 76th best wide receiver and the 97th best prospect in the state … Rated by Rivals as a three-star prospect, tabbed as the 68th best WR in the nation and the 92nd best prospect in Texas … Three-star rating from Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, ranked as the 75th best prospect and the 15th best WR in the state … Had 44 grabs for 893 yards and 13 TDs as a junior in 2021 … Was a first-team District 11-5A-I selection as a junior in 2021 … Also runs track, qualifying for regionals in the 110m hurdles, running a 14.67 and a 38.71 in the 300m hurdles … Picked Baylor over Oklahoma State, Indiana, Mississippi State and Pittsburgh.
Ketron Jackson Jr. | WR | 6-2, 195 | Royse City, Texas (Royse City HS/Arkansas)
Previous School: Played the 2021 and 2022 seasons at Arkansas … Saw action in 25 games with eight starts over two seasons, with 21 catches for 374 yards and four TDs … Played in 12 games with eight starts in 2022 with 16 catches for 277 yards and three TDs … Also had a 19-yard rush … Had a career-long 64 yard catch vs. Missouri State … Had a 32-yard TD grab at Texas A&M … Had a TD grab, to go with four catches for 48 yards vs. Alabama … Had a catch for 21 yards at Mississippi State … Had three catches for 55 yards at BYU … Had two grabs, including a TD, vs. Ole Miss … In 2021, played in all 13 games, with five catches for 97 yards and a TD … Had his first career catch, a 16-yard grab vs. Rice … Had a 29-yard TD grab vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff … Had two catches for 53. Yards, including a 39-yard grab vs. Missouri … Played in 247 offensive snaps and had 38 snaps on special teams as a true freshman according to Pro Football Focus.
High School: Four-star wide receiver as ranked by 247Sports, Rivals and ESPN out of Royse City High School … Tabbed as the No. 21 wide receiver in the nation and the 21st best prospect in Texas by 247Sports … Was No. 219 in ESPN’s Top 300 recruits … A two-time all-district 8-5A selection … Had 39 catches for 765 yards with 10 TDs as a senior in 2020, also seeing time at defensive back where he had two interceptions … Coached by David Petroff … Made four catches for a career-high 197 yards and registered two TD grabs while also returning a kickoff 90 yards for a score against Forney … Had an interception on the game’s final play, securing a 55-48 win over Greenville … As a junior, hauled in 61 catches for 889 yards and six TDs … Grabbed a career-high 13 receptions for 190 yards against powerhouse Aledo … Led team to a 5-2 record in 2020 and a 9-3 record – with a berth in the playoffs – as a junior … Starred in track & field, competing in the long jump, triple jump and 4x200 relay, leading DFA athletes in the long jump (24-11) and ranking third in the triple jump (47-6).
Caden Jenkins | CB | 6-2, 165 | Lewisville, Texas (Lewisville HS)
High School: Consensus three-star prospect … Ranked as the No. 73 player on The Dallas Morning News’ top 100 recruits list … Rated the No. 98 cornerback in the nation and No. 177 overall player in Texas by 247Sports … The No. 77 corner nationally according to Rivals … Helped Lewisville to a 12-2 record and a regional finals appearance in 2022 … Earned District 6-6A first-team honors in 2022 after tallying 25 total tackles, five pass breakups and forcing two fumbles … Recorded 30 tackles and 13 pass breakups as a junior in 2021 … Earned District 6-6A first-team honors in 2021, leading Lewisville to an 11-2 record and an appearance in the third round of the 6A Division I playoffs … Also ran track, serving on the third leg of Lewisville’s bronze medal-winning 4x200-meter relay team at 6A state championship … Chose Baylor over offers from Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas State, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, SMU and Texas Tech, among others.
Dike “D.K.” Kalu | DL | 6-4, 278 | Missouri City, Texas (Ridge Point HS)
High School: Consensus three-star prospect … Tabbed as the No. 23 defensive lineman in the nation and No. 69 overall player in Texas by Rivals … Ranked the No. 77 defensive lineman in the nation and No. 114 overall player in the state of Texas by 247Sports … Recorded 93 total tackles during career at RPHS, including 16 TFL’s and three sacks … Also collected one interception, one pass breakup and a QB hurry during prep career … Unanimous All-District 20-6A First Team selection in 2022 … As a senior in 2022, made 45 total tackles, 38 of which were solo, including 10 tackles for loss, two sacks and recovered one fumble … Was limited to just two games in 2021 due to injury … Unanimous All-District 20-6A First Team selection as a sophomore in 2020 … All-District 20-6A Second Team as a freshman in 2019 … Also competes in shot put and discus, throwing a 48-11.5 shot and 129-1 disc as a sophomore … Father, N.D., played 12 seasons in the NFL as a defensive end for Philadelphia, Washington and Houston … Chose Baylor over offers from Georgia Tech, Houston, Iowa State, Kansas State, SMU, TCU and UTSA, among others.
