Days after teammate Kenan Ivy was offered by Baylor, Lancaster athlete Tyrell Alexander has also been offered by the Bears.

And when you run the 40 in a reported 4.41, that's why you get offered at these 2014 highlights will show

Tyrell Alexander

These were tweeted comments from ESPN 1660s Craig Smoak as Briles commented on the 2015 Class.

Briles says overall he thinks this is the best class they've signed at Baylor.






Briles on Jordan Tolbert: Really loved him in camp last year. A very engaging, dynamic defensive player that has speed/instinct.




Briles on Devontre "Pooh" Stricklin: This could along with Lynch be the sleeper in the class. He's a difference-maker.














Briles on Eric Ogor: "Plays with real high motor. Tough kid. Looking at safety/Bear position for him. Very physical."














Briles on J.W. Ketchum: Best athlete out of Houston. Safety and return guy. I appreciate his journey.














Briles on Tyrone Hunt: "He's another one I feel real good about at DE position."














Briles on JaMycal Hasty: "Big-time player. Exceptional RB. Exceptional athlete. Fits exactly what we're looking for at RB position."




Briles on Drew Galitz: "When he steps on campus right now he's our punter. He's got to be ready to go."




Briles on Jarrett Stidham: "This guy is the real time deal. Gives us a chance to continue our QB tradition. He's got the talent to back it up."




Briles on Blake Lynch: May be the unsung guy of the class.

Briles on Devonte Jones: "Can play inside. Hopefully center eventually. Good body, good frame, good upside."




Briles on Dominic DeSouza: "3 for 2. We can redshirt him if we need to. Has potential to play tackle."







This post was edited on 2/4 11:28 AM by K Lonnquist

ART BRILES ANNOUNCES 2015 BAYLOR FOOTBALL SIGNING CLASS

Twenty student-athletes sign National Letters of Intent to play for back-to-back Big 12 Champions.

WACO, Texas - Baylor head coach Art Briles announced Wednesday the signing of 20 student-athletes to National Letters of Intent to play football for the defending back-to-back Big 12 champions. The 2015 signing class is comprised of 18 high school standouts and two junior college transfers.

"We've reached the point now with our program, fortunately, where recruiting is all about filling the needs that we have, instead of just trying to get the best available," Briles said. "So from that standpoint we certainly feel, as we continue increasing our depth level and talent level, that we're filling the needs of our football team with quality athletes and quality players that fit what we're looking for."

The class includes five prep All-Americans, a 2015 USA Football national team member, as well as an additional former top-200 national recruit.

The quintet of All-Americans is made up of U.S. Army All-American wide receiver Blake Lynch of Gilmer (Texas) High School, Under Armour All-Americans Jarrett Stidham, a quarterback from Stephenville (Texas) High School and punter/kicker Drew Galitz of Rowlett (Texas) High School, Semper Fidelis All-American running back JaMycal Hasty of Longview (Texas) High School, and MaxPreps Small School All-American offensive lineman Riley Daniel of Ringling (Okla.) High School.

Receiver Devontre Stricklin of nearby Midway High School in Hewitt, Texas, is a member of the 2015 USA Football squad, and offensive lineman Maurice Porter of Navarro College is a national top-200 prospect from the 2013 recruiting class.

Briles singled out the five defensive backs and four linebackers signed as targeted position groups, as well as four offensive linemen.

"The back end and linebacker, defensively, and the o-line from the offensive standpoint, are areas where we concentrated," Briles said. "Quite honestly, it's pretty well spilt between offense and defense with special teams in there. We were a little low number-wise on how many we could sign this year, but we certainly believe everything's going to work out."

This year's class also includes two players from previous Baylor signing classes, Devonte Jones, an offensive lineman from Houston's Bellaire High School from the 2014 class, and Porter from 2013.

Baylor's 2015 class is once again made up predominantly of Texas recruits (17 of 20 from in-state schools) and includes four student-athletes currently enrolled in Baylor's spring semester who will participate in 2015 spring drills (scheduled to begin Feb. 23): mid-year junior college signee Dominic DeSouza (OL from City College of San Francisco) and three early high school enrollees, Devonte Jones, Lynch and Stidham.



BAYLOR FOOTBALL 2015 SIGNEES

Name Pos Ht Wt Class Hometown (previous schools)
Henry Black DB 5-11 180 Fr. Shreveport, La. (Woodlawn HS)
Riley Daniel OL 6-5 310 Fr. Ringling, Okla. (Ringling HS)
Drew Galitz P/K 5-10 180 Fr. Rowlett, Texas (Rowlett HS)
JaMycal Hasty RB 5-8 185 Fr. Longview, Texas (Longview HS)
Jameson Houston DB 6-1 190 Fr. Austin, Texas (St. Michael's Academy)
Tyrone Hunt DL 6-3 235 Fr. Arp, Texas (Arp HS)
Clay Johnston LB 6-2 200 Fr. Abilene, Texas (Wylie HS)
Lenoy Jones Jr. LB 5-10 215 Fr. Waco, Texas (Midway HS)
J.W. Ketchum DB 6-0 190 Fr. Houston, Texas (Lamar HS)
Tony Nicholson DB 5-9 170 Fr. Grand Prairie, Texas (South Grand Prairie HS)
Eric Ogor LB 6-0 215 Fr. Richmond, Texas (Foster HS)
Maurice Porter OL 6-7 315 Jr. Missouri City, Texas (Marshall HS / Navarro College)
Devontre Stricklin WR 6-1 180 Fr. Waco, Texas (Midway HS)
Sam Tecklenburg ATH 6-3 280 Fr. Plano, Texas (Plano HS)
Jordan Tolbert DB 5-10 160 Fr. Missouri City, Texas (Ridge Point HS)
Jordan Williams LB 6-0 210 Fr. Paris, Texas (Paris HS)


SPRING ENROLLEES
Dominic DeSouza OL 6-7 300 Jr. Pacifica, Calif. (Terra Nova HS / City College of San Francisco)
Devonte Jones C 6-2 305 Fr. Houston, Texas (Bellaire HS)
Blake Lynch WR 6-2 195 Fr. Gilmer, Texas (Gilmer HS)
Jarrett Stidham QB 6-3 195 Fr. Stephenville, Texas (Stephenville HS)

2015 BAYLOR FOOTBALL SIGNING CLASS BREAKDOWN:

By State:
Texas (17)
California (1)
Louisiana (1)
Oklahoma (1)

By Position:
Offense (8 - 4 linemen, 2 receivers, 1 running back, 1 quarterback)
Defense (10 - 1 lineman, 4 linebackers, 5 backs)
Athlete (1)
Specialist (1)

By Class:
Freshmen (18)
Sophomores (0)
Juniors (2)

HENRY BLACK
DB - 5-11, 180 - Shreveport, La. (Woodlawn HS)
Two-time all-state two-way athlete from Woodlawn High School in Shreveport, La… Played cornerback and receiver under head coach Jerwin Wilson at Woodlawn… National position ranking among cornerback prospects: 65th by Rivals, 88th by ESPN, 96th by 247Sports… Rated No. 41 prospect in Louisiana by Rivals, No. 44 on New Orleans Times-Picayune Nifty 50, No. 57 by 247Sports and No. 59 by ESPN… Played in 2014 Louisiana High School All-Star game following senior season… Earned 2014 Class 4A All-State honorable mention as senior… Also named 2014 first team All-District 1-4A as DB and second team as receiver… Team captain as senior, totaled 53 tackles, five interceptions, 19 PBUs and forced fumble, named to 2014 Shreveport Times All-City first team… Earned 2013 Class 4A All-State honorable mention as junior, also named 2013 first team All-District 1-4A defensive back… Sophomore stats in 2012: 37 tackles, eight PBUs, interception and two forced fumbles.

BRILES ON BLACK

"Henry is a solid football player with great size for playing corner. We're starting to get some bigger guys at that position, and Henry fits exactly what we're looking for. He's a big, athletic corner that we're very excited to have join our program. He's going to end up being a great player."





RILEY DANIEL

OL - 6-5, 310 - Ringling, Okla. (Ringling HS)

Big all-state offensive lineman from Ringling (Okla.) High School… Played under coaches Tracy and Richie Gandy at RHS… Rated state's No. 9 prospect by The Oklahoman's Super 30, 10th by Rivals, 12th by ESPN, 12th by Scout and 17th by 247Sports… National position ranking among OT prospects: 85th by ESPN, 98th by 247Sports and 104th by Scout (No. 1 OT recruit in Oklahoma)… Named to 2014 Small School All-American second team by MaxPreps as senior… Earned first-team all-state honors by The Oklahoman, also named all-state by Tulsa World and Oklahoma Coaches Association for Ringling squad that finished 10-2… Helped RHS to perfect 7-0 A District 3 record and 12-2 overall in 2013… Played tight end as sophomore on 2012 Ringling team that won Oklahoma Class A state championship.