Matthew Klopfenstein | TE | 6-5, 226 | Scottsdale, Ariz. (Horizon HS)
High School: Star tight end at Horizon High School in Scottsdale, Ariz. … Totaled 42 catches for 652 yards and six TDs in 12 games in 2022 … A four-star prospect by 247Sports, rated as the 19th best tight end in the nation and the eighth-best prospect in Arizona … Rated as a four-star prospect by ESPN, tabbed as the 12th best TE in the nation and the eighth-best overall prospect in the state … Tabbed by Rivals as a three-star prospect, the 11th best prospect in the state and the 38th best tight end … Had 45 catches for 575 yards and 10 TDs as a junior in 2021 to earn The Arizona Republic All-Arizona honors, leading the Huskies to the 5A State Championship … Grabbed 17 catches for 174 yards as a sophomore … Had three catches for 23 yards as a freshman … Chose Baylor over UCLA, Arizona, Arizona State, Michigan, Tennessee, Oregon State and Cal.
Dawson Pendergrass | RB | 6-2, 221 | Alba, Texas (Mineola HS)
High School: Four-year varsity player at Mineola High School … Closed his high school career with 7,414 rushing yards in 45 games played … Averaged 274.4 yard per game in his senior campaign – 3,184 on the ground, 479 passing and 109 receiving in total for the year … Named Offensive Co-MVP for 2022 District 5-3A Football All-District Honors … Led Mineola to the Area round of the Texas 3A Division I playoffs … District first-team selection his junior and sophomore years at running back and defensive back his sophomore year … Offensive Newcomer of the Year for District 8-3A … Qualified to the regional track meet his junior year in three different events: 110-meter hurdles, long jump and triple jump … Owns a DCTF three-star rating … Chose Baylor over Arkansas and Texas Tech, among others.
Hawkins Polley | TE | 6-4, 256 | Houston, Texas (Stratford HS)
High School: A standout tight end for Stratford High School in Houston… Had 22 catches for 393 yards and seven TDs … First-team all-district selection as a junior in 2021 … Offensively in 2021, had 39 catches for 426 yards and five TDs … In 2020, had 26 catches for 437 yards and nine TDs … A three-star prospect from 247Sports, tabbed as the 154thbest prospect in Texas … Ranked by Rivals as a three-star prospect and as the 129th best player in the state … Tabbed by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football as a three-star prospect … Chose Baylor over Houston, Vanderbilt, USC, Kansas and SMU.
Isaiah Robinson | OL | 6-6, 296 | Arlington, Texas (Lamar HS)
High School: A three-year starter at Lamar High School … A four-star recruit by Rivals and ESPN … No. 267 on ESPN’s top-300 recruit listing … Allowed a 1.2% career pass protection pressure rate … Graded out at 91% for his career with 39 pancakes … District 8-6A Offensive Newcomer of the Year his sophomore season at Arlington Lamar … Won 2020 MaxPreps Sophomore All-American Team – Second Team Offense honors … Named a four-star recruit by 247 Sports and Dave Campbell’s Texas Football and the No. 1 prospect at the position in Texas … Committed to Baylor over Cal, Arizona, Arkansas and Auburn.
Trent Thomas | DL | 6-4, 237 | Missouri City, Texas (Thurgood Marshall HS)
High School: Consensus three-star prospect … Rated the No. 74 edge rusher in the nation and the No. 135 overall player in the state of Texas by 247Sports … Made 47 total tackles, including 18 solo, in eight games before a season-ending injury as a senior in 2022 … Also recorded seven tackles for loss, six of which were sacks, and tallied one pass breakup … Forced a fumble in 2022 campaign … Two-time All-District selection … Helped Marshall to a 10-1 record and Texas 5A Division II first-round playoff appearance as a junior in 2021 … Chose Baylor over offers from Boston College, Colorado, Houston, San Diego State, SMU, Tulane, Tulsa and UTSA, among others.