BRILES ON DANIEL

"We're really excited about Riley's growth pattern, and that he comes from a real small school up in Oklahoma; I think his potential is really up there because he's a guy that's had to play both ways, and when he concentrates just just playing offensive line I think he'll blossom into a really dynamic player."





DREW GALITZ

P/K - 5-10, 180 - Rowlett, Texas (Rowlett HS)

All-American punter/kicker from Rowlett (Texas) High School… Named Under Armour All-American, played in 2015 all-star game in Florida… Played for head coach Doug Stephens at RHS… Rated nation's No. 3 kicker by ESPN and No. 9 by 247Sports… Named state's top kicker/punter recruit by Dave Campbell's Texas Football 2015 winter publication… Ranked 125th prospect in state by ESPN, regardless of position… Rated No. 80, the top kicker, on SportsDay/DMN Area Top 100 listing… Gained notoriety as prep kicker when video clip of successful 71-yard field goal at Kohl's Kicking Camp practice in Oct. 2014 went viral on YouTube… Earned 2014 Class 6A All-State honorable mention at punter following senior season, helped Rowlett to 8-4 record and 6A DI area finals… Averaged 38.4 yards on 23 punts… Perfect on 22 PATs, hit 4-of-7 FGs (long 47)… Named to 2014 Dave Campbell Texas Football All-Texas second team and first-team punter on 2014 All-District 11-6A squad… Averaged 38 yards punting as junior in 2013, totaled 11 touchbacks on kickoffs… Named second-team punter on 2013 All-District 11-5A squad… Also played soccer at RHS, named All-District 11-5A second-team midfielder.

BRILES ON GALITZ

"Drew fills a need 100 percent, having lost Spencer (Roth). Drew can punt, kickoff and kick field goals. We signed him primarily as a punter right now to come in and be the guy. He's going to have to get on the fast track. We feel like he's the best in America. We're really glad that he's here."





JaMYCAL HASTY

RB - 5-8, 185 - Longview, Texas (Longview HS)

National top 300 recruit and All-American running back from Longview (Texas) High School… Shifty and quick athlete played under head coach John King at LHS… Ranked No. 204 national recruit by 247Sports, No. 213 by Rivals and No. 262 by ESPN… Named Semper Fidelis All-American, played in 2015 all-star bowl game in Carson, Calif… Rated sixth-best all-purpose back nationally by 247Sports… Ranked 21st among running back prospects by ESPN and 40th by Scout… Rated 28th overall prospect in Texas by 247Sports, 29th by Rivals and 37th by ESPN… Ranked state's No. 24 overall prospect on Austin American-Statesman Fabulous 55, also among top 30 on Waco Tribune-Herald Top 100, 47th by Scout and 47th on Dave Campbell Texas Football Top 150 (rated seventh-best RB prospect in state in 2015 winter publication)… Rushed for 158 yards on 20 attempts and totaled 80 yards and one TD on five receptions during 2014 injury-shortened senior season for 9-3 LHS squad that reached 5A DI area finals… Earned 2013 Class 3A All-State honorable mention as junior after rushing for 1,420 yards and 13 TDs… Also had 12 catches for 255 yards and three TDs while leading Longview to 11-2 record and 5A DII regional semifinals… Named 2013 first team All-District 12-5A… Ran for 340 yards and five touchdowns as sophomore in 2012 for 9-4 LHS team that reached regional semis… Also played basketball and ran track at Longview.

BRILES ON HASTY

"JaMycal is a guy that we've had a great relationship with for a long time. He's a dynamic player, just a great running back, and he can return kicks if needed. He's a football junkie, a guy that really loves the sport, and really wants to be great at it."





JAMESON HOUSTON

DB - 6-1, 190 - Austin, Texas (St. Michael's Academy)

Two-time all-state two-way athlete from St. Michael's Academy in Austin, Texas… Do-it-all play-maker, excelled as defensive back, receiver, running back and returner for head coach Darrell Pantalone at St. Michael's… Rated nation's No. 63 athlete prospect by ESPN, and No. 76 among safety recruits by Scout… Ranked 85th in state of Texas by Scout and 90th by ESPN… Listed on Texas Top 150 by Dave Campbell Texas Football… 2014 TAPPS DI All-State on both sides of ball (defensive back and athlete) as senior… Had 33 tackles, four interceptions, two PBUs, forced fumble and 90-yard TD on interception return as starting safety… Totaled 538 yards and six TDs on 24 receptions and 341 yards and four TDs on 34 rushes, scored two kick-return TDs (90 and 95 yards)… Also 2014 first-team All-District 2-DI as both DB and utility back… Named 2014 second team All-Central Texas as utility back by Austin American-Statesman… Led St. Michael's to 8-3 record and 2013 DI regional semifinals as two-way starter… Earned 2013 first team TAPPS DI All-State honors as both athlete and DB as junior… Made 60 tackles (45 solo) and three interception returns for TDs as cornerback… Offensively, had 530 yards and six TDs on 26 receptions and 420 yards and two TDs on 55 carries… Also had kickoff return for TD and punt return for TD… Earned 2012 second-team All-District 2-DI honors as sophomore wide receiver after helping St. Michael's to 12-1 record and DI semifinals… Totaled 404 yards and four TDs on 23 catches and 47 yards on five rushes as sophomore… Added one kick return TD… Earned 2011 All-District 2-DI honorable mention as freshman running back… Also played basketball (2013 honorable mention Class 5A TAPPS All-State) and track and field (won 2014 TAPPS 5A 200 meters with time of 21.51) at St. Michael's.

BRILES ON HOUSTON

"Jameson is a kid that's got everything in front of him. He's got a big frame and will play DB for us. He's got a great future in front of him. He's a fast kid, he'll run a low 21 maybe a 20 in the 200 (meters) this spring. He's a player where the surface is just starting to be scratched."





TYRONE HUNT

DL - 6-3, 235 - Arp, Texas (Arp HS)

All-state defensive lineman from Arp (Texas) High School… Multi-sport athlete at AHS played football under head coach Dale Irwin... Rated No. 111 strongside defensive end prospect nationally by 247Sports… Earned 2014 Class 3A All-State honorable mention on DL as senior… Named 2014 District 8-3A Co-Defensive MVP for 2014 Arp squad that finished 9-2 and reached 3A DII area finals… Totaled 60 tackles, 14 TFL, seven sacks, seven QB pressures, five forced fumbles and two PBUs as senior… Named 2013 first team All-District 10-2A DII as junior… Made 70 tackles, eight for loss, five sacks and three QB pressures for Arp's 2013 team that finished 7-5 and advanced to 2A DII area finals… Totaled 50 tackles and 23 pancakes as sophomore in 2012 for AHS squad that finished 9-3 and made regional semifinals… Also lettered in basketball and track and field at Arp… Named second team 2014 All-District 18-2A in hoops as junior… Threw shot put and discus, finished sixth in discus with mark of 151-2 at 2014 Texas state meet.

BRILES ON HUNT

"Tyrone is a big kid from a small school who has had to play both ways and multiple positions. We're really excited about getting him on campus. He's a big, strong, rangy player that throws the shot and discus. When he starts specializing he'll get the opportunity to really start shining. We want a guy with a great upside, and we feel like Tyrone has that."





CLAY JOHNSTON

LB - 6-2, 200 - Abilene, Texas (Wylie HS)

Two-time all-state linebacker from Wylie High School in Abilene, Texas… Two-way player under head coach Hugh Sandifer at WHS… Rated nation's 69th outside linebacker prospect by ESPN and 73rd by Scout… Listed state's No. 10 LB recruit by Dave Campbell's Texas Football 2015 winter publication… Listed among Texas Top 150 by Dave Campbell's Texas Football and No. 137 in-state prospect by ESPN… Two-way all-state honoree as senior, named 2014 second team Class 4A All-State on defense and honorable mention running back… Earned 2014 second-team All-Texas honors from Dave Campbell's Texas Football, named All-Big Country Super Team Player of Year by Abilene Reporter-News and District 3-4A MVP… Led Wylie to 10-3 record, 2014 4A DI regional semifinals and No. 5 final ranking as senior… Totaled 85 tackles (17 for loss), six sacks, 12 QB hurries, six PBUs and three forced fumbles… Offensively, took over as starting tailback in week six after injury to teammate, ran for more than 1,050 yards and 19 TDs, also 200-plus yards on 10 receptions… Also blocked three kicks and had 28-yard kickoff return on special teams as senior… Named 2013 first team Class 3A All-State at linebacker as junior… Selected 2013 All-Big Country Super Team Defensive MVP by Abilene Reporter-News after leading WHS to 8-4 record and to 3A DI area finals… Made 138 tackles, 34 TFL, six sacks and five PBUs as junior… Father, Kent, is strength and conditioning coach for the San Diego Chargers.

BRILES ON JOHNSTON

"Clay is an all-purpose guy from Abilene-Wylie. Played running back and linebacker. His dad is the head strength coach for the Chargers. He's a guy that's been around football all of his life. We feel like he's going to be a great addition for us on the defensive side of the ball at linebacker. He's a smart player who knows how to win and play tough."





LENOY JONES JR.

LB - 5-10, 215 - Waco, Texas (Midway HS)

All-state linebacker from nearby Midway High School in Hewitt, Texas… Played under head coach Terry Gambill at MHS… National position ranking among linebacker prospects: 59th by ESPN, 78th by 247Sports and 88th by Scout… Named 2014 District 12-6A Defensive MVP and unanimous first team after leading Midway to 12-1 record and to 6A DII regional semifinals as senior… Totaled 154 tackles, 10 for loss, nine QB hurries, three forced fumbles, two fumbles recovered, two PBUs and one sack, earned first-team 2014 Super Centex honors from Waco Tribune-Herald… Earned 2013 Class 5A All-State honorable mention as junior, helped MHS to 9-3 record and to 5A DII area finals… Totaled 162 tackles (10 for loss), three sacks and four PBUs, named to 2013 All-District 8-5A second team… Made 61 tackles as sophomore on varsity for 2012 Midway team that finished 13-1 and in 5A DII state quarterfinals… Teammate at MHS of fellow Baylor signee Devontre Stricklin and current Bear Jamie Jacobs… Father Lenoy Jones Sr., D-line coach at Midway, played seven seasons as NFL linebacker for Oilers/Titans and Browns and collegiately at TCU.

BRILES ON JONES

"Lenoy is a local, from right here at Waco-Midway. His dad had a pretty storied career collegiately and in the NFL. He comes from a great family, and he's another great addition from Midway to Baylor. He's a great leader, a guy who plays very dynamically. He's got a great upside, and we love his passion and his motor. We're really happy that he's going to be a part of our family."





J.W. KETCHUM III

DB - 6-0, 190 - Houston, Texas (Lamar HS)

Multi-talented play-maker, played senior season at Lamar High School in Houston… Amassed 5,705 yards and 99 TDs in final three prep seasons as versatile quarterback… Rated No. 29 dual-threat quarterback prospect nationally by 247Sports… Ranked 31st-top athlete prospect by ESPN and 41st safety recruit by Scout… Top 50 Texas recruit, ranked 31st in state on Dave Campbell Texas Football Texas Top 150 (No. 4 "athlete" recruit per 2015 winter publication), 41st on Austin American-Statesman's Fabulous 55, 43rd by Rivals, 47th by ESPN, among top 50 on Waco Tribune-Herald's Top 100 and on Houston Chronicle Top 100… No. 58 prospect in region per ESPN… Led head coach Tom Nolen's 2014 Lamar squad to 10-2 record and to 6A DI area finals… Named 2014 District 20-6A MVP and to 2014 All-VYPE team… Totaled 2,021 yards (589 on 32-of-87 passing, 1,432 on 117 rushes - 12.2 yards/carry) and 25 TDs (seven passing, 18 rushing) as senior at LHS… Played junior and sophomore seasons at Marshall High School in Missouri City, Texas, under head coach James Williams… Earned 2013 All-District 22-4A first-team honors as junior QB after leading MHS squad to 8-3 record and to 4A DII area finals… Threw for 603 yards and 10 TDs on 50-of-115 passes and totaled 1,172 yards and 14 TDs on 88 carries as junior at Marshall… Named 2012 District 22-4A Offensive MVP after leading MHS to 13-1 record and to DII regional finals as sophomore… Totaled 40 TDs and 1,909 yards, threw for 744 yards and 12 scores on 59-of-85 passes and ran for 1,165 and 28 TDs on 118 attempts.

BRILES ON KETCHUM

"Talk to anybody from the city of Houston, and they'll tell you the most dynamic player this year was J.W. That's saying a lot coming out of that city. He's a guy that can do it all. He played high school QB. We're going to look at him as a return guy and safety. He's a player that can come in and have a chance to fight for playing time pretty quickly."





TONY NICHOLSON

DB - 5-9, 170 - Grand Prairie, Texas (South Grand Prairie HS)

Talented multi-position athlete from South Grand Prairie (Texas) High School… Played quarterback, receiver and defensive back under head coach Brent Whitson at South Grand Prairie… Ranked nation's 51st-best WR prospect by 247Sports and 88th by Scout… Listed No. 59 among "athlete" prospects by ESPN… Top 100 Texas recruit: ranked 65th on Dave Campbell's Texas Football Texas Top 150 (No. 8 "athlete" recruit per 2015 winter publication), 79th by 247Sports, 87th by ESPN, 97th by Scout and on Waco Tribune-Herald Top 100… Rated No. 108 among regional prospects by ESPN and 52nd top recruit (No. 3 among "athletes") on the SportsDay/DMN Area Top 100… Two-way standout as senior, totaled 447 yards and three TDs on 38 receptions, 273 yards and three scores on 44 carries, and threw for 43 yards and two TDs on 2-for-2 passing… Defensively, added 10 solo tackles, five interceptions and pass breakup… Named 2014 unanimous All-District 8-6A first team inside receiver… Played quarterback as junior, passed for 628 yards and eight TDs, rushed for 622 yards and nine scores… Named 2013 All-District 7-5A second-team QB.

BRILES ON NICHOLSON

"Tony has great upside coming in. He's a high school QB, receiver and played some DB. We're looking at Tony as a DB. He's a dynamic player that's used to making plays to help his football team win. So we're excited about getting a person that's been in that position on the defensive side of the ball. We feel like he can come in here and have a chance to compete and get on the field with a great upside. He's a great kid."





ERIC OGOR

LB - 6-0, 215 - Richmond, Texas (Foster HS)

Two-time all-state linebacker from Foster High School in Richmond, Texas… Played under head coach Shaun McDowell at FHS… Rated 48th-best OLB prospect by 247Sports and 125th by ESPN… Ranked No. 94 recruit in region by 247Sports… Named to 2014 Class 5A All-State second team and All-Greater Houston (Houston Chronicle) first team after leading Foster to 9-2 record and 5A DI bi-district finals… Also earned 2014 District 24-5A Defensive Co-MVP and first-team linebacker as senior… Totaled 134 tackles, 34 TFL, 15 sacks, nine forced fumbles, four PBUs and fumble recovered… Earned 2013 Class 5A All-State second-team honors… Helped FHS to 7-3 record and bi-district finals… Made 120 tackles, 18 TFL and eight sacks as junior.

BRILES ON OGOR

"Eric is a dynamic linebacker from Richmond. He's a tough kid, he's explosive and has a fast motor and a good frame. He's a player that we think has a tremendous upside."





MAURICE PORTER

OL - 6-7, 315 - Missouri City, Texas (Marshall HS / Navarro College)

Dominant lineman and No. 1-rated junior college prospect in Texas per 247Sports from Navarro College… Former national top-200 prospect out of high school, signed with Baylor in 2013 recruiting class… Offensive lineman played two seasons under head coach Brian Mayper at Navarro… National ratings among junior college prospects: 15th by 247Sports, 27th on ESPN JC50 (third among offensive tackles), 57th on Rivals JC100, 62nd by Scout… Earned 83 percent coaches grade as sophomore, along with eight knockdowns and two pancakes on 2014 Navarro squad that finished 7-3… Started playing football as sophomore in high school, played three seasons under head coach James Williams at Marshall High School in Missouri City, Texas… 198th overall national prospect in 2012 class out of high school on 247Sports's Top247 listing… National position rankings: No. 17 (OT) by 247Sports, No. 24 (OG) by Scout, No. 35 (OT) by Rivals, No. 55 (OT) by ESPN… State rankings among Texas recruits: No. 26 by 247Sports, No. 26 on Austin American-Statesman's Fabulous 55, No. 50 by SuperPrep, No. 55 by Rivals.com, Waco Tribune-Herald Texas Top 100… Fourth-best offensive line prospect in state according to Dave Campbell's Texas Football… No. 7 offensive lineman recruit on Dallas Morning News/SportsDay's State Top 100 listing… Listed on VYPE/Rivals publication's Houston Top 100… Participated in 2012 Offense-Defense All-American Bowl in Houston following senior season… Led Marshall to 13-1 record and 2012 4A DII quarterfinals as senior… Named first team 2011 All-District 23-5A honoree as junior in second season playing sport… Also named 2011 second-team All-Sun by Sugar Land Sun.

BRILES ON PORTER

"Maurice is coming from Navarro, we recruited him out of high school. He's rated the No. 1. J.C. tackle in America. The journey is getting closer to an end, and once he steps on campus he's a player that will have an opportunity to contribute immediately. He has a great frame."