Sean Thompkins | OL | 6-5, 318 | Covington, Ga. (Newton HS)
High School: Three-star recruit out of Georgia … Helped Newton to an appearance in the 2022 GHSA playoffs … First-team member of the Georgia 7A All-Region team his senior season … Experienced at tackle and guard spots on offensive line … Won second-team honors for the 2021 All-Region 7A Team … Chose Baylor over Florida, Auburn and Georgia Tech.
LeVar Thornton Jr | CB | 6-3, 168 | Fort Worth, Texas (Timber Creek HS)
High School: A four-star prospect, according to 247Sports … Rated as the No. 47 cornerback in the nation and No. 73 overall player in Texas by 247Sports … Amassed a total of 68 tackles in prep career, with four TFL’s … Recorded six career interceptions, including two returned for touchdowns … Also made eight catches on offense for 108 receiving yards … In 2022, racked up 31 tackles, two for loss, and three interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown … Also made three receptions for 35 yards as a senior … Competed in basketball and track & field as well … State qualifier in the high jump, placing fourth in Texas 6A as a junior with a mark of 6-6 … Chose Baylor over offers from Air Force, Army, Boise State, Navy, Texas State and Vanderbilt, among others.
Wes Tucker | OL | 6-5, 268 | Argyle, Texas (Argyle HS)
High School: Standout offensive lineman helped lead Argyle High School to the state semifinals of the 2022 Class 5A Division II playoffs … Named District 3-5A Offensive Lineman of the Year … Graded out at 82% on the season with 30 knockdown blocks … Paved the way for an offensive unit that rushed for 3,532 yards and 45 TDs, an average of 5.9 yards per carry … Did not give up a sack at all throughout the year, playing left tackle and left guard … Three-year member of varsity … Team captain as voted on by his team in 2022 … Three-star prospect by 247Sports, rated as the 52nd best interior offensive lineman in the nation and the 113th best overall prospect in Texas … Ranked by Rivals, ESPN and Dave Campbell’s Texas Football as a three-star prospect …Played left tackle and left guard in 2021 as a junior before suffering a season-ending injury … Helped lead Argyle to a 16-0 record and the Class 4A Division I State Title in 2020 … Also competed in track & field, recording a 41-11.5 in the shot put in March of 2022 as a junior and a 106-3 throw in the discus as a sophomore … Brother, Jack, is an offensive lineman at Texas Tech … Chose Baylor over Kansas, Tulane and Texas Tech.
Bryson Washington | RB | 6-0, 205 | Franklin, Texas (Franklin HS)
High School: Star two-way player for powerhouse Franklin High School in Franklin, Texas … A semifinalist for the 2022 Mr. Texas Football Award … Has led Franklin to 32 straight wins and consecutive 3A-DI State Championships … A four-year starter at running back and safety … Has rushed for over 2,000 yards and over 30 TDs as a senior … Rated by 247Sports as a three-star prospect, tabbed as the 55th best athlete in the nation and as the 104th best prospect in Texas … Rivals rated as a three-star prospect … Ranked by ESPN as a three-star prospect, No. 49th best running back in the class and as the 130th-best prospect in Texas … Tabbed by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football as a three-star prospect and was rated as the third-best athlete and the 59th best prospect in the state … As a junior in 2021, was named Texas District 13-3A D-II Overall Co-MVP, helping lead Franklin to a 16-0 record and a Class 3A-Division II State Title … Rushed for 1,480 yards with 20 TDs on 104 carries as a junior, adding five catches for 212 yards and four scores … Defensively as a junior, had 119 tackles, eight pass break-ups, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and returned a fumble and an interception for a TD … As a sophomore, carried it 111 times for 1,376 yards and 19 TDs, while adding 120 tackles, 11 pass break-ups, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and three interceptions … Named district Overall MVP as a sophomore, leading Franklin to the state championship game … Tabbed first-team all-state at defensive back by the Texas Sports Writers Association in 2020 … Tabbed district Defensive Newcomer of the Year as a freshman … Standout on the basketball court and in track & field … Helped lead Franklin’s basketball squad to a 20-4 record and a Texas 3A fourth-round playoff appearance as a junior … Chose Baylor over Arkansas, Houston, SMU and Boston College.
Palmer Williams | P/K | 6-1, 179 | Advance, N.C. (Davie HS)
High School: A three-star prospect according to 247Sports and ESPN … A 4 ½-star prospect according to Chris Sailer Kicking ratings … Ranked as the No. 3 punter in the nation and No. 42 overall player in the state of North Carolina by 247Sports … The No. 14 punter in the country and No. 37 player in the state, according to ESPN … Selected to 2023 Adidas All-American Bowl on NBC Punter … A “great-looking athlete with excellent college potential whose punting is a major strength,” according to Chris Sailer Kicking, averaging over 40 yards per punt with 4.6+ hang time … Also has 50+-yard field goal range … Averaged 43.6 yards per punt as a senior in 2022 … In 2021, averaged 36.8 yards per punt and downed four inside-the-20 … Also served as kicker for DHS, connecting on 54 of 56 PAT attempts … Made seven of 10 career field goal attempts, with long of 47 yards … Also competed in track and field, as well as lacrosse … Regional qualifier in the discus throw as a junior with a personal best 136-8 in the event … Chose Baylor over offers from Connecticut and interest from North Carolina, NC State, Virginia Tech and Wake Forest.
Carl Williams IV | CB | 6-0, 173 | Baton Rouge, La. (Southern Lab HS)
High School: Consensus three-star prospect … Ranked as the No. 56 cornerback nationally and No. 22 overall player in Louisiana by 247Sports … Tabbed as the No. 61 corner in the nation according to Rivals … Helped Southern Lab to a 12-2 record and the Louisiana Division IV state championship as a junior in 2021 … Also plays baseball and runs track … Ran a 10.49 in the 100 meters as a junior in spring 2022 … Ran the third leg of SLHS’ 1A state champion 4x100-meter relay team and the third leg of bronze medal-winning 4x200-meter relay … Hit .333 as a sophomore in 2021 for SLHS baseball team, drove in 16 and stole 20 bases on 29 attempts … Chose Baylor over offers from Kentucky, Louisiana Tech, Missouri, Tennessee, Tulane and Vanderbilt, among others.
Trey Wilson | DL | 6-3, 250 | Garland, Texas(Lakeview Centennial HS)
High School: Star defensive lineman in Garland, Texas, for Lakeview Centennial High School … A four-star prospect according to ESPN, ranked as the 58th best prospect in the state and the 49th best defense end … Ranked by 247Sports as a three-star prospect, the 111th best defensive lineman in the nation and the 176th best prospect in the state … Tabbed by Rivals as a three-star prospect and the 41st best weakside defensive end in the class … A three-star prospect according to Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, where he is ranked as the 80th best prospect in the state and the 13th best defensive end … A first-team pick at defensive end as a junior in 2021 … Tabbed defensive newcomer of the year in the district in 2020 as a sophomore … Chose Baylor over Arkansas, Florida State, Michigan, Houston, Nebraska, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Oklahoma State, SMU, Stanford, Texas Tech, Miami, USC, Utah, Washington and Arizona State, among others.
Tay’Shawn Wilson | CB | 6-0, 175 | Cypress, Texas (Mayde Creek HS)
High School: Consensus four-star prospect according to Rivals … Rated the No. 31 cornerback nationally and No. 39 overall player in the state of Texas by Rivals … Tabbed as the No. 32 corner in the country and the No. 59 overall player in Texas by ESPN … Ranked as the No. 41 cornerback in the nation and No. 69 overall player in Texas by 247Sports … Made 19 tackles, including 12 solo, forced a fumble, broke up a pass, and collected an interception as a senior in 2022 … Blocked four field goals and scored two defensive TDs as a junior in 2021 … Also ran track, recording a 10.62 100-meter dash and a 21.86 200-meter time … Chose Baylor over offers from Colorado, Georgia Tech, Houston, Kansas, Nebraska, SMU, Texas, Tulane and UTSA, among others.
Jaren Woods | DL | 6-4, 265 | La Grange, Texas (La Grange HS)
High School: Recorded 61 tackles, 22 solo and six for loss, with one sack in his junior campaign with the Leopards … Helped La Grange advance to the second round of the 2021 UIL State Championships … Suffered a season-ending injury to his leg in the first game of his senior season … 2022 Regional champion in the discus, recording a throw of 148-8 … Rated the 88th best player in Texas by 247Sports … Tabbed as the seventh-best defensive tackle and a three-star recruit by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football … Chose Baylor over Vanderbilt, Auburn, Cal, Texas, TCU and Houston, among others.