DEVONTRE STRICKLIN

WR - 6-1, 180 - Waco, Texas (Midway HS)

National top 300 prospect, wide receiver from nearby Midway High School in Hewitt, Texas… Elite athlete played under head coach Terry Gambill at Midway… Ranked No. 230 national recruit by 247Sports and No. 257 on ESPN300 listing… Member of USA Football national team (under 19) to play in 2015 International Bowl in Arlington, Texas… National position ranking among wide receiver prospects: 25th by 247Sports, 31st by ESPN, 63rd by Scout… In-state rankings: No. 30 by 247Sports, No. 34 by ESPN, No. 53 on Austin American-Statesman's Fabulous 55, No. 59 by Rivals, No. 63 by Scout, No. 77 on LoneStar Top 100, No. 78 on Dave Campbell's Texas Football Top 150 and on Waco Tribune-Herald Top 100… Rated 43rd prospect in region by ESPN… Named 2014 first team All-Texas (Dave Campbell's Texas Football), first team Super Centex (Waco Tribune-Herald) and unanimous first team All-District 12-6A… Totaled 1,309 yards and 12 TDs on 67 receptions as senior, led Midway to 12-1 record and 6A DII regional semifinals… Had 45 catches for 1,023 yards and 14 TDs as junior, for MHS squad that finished 9-3 and made 5A DII area finals… Teammate at MHS of fellow Baylor signee Lenoy Jones Jr. and current Bear Jamie Jacobs… Jumper on MHS track and field squad, recorded marks of 47-7 (triple jump), 22-3 ¾ (long jump) and 6-0 (high jump).

BRILES ON STRICKLIN

"Another local addition from Waco-Midway. He had a great career there. We feel he's got great upside, he's a track jumper with outstanding hands, and a competitor going after the ball. He's a dynamic player with a dynamic personality to back it up. Just a great kid. We're extremely excited about our two Midway players that have chosen to stay here."





SAM TECKLENBURG

ATH - 6-3, 280 - Plano, Texas (Plano HS)

Two-time all-state performer from Plano (Texas) High School… Two-way athlete played tight end, offensive line and defensive tackle in four varsity seasons at Plano under head coach Jaydon McCullough… Participated in 2014 NUC Senior All-American Game in South Carolina following senior season… Rated nation's No. 58 prospect among offensive guards (sixth in Texas) by Scout… Ranked 76th among DT prospects by ESPN and 105th among tight ends by 247Sports… Listed on Dave Campbell's Texas Football Texas Top 150… Rated No. 46 on SportsDay/DMN Area Top 100 (11th offensive lineman)… Earned 2014 Class 6A All-State honorable mention at DL and named 2014 District 6-6A Co-Defensive MVP as senior… Totaled 47 tackles, six TFL, six QB hurries and two sacks for 7-4 Plano squad… Also made seven receptions for 118 yards and one TD at tight end… Named 2013 second team Class 5A All-State on DL as junior… First team All-District 10-5A on both sides of ball (DL and TE)… Had six tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks for 2013 Plano squad that finished 7-4… Earned 2012 first team All-District 10-5A distinction as both DT (unanimous) and TE as sophomore… Father Kerry played collegiately at North Texas and Texas Tech.

BRILES ON TECKLENBURG

"We think Sam can play center, guard, D-tackle, D-end or H-back. He can do it all. So, we're just really excited about his journey. He's very strong and very athletic. He played both sides of the ball in high school. He played tight end and defensive end. He's a player that has an opportunity to have a great career here at Baylor."





JORDAN TOLBERT

DB - 5-10, 160 - Missouri City, Texas (Ridge Point HS)

Defensive back standout from Ridge Point High School in Missouri City, Texas… Two-time all-district honoree for head coach Brett Sniffin at RPHS… Rated nation's 40th best cornerback prospect by 247Sports, 41st by ESPN and 96th by Scout… Top 100 Texas recruit: ranked 60th prospect in state by 247Sports, 88th on Dave Campbell's Texas Football Texas Top 150 (No. 8 CB recruit in state per 2015 winter publication), 89th on LoneStar Top 100, 95th by ESPN and on Waco Tribune-Herald's Top 100… Listed on Houston Chronicle's Houston Top 100… Missed senior season in 2014 due to knee injury… Named second team 2013 All-District 22-4A as junior… Made 16 tackles, two interceptions, two PBUs and totaled 321 return yards for Ridge Point squad that finished 9-3 and in 4A DII area finals… Earned 2012 second team All-District 22-4A honors and made three interceptions as sophomore.

BRILES ON TOLBERT

"Jordan is explosive, and very fast. He tore his ACL last spring and missed his whole senior season, but he's healthy now and he's ready to go. He's a great kid, a dynamic player with great ball skills. We're really excited to get him on campus, get him around our guys and turn him loose and let him play. "





JORDAN WILLIAMS

LB - 6-0, 210 - Paris, Texas (Paris HS)

Two-time all-state linebacker from Paris (Texas) High School… Played under head coach Steven Hohenberger at PHS… Ranked No. 116 national linebacker prospect by 247Sports… Earned 2014 Class 4A All-State honorable mention as senior… Led Paris to 8-5 record and 4A DI regional semifinals… Named District 7-4A Defensive MVP and to all-district first team… Totaled 160 tackles, 26 TFL, six sacks and four forced fumbles as senior… Earned 2013 Class 3A All-State honorable mention as junior… Named 2013 District 13-3A Special Teams MVP and first team all-district… Earned All-Red River Valley first-team honors after totaling 143 tackles, six sacks, two fumble recoveries and forced fumble as junior… Named 2012 Red River Valley Newcomer of Year as sophomore… Helped Paris to 8-4 record and DI regional semifinals, made 88 tackles, 21 TFL, six sacks, three forced fumbles and fumble recovery… Also lettered in baseball at PHS.

BRILES ON WILLIAMS

"Jordan is a tough player, he's explosive and plays with high energy and a high motor. He's very athletic, and in our league you've got to have guys that can run and make plays defensively; and Jordan certainly fits that mold."





SPRING ENROLLEES:



DOMINIC DeSOUZA

OL - 6-7, 300 - Pacifica, Calif. (Terra Nova HS / City College of San Francisco)

Junior college transfer offensive lineman from City College of San Francisco has two years of eligibility… Rated 35th-best prospect on Rivals' Juco 100 and No. 92 on Scout's Juco Top 100… Two-year starter at CCSF under head coach Jimmy Collins, helped Rams to consecutive wins in the San Francisco Community College Bowl in 2013 and 2014… Led San Francisco to 11-2 record and state runner-up finish in 2014 as sophomore… Starter for Rams squad that finished 8-3 and beat Sierra 59-31 in SFCC Bowl as freshman in 2013… Prepped at Terra Nova High School in Pacifica, Calif., under head coach Bill Gray… Earned 2012 first-team All-PAL Bay Division and second-team All-Mercury News honors following senior season at TNHS… Anchored O-line for offense that averaged 419 yards per game in 2012.

BRILES ON DeSOUZA

"Dominic is huge, and athletic. Anytime we take a J.C. guy we take them as a potential starter, so he's a guy we feel like will be a potential starter for us. I don't know if it'll be this fall, but he's certainly a big body that's athletic."





DEVONTE JONES

C - 6-2, 305 - Houston, Texas (Bellaire HS)

Member of Baylor's 2014 signing class, enrolled at Baylor in January 2015, will participate in spring drills… Two-time all-district offensive lineman at Bellaire High School in Houston… Three-year starter under head coach Trey Sissom at BHS… Rated nation's 74th-best guard prospect in 2014 signing class by 247Sports, ranked 81st by both ESPN and Scout… Included on Houston Top 100 listing (one of 16 offensive linemen) by VYPE/Rivals… Named first-team 2013 All-District 20-5A as senior after leading Bellaire to 8-3 record and DI bi-district finals… Earned 86 percent coach's grade and totaled 34 pancake blocks and 123 de-cleat blocks as senior… Earned 2012 second-team All-District 20-5A honors as junior guard… Starting guard on BHS 2011 squad that finished 7-4 and reached DI bi-district finals.

BRILES ON D. JONES

"Devonte is a high school kid that we greyshirted. He has good size and we're looking at him as a future center down the road. He's somebody that can come in, redshirt, then be able to compete for playing time in a few years. Very athletic, good frame, good body."





BLAKE LYNCH

WR - 6-2, 195 - Gilmer, Texas (Gilmer HS)

National top 200 recruit from Gilmer (Texas) High School… Versatile, All-American athlete rated nation's 86th-best recruit on 247Sports's Top247… Named 2015 U.S. Army All-American, chose not to play in 2015 U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio… Ranked No. 185 overall prospect by ESPN… National position rating: eighth by 247Sports (athlete), 21st by Rivals (WR), 25th by Scout (S) and 30th by EPSN (athlete)… Runner-up for 2014 "Mr. Texas Football" by Dave Campbell's Texas Football… Rankings among prospects in Texas: 15th by 247Sports, 15th on Dave Campbell Texas Football's Texas Top 150, 23rd on Austin American-Statesman's Fabulous 55, 27th by Rivals, 42nd on LoneStar Top 100, 46th by ESPN and 48th by Scout… Named No. 2 "athlete" recruit in state by Dave Campbell's Texas Football 2015 winter publication… Named MVP among QBs at 2013 APEC/ETSN combine… State champion at Gilmer, led head coach's Jeff Traylor squad to perfect 16-0 season as senior in 2014… Named offensive MVP of 4A DII state championship game, totaled 117 yards on seven touches and scored twice in fourth quarter come-from-behind 35-25 win over West-Orange Stark… Earned 2014 second-team Class 4A All-State honors as wide receiver after amassing 2,220 combined yards and 38 offensive TDs while playing running back, receiver, quarterback, safety and cornerback at GHS… Totaled 1,043 yards and 16 TDs on 47 receptions, 888 yards and 19 TDs on 72 rushes (16.2 average yards-per-rush/reception), and 289 yards and three TDs on 13-of-17 passing… Defensively, totaled 40 tackles, three interceptions, one fumble recovery and two defensive TDs… Named 2014 first team All-Texas utility back and 4A DII Region I & II Player of Year (Dave Campbell's Texas Football)… 2014 District 5-4A DII Co-MVP and first-team All-East Texas (ETSN)… Transferred to Gilmer from Troup (Texas) High School, played quarterback as sophomore and junior under head coach Dennis Alexander at THS… Totaled 750 yards and 11 TDs passing and 650 yards and 13 TDs rushing during injury-shortened junior season in 2013 (broken arm)… Led Troup to 9-2 record and 2012 bi-district finals as sophomore… Totaled more than 1,500 yards of total offense and earned 2012 District 9-2A Offensive Newcomer of the Year honors as sophomore… Jumped and ran sprints for GHS track and field squad, member of 4x200 relay team that finished fifth at 2014 state meet… Also played basketball, was 2013 District 18-2A Newcomer of Year as sophomore at Troup.

BRILES ON LYNCH

"Blake is just a big guy, a fast guy, a stud and a winner. He's very mature with himself on and off the football field. He's really mature for being a mid-year guy, senior in high school. He's a great addition, a guy that's really going to be an impact player."





JARRETT STIDHAM

QB - 6-3, 195 - Stephenville, Texas (Stephenville HS)

Blue chip recruit and top 50 national prospect from Stephenville (Texas) High School… All-American dual-threat quarterback rated nation's No. 13 overall recruit on 247Sports Top247 list… Three-time all-state honoree (as QB and receiver) under head coach Joseph Gillespie and multi-sport athlete at SHS… Named Under Armour All-American and played in 2015 prep all-star game in Florida… Ranked 33rd overall national prospect by Scout and 37th on ESPN300 listing… National position ranking among QB prospects: Top-rated dual-threat prospect by 247Sports, second by ESPN and sixth by Rivals; rated third among traditional QBs by Scout… Listed No. 2 overall recruit in state of Texas by 247Sports… Other Texas Top 100 listings: No. 6 by Scout, No. 6 on Dave Campbell's Texas Football Texas Top 150, No. 7 by ESPN, No. 9 by Rivals, No. 9 on LoneStar Top 100, No. 11 on Austin American-Statesman's Fabulous 55 and Waco Tribune-Herald (Top 30)… Named 2014 second team All-Texas by Dave Campbell's Texas Football 2015 winter publication… Standout at 2014 Elite 11 competition in Oregon summer prior to senior season… Led Stephenville to 9-4 record, to 2014 4A DI regional finals and No. 6 final ranking as senior… Earned 2014 Class 4A All-State second-team honors despite missing most of two games due to hand injury (earned 2014 "The Davey: Iron Man Award" for comeback from injury to throwing hand by Dave Campbell's Texas Football)… Compiled 3,903 total yards and 50 TDs; threw for 2,934 yards and 35 TDs on 183-of-260 passes, ran for 969 yards and 15 TDs on 122 carries… Named 2014 first team All-District 3-4A and second team 2014 All-Texas (Dave Campbell's Texas Football)… Selected 2013 third team Class 3A All-State as junior, led SHS to 12-2 record and 3A DI state semifinals… Threw for 2,613 yards and 30 TDs on 156-of-254 passes and rushed for 821 yards and 14 TDs on 138 carries… Earned 2013 District 7-3A MVP as junior… Played receiver as sophomore, totaled 685 yards and 11 TD receptions on Stephenville's 2012 Class 3A DI state championship squad… Earned 2012 Class 3A All-State honorable mention as receiver… All-District honoree in basketball, also ran track at Stephenville.

BRILES ON STIDHAM

"Jarrett is very mature, a mid-year impact player. We're excited to watch his growth throughout the next few years; he has a bright future."

As always, this is one of the biggest days of a young man's life. Here are what members of the Baylor class had to say about making everything official on National Signing Day. We'll add more reactions as they come in.

>Eric Ogor, Richmond Foster, LB: "Great education. Guaranteed 4-5 more years of football and hopefully the NFL after that."

>Jordan Williams, Paris, LB: "It means a lot to me and my family. I have a great future in front of me and have all of the necessities and opportunities to succeed in whatever I want to do. Free education is No. 1.

>Mo Porter, Navarro, OL: "It means that I got a second chance at living my dream. And all I can do is thank Baylor for sticking by my side these past couple of years.''

>Lenoy Jones, Waco Midway, LB: "Got to get in there to learn the defense. This has to be the best offseason for me to get a chance to compete for the job."

>Sam Tecklenburg, Plano, TE: "It's big. The next step in my journey. I couldn't be more excited.''

>JaMycal Hasty, Longview, RB: "It's a means for me to gain the degree that I desire at a top level program, free of charge and play the I love!"

>Clay Johnson, Abilene Wylie, LB: "Means so much thank the good Lord. My family loved it. Now ready to grind like no other, even though I have been grinding.''

>Tony Nicholson, South Grand Prairie, Ath: "Been dreaming about this day since I was young. It's been a long recruiting process, but I feel like I picked the right school for me. I know I will have a good career at Baylor.''

>Drew Galitz, Rowlett, P/PK: "This is the first day of the rest of my life. And I can't wait to be in Waco!''
This post was edited on 2/4 2:20 PM by K Lonnquist

Just got word that Oklahoma State has offered Ringling, OK and recent Baylor OT commit Riley Daniel.

However, I asked Daniel about it and if it meant anything. His response: "Nope. Not a thing.''

There's always some last-minute stuff going on before Wednesday. We'll keep you posted should we hear anything else.

(UPDATE: 8:30 am Tuesday): We know Baylor is continuing to push on Waco Midway S Kahlil Haughton to see if he will re-consider at the last minute and flip from Oklahoma. At this point, it seems like a long shot. But Haughton hasn't exactly turned away listening to the coaches either.

Remember, he visited with the entire defensive staff on Friday. He could have said, "No thank you. I'm not going to Baylor.'' But he hasn't. Every time Baylor has wanted to visit with him in person, he's given them the audience. Is it working? He recently said that some of the matters discussed will be in the back of his mind but that it shouldn't change his decision to stay with the Sooners.

Having said that, we're just going to watch this and see what happens.

(UPDATE: 3:30 PM Tuesday): Baylor has sent Haughton an LOI. Now, whether he signs it is another story. He's at the international game at AT&T Stadium. Remember, these players doing their signing ceremony from this location.

Well, that was an interesting note.
This post was edited on 2/3 3:31 PM by K Lonnquist

Frisco Centennial DB Raleigh Texada mentioned the other day he thought Baylor was pretty close to offering him. On Tuesday, that offer became reality.

He's a pretty interesting player. Here is a look at his 2014 film.

Baylor has offered Waco 2016 DB Eric Cuffee. Like sands through the hourglass, so are the days of our lives. But it counts.
This post was edited on 2/3 5:48 PM by K Lonnquist

National Signing Day is hours away. Baylor's class of 19 is set to sign (three have enrolled in Ath Blake Lynch, QB Jarrett Stidham and OL Dominic Desouza). But as we've seen, there always some late hour chaos with late offers trying to flip players or players just changing commitments on their own. But that doesn't appear to be that way with this class.

JaMycal Hasty, RB, Longview: "I'm 100 percent Baylor.''

J.W. Ketchum, Ath, Houston Lamar: He tweeted out a picture earlier on Monday dressed in Baylor gear and proclaiming it, "A Baylor type of Day.''

Riley Daniel, OL, Ruling, OK: A late offer from Oklahoma State appears to not have affected him.

Lenoy Jones, LB, Waco Midway: "I'm going to stay 100 percent Baylor. I'm not talking to any other schools."...Jones also mentioned WR teammate Devontre Stricklin is set with the Bears as well.

Eric Ogor, LB, Richmond Foster: "I made it clear my decision is final [with Baylor].''

Clay Johnston, LB, Abilene Wylie: "Everything is solid [with Baylor].''

Jordan Williams, LB, Paris: "I'm signing with BU on Wednesday!''

Sam Tecklenburg, TE, Plano: "Everything is solid. Nobody else has tried.''

A person close to Shreveport, LA DB Henry Black said everything with Black's commitment to Baylor is solid.

Jordan Tolbert, DB, Fort Bend Ridge Point: "I'm locked in with Baylor 100 percent. I'm not going anywhere.''

Tyrone Hunt, DE, Arp: "All is solid with Baylor.''

Drew Galitz, P, Rowlett: "Solid with BU."

Mo Porter, OL, Navarro: "Everything is good with Baylor. No one came after me.''

Tony Nicholson, Ath, South Grand Prairie: "Solid with Baylor.''

Austin St. Michaels DB Jameson Houston could not be reached for comment. However, we reported last week everything is good to go with him and Baylor. He is expected to sign his LOI on Wednesday morning.

-Kevin Lonnquist

This post was edited on 2/3 9:10 AM by K Lonnquist

Per bleacher report

If needed, call your Doctor now for any needed medications, for tonight and tomorrow, to get you through the National
Signing Day............I think the whorns and gaggums will definitely need more medication..........


Sic 'em Bears, Bite, Claw and Maul all who get in your way.......................

They just announced it on twitter at the same time. So just wanted to put this one to bed.

We now return you to your normal recruiting program.

Buckeye -- we need it one more time....

And if you don't do it, Clairatt will.

Baylor has just offered Alief Elsik LB Dontavious Jackson. Didn't take long after Junior Day for the Rivals 250 prospect.

We caught up with him Monday night moments after he received it.

Here is also his film package for the 2014 season.
This post was edited on 2/3 9:28 AM by K Lonnquist

Dontavious Jackson

I have to think the huge win over Texas helped that ranking move a bit higher. Bears play host to TCU Wednesday and then play at West Virginia Saturday.

> During the big Baylor/TCU debate this past season, I got into a Twitter argument with a rivals writer from another site. He said his "eyeball test" told him TCU was better and, thus, more deserving. Of course I retaliated with 61-58 -- as well as Baylor's dominating statistics in that game -- but he wouldn't budge. He eventually said a 21-point comeback, basically, discredited Baylor. TCU just collapsed but was the better team that day. I told him if anything, it revealed a lot of character and determination on that Baylor team, traits that shouldn't be discounted. He countered with snark, saying something to the effect that heart/determination aren't exactly measurable statistics or characteristics of players and teams. To that, I replied: "Which is too bad. I bet every college coach would love to know about a player's character or mental makeup more than their 40 time."



> So where I am going with that first thought? What we, the public, don't know about any of Baylor's commitments is arguably the most important information about them: Their drive to succeed. We know their size, their speed, their high school statistics, and rivals uses all of that information to make its most educated guess on just how good that prospect is and can be. But how hungry are they? How committed to practice and the weight room will they be? How unafraid of fierce competition will they be? You can get a sense of a player's drive at the high school level, but things really change when they go from high schoolers to college football players. It's hard for analysts to predict if recruits will have what it takes, mentally, to be great at the next level. It's hard for coaches, too, but they have a major advantage. They've been forging relationships with these players for months, years for many of them. They know them personally -- far better than we'll ever know from watching their senior year highlights -- and have a greater chance of knowing if the guys they are recruiting have the right mentality to be Baylor Bears.



> I write all this because I know many of you -- myself included -- are disappointed the back-to-back Big 12 champions won't have a class that comes close to the season-ending No. 7 ranking. Not even close, really. The other four Power 5 conference champions are currently ranked 1 (Alabama), 4 (Florida State), 7 (Ohio State) and 16 (Oregon). And then there's Baylor sitting at No. 39, only four spots ahead of a program like Indiana. It is frustrating that Baylor isn't ranking where, I truly believe, it deserves to be. Baylor has a Heisman trophy and two conference titles in the past four years. It should be doing better. But having said all that, like living a life of faith, you have to believe in what this staff is doing and who they're targeting as recruits. You're probably tired of reading me write this, but Baylor doesn't offer players to fill up spaces. This class is now 19 strong -- that's three more commitments than we expected. Baylor could've stopped at 10-12 guys because of such a small senior class. But Baylor wants each of the guys it has landed commitments from, and the staff believes these are the players that will help Baylor continue to win the Big 12. They're not rated where we'd like them to be. But the staff has insights on these guys we don't, gained from interpersonal relationships. They know these guys inside and out, and I truly believe that what the coaches have learned about these 2- and 3-star recruits is that they all can play roles in keeping this program at the top, no matter what any ranking services say.



> Well, I'm feeling like I'm stepping off a soapbox after those opening thoughts. I just get a little frustrated -- removing myself from this site and taking the role of a fan -- to see Baylor miss on some bigger targets and have to "settle" for other targets. And then I get frustrated for thinking that, considering Baylor has won two titles mostly with classes that weren't ranked as high as No. 39. But you have to keep the faith in this staff. They're excellent talent evaluators and consistently have turned low-star guys into major players. One of our readers, 1845, said it best on another thread: They look at what players can be, not what they are. That's a very difficult thing to do. Like us putting faith in the staff, they have to put faith in their projections for every player they target. Who knows, in 5-6 years from now Tyrone Hunt could be playing in a Super Bowl. Hunt is a two-star guy that Baylor just pried away from UTSA, an FBS program less than a decade old. Only those two schools offered him. At 6-4, 230, he's nowhere near ready to play on a Big 12 defensive line. In two or three years, however -- all those years under Kaz's supervision -- he could turn into a monster. Not saying he will, but that's why the staff recruited him -- for his potential. That's how you have to look at many of Briles' recruits: what they can be. It would be nice to have eight 4-star players in this class, and I think Baylor will get there (they have four in this class but three already for 2016). Until then, don't let star rankings color your impression of Signing Day this week. This is a class full of players that Briles and his coaches deemed worthy of playing for Baylor. That's good enough for me.



> Anyway, I need to move on from this diatribe, because I'm short on time this week and really want to talk basketball. The win against Texas on Saturday was huge for this program's chances of doing what it's never done, making consecutive tourney appearances. As I've said before, 9-9 in Big 12 play gets you in. Beating Texas (by a whopping 23 points) got Baylor to 4-4, so five more wins are needed. There are three games left that I feel are must-wins: TCU on Wednesday and the home-and-home with Texas Tech. Win those three and Baylor just needs two more. You'd like to think the way Baylor's playing at home that home wins are far more likely. Because of that, I'd say the home games with Kansas State, Oklahoma State and West Virginia are the three most likely. so win two of those three (along with sweeping TCU/Tech) and Baylor's in. Get to nine conference wins, and then you enter bonus territory. Win any additional games over nine and now you're improving your seeding. Right now, I think Baylor's ceiling in Big 12 play is 11-7. That would entail winning out at home and stealing two on the road. The floor would be below 9-9 if Baylor has a lapse on Wednesday night and lost to TCU. Lose to TCU, and you have to make up for it with a road win at Kansas, Texas or Iowa State (who likes those chances?). It's possible to overlook them after the monstrous win over UT, followed by a road trip to West Virginia. TCU has been the doormat since it arrived, and sometimes motivation is lacking against inferior teams. Baylor can't afford to do so, but I don't think this team is susceptible to a no-show at home in league play. And especially not after Baylor needed overtime to beat TCU the first time. Big game Wednesday night, but they're all big from now on.
This post was edited on 2/2 2:36 PM by K Lonnquist

Courtney Lark committed to TCU...not good news.

With everything going on in the last 72 hours, we didn't want omit this because it gives an overall impression of what 2016 and 2017 prospects thought about their afternoon on the Baylor campus. We asked them what they believed what they got out of their visit.

Patrick Hudson, OL, Silsbee (2016 Baylor commit): "A close family relationship with the coaches and my possibly soon to be teammates. It was Fantastic.''

Zach Smith, QB, Grandview (2016 Baylor commit): "A lot of fun talking with the other recruits and fellow commits. Baylor's the place to be.

Kameron Martin, RB, PA Memorial (2016 Baylor commit: "Coach Briles is so real. He told the recruits Baylor is about business. We about to get this national championship this year.''

McTelvin Agim, DE, Hope (AR) (2016 Baylor offer): "Got a better feeling of the coaching staff and the area.''

Devin Duvernay, WR, Sachse, (2016 Baylor offer): "It was great.''

DeMarkus Acy, Ath, Wilmer-Hutchins (2016 Baylor interest): "Top school in my mind. Best campus. Excelleent coaching. Overall experience was great.

Will Farrar, OL, Richmond Travis (2017 Baylor interest): "I loved Baylor coming into [Saturday]. It just confirmed how much I loved it. I got to spend some quality time with the coaches.''

Michael Williams, DT, FW All Saints (2016 Baylor offer): "It was good seeing the coaching again and bonding.''

Raleigh Texada, DB, Frisco Centennial (2016 Baylor interest): "Got to talk to defensive coaching staff, and they just told me to be patient for an offer because they're evaluating right now. I had a great time getting to see everything Baylor had to offer.''

John Brannon, LB, Prosper (2017 Baylor interest): "The strength coach is INTENSE. Baylor has an impressive program.''

Dontavious Jackson, LB, Alief Elsik (2016 Baylor interest): "A lot more interest in them.''

Levi Onwuzurike, DE, Euless Trinity (2016 Baylor offer): "They want to win championships. Nice facilities, great stadium, and seems like their strength and conditioning program is top of the line.''

Brandon Bowen, Ath, Trophy Club Byron Nelson (2016 Baylor offer): "It was an amazing experience.''

Greg Eisworth, S, South Grand Prairie (2016 Baylor offer): "I loved the coaching staff and their motives. I also like their facilities and how it's a thriving city and program. They also stress a lot on academics and opportunity.

Kellen Diesch, OL, Trophy Club Byron Nelson (2016 Baylor offer): "I got to see more of the facilities.''

Tyler Natee, Ath, Euless Trinity (2016 Baylor interest): "I saw a great environment and a great program with remarkable tradition, so unusual it has to work I believe in what they do and say. I see myself playing for Baylor one day.''


Notable...
Houston MacArthur 2016 DE Isaiah Chambers said the coaches were hoping that he would commit, but he told them that he needed some time to think about it more...Richmond Foster DL 2016 Sidney Murray, South Grand Prairie 2017 athlete Jeffrey Okudah and Waco La Vega 2016 DB Parrish Cobb said they are all going to the next junior day whenever that is scheduled. Cobb said his father arranged for his visit to the TCU junior day, and he wasn't aware of that at the time he told us he thought he was coming to Baylor....got the sense from Diesch that Baylor would like for him to pull the trigger but they want to be sure and how they do this. I know he likes them a lot. Enough to commit? Not sure....also Southlake Carroll S Obi Eboh may be getting the news this week he has been hoping for since last summer. It appears the staff is about to offer him....Baylor did not offer Alief Elsik and 4-star LB recruit Dontavious Jackson. I really think his not going to the Nov. 1 game against Kansas is something that really bothered this staff...also Williams said there was no pressure from Baylor for him to commit. But he said there is a good relationship building....we're told Baylor told Williams' teammate, 2016 DB Isaiah Harris that it wants to see him at its June camps before it moves in any direction with him.

We hope to add more soon.


This post was edited on 2/1 7:54 PM by K Lonnquist

Jake, Kevin, after the recruiting for 2015 has basically passed, can you enlighten us on the
so called on going NCAA recruiting violations supposedly going on at OK$e S$a$e...;.....Has that been squashed,
on going, any results, and/or your respective analysis of same.

I know you have the sources. Your input would definitely be informative.

Sic 'em Bears, Bite, Claw and Maul all who get in your way......................................................

Louis Brown and Darrion Daniels are Cowboys.

Pretty much a swing game in terms of the standings as we head toward the halfway point of the conference season. Both teams are coming off of road losses. Baylor lost at Oklahoma State Tuesday, 64-53. Texas lost at Iowa State on Monday, 89-86.

Baylor is going to have to do this with defense and rebounding because they have really struggled to keep things flowing offensively. Kenny Chery had a rough shooting night. Rico Gathers continues his all-Big 12 season with 11 double doubles. But for the Bears to win this, they are going to have to get more from the guards. Plus, Royce O'Neale really needs to get out of slump that started since Big 12 play began.

Texas thought it was going to have a burst when guard Isaiah Taylor returned from an ankle injury. But the Longhorns have been very choppy on defense. They yielded 75 to Kansas at the Erwin Center last Saturday and the 89 to the Cyclones. If they continue like that, then Baylor will have some opportunities to score. Texas has size but it's been inconsistent.

The winner has a chance to even its league play record. The loser has some catching up to do. Both are currently running in the second division of the Big 12 standings.
-Kevin Lonnquist


Baylor is 8-5 in its last 13 games against UT after snapping a 24-game losing streak in the series in 2009.
• BU and UT are both in the nation's top 5 in rebounding margin, with Texas 2nd (+11.4) and Baylor 4th (+10.3)
• Baylor has won 15 of its last 16 home games, with the lone loss a 1-point defeat vs. No. 12 Kansas on Jan. 7.
• Baylor is 29-4 against in-state opponents since 2011-12 and 43-8 against Lone Star State teams since 2009-10.
• Three of Baylor's four losses against in-state teams over the last 4 seasons have been to Texas (2013, 2014, 2014).
• Baylor has had 6 different players lead the team in scoring in its 7 Big 12 games this season.
• Baylor is 3rd nationally with 15.9 offensive rebounds per game and 7th with 41.2 total boards per game.
• The Bears have posted equal or more second-chance points than their opponents in 19 of 20 games this season.
• Baylor's defense has held teams to an average of 11.8 points below their season scoring averages. The Bears have held 18 of 20 opponents under their season scoring averages, including 12 times at least 10 points below.
• Baylor is 1 of 9 Division I teams to hold all opponents under 75 points this season.
• Baylor was the only Division I team to hold all non-conference opponents to 66 or fewer points this season.
• Baylor has held opponents under 30 first-half points in 14 of 20 games this season, including 10 times at 25 or fewer.
• All 5 Baylor starters average 8.5-11.0 points per game, and reserve Taurean Prince leads the team with 12.2 ppg.
• Five BU players have scored 20+ points in a game this season (Chery, Gathers, Motley, O'Neale and Prince).
• Seven different BU players have led the team in scoring this season, and none have done so more than 4 times.
• Baylor and Louisville are the nation's only teams ranked by the AP in football and men's and women's basketball.
• Over the last 7 seasons, Baylor is 35-20 in games decided by 5 or fewer points and 10-1 in overtime games.
• Baylor has more Big 12 wins in the last 7+ seasons (65-60) than its first 11 years in the league combined (45-131).
• Baylor is 74-7 when leading at the half over the last four seasons -- 13-3 this season, 18-2 in 2013-14, 17-1 in 2012-13 and 26-1 in 2011-12. BU is 177-31 when leading at the half during the entire Drew era.
• BU has won 38% of its games (20-32) when tied or trailing at half since 2011-12, including 2-2 this season.
• BU is 82-5 under Drew when holding teams under 60 points, and the Bears have done so 10 times this season (9-1).
• Rico Gathers ranks 2nd nationally in both offensive (5.5) and total rebounds (11.9) per game.
• Gathers posted a Big 12 and school-record 28 rebounds on Jan. 21, most by a DI player since Paul Millsap in 2006.
• Baylor is 27-8 in its last 35 games dating back to Feb. 12, 2014. Seven of the eight losses have been away from home (four road, three neutral) and five of the eight losses have been against ranked teams.
• Scott Drew is coaching his 375th game at Baylor (219-155). His .586 winning percentage is best in BU history among coaches with 60+ games, and his teams have a .682 winning percentage (185-86) since 2007-08.
• Baylor ranks 18th nationally and 2nd in the Big 12 Conference in scoring defense (58.2).
• Baylor ranks 2nd in the Big 12 and ranks 41st nationally in 3-point FG defense (30.4%).
• Baylor moved to season-highs of No. 20 in Monday's AP Top 25 and No. 19 in the coaches' poll. The Bears have been ranked in eight straight seasons, joining Kansas as the only Big 12 schools to make that claim.
• Baylor is 185-86 (24 wins per season) over the last eight seasons and has made six postseason appearances (NCAA Tournament -- 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014; NIT -- 2009, 2013) with six 20-win seasons.
• Baylor shot 29.8% in the Jan.10 win at TCU, the worst shooting in any of Drew's 216 wins at BU.
• Kenny Chery hit a game-winning shot with 4 seconds left to give Baylor a 74-73 win vs. No. 11 ISU on Jan. 14.
• Prior to allowing a season-high 73 points at Oklahoma on Jan. 3, Baylor's 12 straight games holding opponents to 66 or fewer points was its longest such streak since 1950.
• Baylor is 15-3 in overtime games under Drew, including wins in 10 of its last 11 OT games.
• Baylor is 27-10 in postseason tournaments (conference, national) over the last six seasons.
• Baylor is coming off a 2014 NCAA Sweet 16 appearance, which made Drew the youngest of 11 coaches nationally to take his current team to three Sweet 16s in the last five years.
• BU has six 20-win seasons in the last 7 years. BU had only three 20-win seasons prior to Drew's arrival.
• Baylor's 5 NBA Draft picks in the last 3 years ranks 5th nationally behind Kentucky, Duke, Kansas and Syracuse.
• Baylor is one of only 12 schools nationally to play in the Sweet 16 in three of the last five seasons.
• All 31 of Baylor's regular-season games will be televised this season, including 22 games on the ESPN family of networks. The Texas game will be Baylor's 124th consecutive televised contest.
• Baylor has the nation's second-best postseason winning percentage over the last six years (17-4; .810).
• Baylor finished undefeated in December for the 6th time in the last 8 years (accomplished just twice prior; `96, `00)
• Drew is tied with Kansas' Bill Self as the second-longest tenured head coach in the Big 12 Conference. Drew, who is in his 12th season at Baylor, is second only to Texas' Rick Barnes (17th season at UT).
• Baylor has the Big 12's 2nd-longest active streak with at least one 3-point FG made in 752 consecutive games.

SERIES HISTORY
• Saturday is the 244th all-time meeting between Baylor and Texas, the most-played rivalry for both schools.
• Baylor has won 8 of the last 13 games in the series after snapping a 24-game series losing streak in 2009.
• Baylor lost both regular season meetings to Texas last season, but the Bears defeated UT 86-69 to advance to the Big 12 Championship title game.
A WIN WOULD ...
• Improve Baylor's record against in-state opponents to 30-4 since the start of the 2011-12 season.
• Be Baylor's 9th in its last 14 games against Texas after snapping a 24-game losing streak to UT in 2009.
• Move Rico Gathers into sole possession of 10th on Baylor's all-time wins list (65) and all-time Big 12 wins list (22).
• Give Baylor a 16-5 start to the season for the fourth time in the last eight years (2007-08, 2009-10, 2011-12).
• Give Baylor a 28-8 record over its last 36 games dating back to Feb. 12, 2014.
• Make Baylor 47-50 in January games under Drew, including a 39-26 mark since the 2007-08 season.
• Give Baylor a 96-38 record since the start of the 2011-12 season.
• Make Baylor 186-86 since the start of the 2007-08 season, good for a .684 winning percentage.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR
• Kenny Chery has scored 91 points in his last 6 games (15.2 ppg) and ranks 6th in the Big 12 with 13.6 ppg in conference play. He averaged 8.2 points per game in his previous 9 games this season.
• Taurean Prince has scored in double figures a team-high 14 times this season -- he entered the season with 12 career double-figure scoring games in 62 games played over two seasons.
• Rico Gathers has 691 career rebounds and needs 5 more to pass Tommy Bowman (1968-70) for 10th on Baylor's career rebounds list. With 9 rebounds he'll become the 10th Baylor player to record 700+ career boards.
• Gathers has 17 career double-doubles and the Bears are 15-2 in those games (8-2 this season).
• Royce O'Neale is the Big 12's only player ranked in the league's top 15 in assists and rebounds. He's posted multiple assists in 17 of 19 games this season, and at least 4 rebounds in 18 of 19 games.
• Lester Medford went 8 straight games scoring in single digits before leading the team in scoring in each of the last 2 games. He had a career-high 17 points on Saturday vs. OU and 13 points Tuesday at Oklahoma State.
• Medford has 16 assists and 6 turnovers over his last 4 Big 12 games -- he had 1 assist and 5 turnovers over his first 3 Big 12 contests.
• Johnathan Motley has 32 blocks over his last 11 games -- he had 5 blocks in the previous 9 games.
• Motley has scored in double figures in 5 of the last 12 games, but he's totaled 16 points over the last 4 games.
• Al Freeman has led Baylor in bench scoring 7 times this season, and the Bears have won all of those games.
• Deng Deng played 19 minutes off the bench in the last 2 games, nearly doubling the 10 total minutes he played in Baylor's first 5 Big 12 contests this season.
• Baylor has had 6 different players lead the team in scoring in its 7 Big 12 games this season.
PROTECTING HOME COURT
• Baylor has won 15 of its last 16 home games, with the lone loss a 1-point defeat against No. 12 Kansas on Jan. 7.
• Baylor had a 12-game home winning streak that was the 3rd-longest in the Ferrell Center's 27-year history.
• Among the Bears 15 home court wins since Feb. 15, 2014, are victories over No. 11 Iowa State, No. 16 Iowa State and No. 19 Oklahoma, a double OT win vs. Kansas State and an overtime victory vs. Oklahoma State.
• Baylor also has wins against Texas A&M, Stephen F. Austin, Texas Tech and New Mexico State in that span.
• Baylor's 16-point win against SFA on Nov. 24 was the last time SFA lost before its current 16-game winning streak.
BEST IN TEXAS
• Baylor is 29-4 against in-state opponents since the start of the 2011-12 season, including a 6-0 mark this season. The losses in that stretch came at Texas in 2013 and 2014, at Texas Tech in 2014 and home vs. Texas in 2014.
• Since 2009-10, BU is 43-8 against Lone Star State teams after going 10-27 vs. in-state teams in Scott Drew's first six seasons at Baylor. (6-0 in 2014-15, 6-3 in 13-14, 7-1 in 12-13, 10-0 in 11-12, 5-3 in 10-11, 9-1 in 09-10).
BEST DEFENSIVE TEAM OF DREW ERA
• Baylor is 1 of 9 Division I teams to hold all opponents below 75 points this season (Baylor, Cincinnati, George Washington, Louisiana-Monroe, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Oregon State, Saint Peter's, Utah).
• BU was the only Division I team to hold every non-conference opponent to 66 or fewer points this season.
• Baylor's current 58.2 points per game allowed is 5.8 points better than the Bears' best defensive season of the Scott Drew era (2010-11, 64.0 ppg allowed). The last time BU held opponents below 64 ppg was 1985-86 (61.2).
• Baylor has held 14 of 20 opponents under 30 first-half points, including 10 times at 25 or fewer first-half points.
• For the first time since 2009-10, Baylor has held four Division I opponents below 50 points.
HOLDING TEAMS UNDER SCORING AVERAGES BY 11.8 PPG
• Through 20 games, Baylor opponents are averaging 11.8 fewer points than their season averages against the Bears.
• Baylor has held 18 of 20 opponents below their season average, including 12 of 20 at least 10 points below.
SHOWING TOUGHNESS IN CLOSE GAMES
• The Bears are 4-2 this season in games decided by 5 or fewer points, with wins at South Carolina, at Vanderbilt, home against Southern and home against Iowa State. BU also won at TCU in its only overtime game.
• Over the last 7 seasons, Baylor is 35-20 in games decided by 5 or fewer points and 10-1 in overtime games.
KEYS TO VICTORY
• Baylor is 15-2 this season when scoring 60-plus points and 0-3 when being held under 60 points.
• Baylor is 13-2 this season when recording more points off turnovers than its opponent and 2-3 when not doing so.
• Baylor is 12-1 this season when posting 12-plus assists and 3-4 when recording fewer than 12 assists.
• Baylor is 11-3 this season when getting more than 15 points from the bench and 4-2 when getting 15 or less.
• Baylor has held 10 of 20 opponents under 60 points, and the Bears are 82-5 in the Drew era when doing so.
• Baylor is 4-2 in games decided by 5 or fewer points and 1-0 in overtime games this season. The Bears are 35-20 in games decided by 5 or fewer points over the last 7 seasons and are 10-1 in overtime games over that span.
GATHERS ONE OF NATION'S BEST REBOUNDERS
• Rico Gathers ranks 2nd nationally in both offensive (5.5) and total (11.9) rebounds per game. He also leads the Big 12 and ranks 29th nationally in defensive rebounds per game (6.5).
• Gathers leads the Big 12 and ranks 16th nationally with 10 double-doubles this season, more than his first two seasons combined (7) and 4 more than any other player.
• Gathers' 17 career double-doubles and 30 career double-digit rebound games are both tops among active Big 12 players.
• Gathers is 1 of 5 power-5 conference players averaging a double-double (10.7 ppg and 11.9 rpg), joining Auburn's Cinmeon Bowers, Washington State's Josh Hawkinson, LSU's Jordan Mickey and UCLA's Kevon Looney.
• In his 23 career starts, Gathers is averaging 11.1 points and 11.7 rebounds per game.
• Gathers set Big 12 and Baylor records with 28 rebounds on Jan. 21, most by a DI player since Paul Millsap in 2006.
• Gathers is also one of the nation's least turnover-prone players, ranking 9th nationally with a 6.4 turnover rate.

This post was edited on 1/31 9:09 PM by jake shaw

Las Vegan Bishop Gorman 2017 QB Tate Martell sent word out that he is coming in this weekend for unofficial visits to Baylor and TCU.

We'll get more on him soon.

Tate Martell

2016 Rivals250 LB Marvin Terry is hearing quite a bit from Baylor and he thinks the Bears may be the next to extend an offer

Video Interview: Marvin Terry

http://etsn.fm/2014-etsn-fm-east-texas-football-super-team-offensive-player-of-the-year-blake-lynch-gilmer/?trackback=fbshare_mobile


http://etsn.fm/2014-etsn-fm-east-texas-football-super-team-offensive-player-of-the-year-blake-lynch-gilmer/?trackback=fbshare_mobile

Well, I can't say I'm surprised given the apparent enabling network around him. If this is bottoming out moment, maybe he can rally. As much as he is disliked in a lot of circles, I still hope he can find a way to combat whatever demons are confronting him.


Manziel in treatment

I meant to get this into the junior day reaction thread. But nonetheless, HC Joey McGuire had four 2017s there including RB Avery Davis, WR Camron Buckley and RB Richie Washington all at Saturday's event. None were offered, McGuire said.

Throughout the course of the 2014 season, McGuire has gushed about Davis' ceiling. In fact, there is the belief that he could be better than QB Justin McMillan who is about to sign with LSU.

Cedar Hill is just ridiculous in the amount of talent it's producing. With WR DaMarkus Lodge's announcement on Wednesday, the 2014 Class 6A Division II champions are going to have 9 Division I signees.

Houston Lamar Ath J.W. Ketchum was at Texas yesterday when Holton Hill committed but we're told Baylor doesn't have reason to be concerned.