Our second version

Baylor Blitz: Feb. 24, 2012

And so the archiving begins

Baylor Blitz: Feb. 17, 2012

It is time for another installment of the ‘Independence Column’. I will always begin with the ground rules because we will have new folks (hopefully) joining us all the time. Everything that is reported in the Independence Column must stay in the Independence Column. That's the way this deal works and the way it will always work. Sometimes the information is sensitive enough that it simply does not need to be passed on beyond the eyes of this thread.

This is a special feature for subscribers only. The reason why it is posted on the premium board is because it is the only way to ensure that the information stays here and is exclusive to the Baylor fan base that subscribes to www.InsideBaylorSports.com. This will only work if everyone helps make it work. We have been pretty good about information from this site not ending up on other Baylor sites and on other message boards and I appreciate that.

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Jason Lamb and Trey Bryant recently made a visit to Baylor and got the tour. As you all know Trey is down to Baylor, Tulsa, and BYU, and his most recent visit could be a sign of good things to come. Trey is visiting BYU this weekend and is expected to make a decision soon after his return.

We reported that Trey was down to Baylor and BYU a few weeks ago, and it appears that Trey may be the Bears to lose. Trey has also been looking at Tulsa, but we have it on good authority that this is really a two team race. Trey would like to stay close to home and with teammate and friend Jason Lamb already on board; Baylor is in an enviable position with the Berkner prospect.

The Berkner athletes headed up to BYU do keep the Cougars very much in the running, and give them very much a chance to land the big man. We will all know soon enough where Trey will end up, but at this point Baylor is looking very good in the race to secure Trey’s services.

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With the excitement growing about the 2005 class, the man that started it all, Thad Boatner, has been taken for granted to a certain extent. Thad has been on and off of Texas Top 100 lists throughout the summer, and even though he’s committed to the Bears, he has been receiving attention from all over. In fact Thad is still receiving tons of mail from Kansas, Texas A&M, LSU, and TCU telling him how interested they are and inviting him to games in the fall.

The interest shouldn’t worry Baylor fans and coaches because Thad is standing firm in his commitment. Thad has been busy working out, he’s down to a trim 270 lbs., and getting ready for the season. When he’s not concentrating on the Hamilton season, he’s looking forward to joining his brother as a Bear.

Thad said, “I’m ready to be a Bear.”


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The Bears also don’t need to worry too much about the solidity of their commitment out of Deer Park. Tight end Justin Akers has been waking up at the crack of dawn to get into the weightroom, and when he’s not there you only need to look as far as the gym, where he’ll be playing pick-up basketball. Justin is still receiving some mail from TCU, Arkansas, UL-Lafayette, Air Force, and Army, but is firm in his summer decision.

Justin will also deep snap for Deer Park in 2004.

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On campus 7-on-7 practices are going on, and many of the 2004 signees are getting into the act. Free safety Anthony McDonald, linebacker Bradley Bullitt, and receiver Trey Payne have made their presence felt already. Also all 4 of the top BU QBs are around this summer, and participating in the drills. Some have voiced their preferences for who they would like to see at the helm to start the season, but all are getting their reps in during the summer sessions.

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Remember:

I just want you guys to understand that there are recruit’s, recruit’s parents, players and VERY IMPORTANT PERSONS INVOLVED WITH BAYLOR ATHLETICS who read and/or subscribe to this site.

This is just a note to make sure that you handle yourself and temper your conversation and critiques with some understanding of the reading audience.

Other than that, speak your peace, talk trash, and enjoy the site.

Jason, I'm a long time member and although I don't post very often I check sic'emsports two or three times a day and I feel I need to thank you for the great job you and the staff do. Every day there is great info. and articles. It keeps me connected to BU and I am excited and ready for football. Thanks again.

It is time for another installment of the ‘Independence Column’. I will always begin with the ground rules because we will have new folks (hopefully) joining us all the time. Everything that is reported in the Independence Column must stay in the Independence Column. That's the way this deal works and the way it will always work. Sometimes the information is sensitive enough that it simply does not need to be passed on beyond the eyes of this thread.

This is a special feature for subscribers only. The reason why it is posted on the premium board is because it is the only way to ensure that the information stays here and is exclusive to the Baylor fan base that subscribes to www.InsideBaylorSports.com. This will only work if everyone helps make it work. We have been pretty good about information from this site not ending up on other Baylor sites and on other message boards and I appreciate that.

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There was supposed to be big news in regards to the site last Monday but due to some technical difficulties on the Nashville end of Rivals.com, we got postponed. We have a finished product now and can officially say that the name of the site will change from insidebaylorsports.com to sicemsports.com today or tomorrow. We think that the name is better for many reasons but gets us away from the previous name for obvious reasons. You can now expect to see things moving a little faster with the site as we get closer and closer to another start to a sports year as we continue to build our community here.

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Of course the news of the week is still going to be Henry Dugat and our news for the IC is that we have no news, again. There is absolutely no movement on this situation but my opinion remains the same as this thing stretches out further and further. On the Baylor side of things, the staff is still working the situation hard and making the push for the Bears. It could go down any day and we’ll have it for you as soon as it’s out.

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Trey Bryant and Jason Lamb plan to make a visit to the Baylor campus this week. Trey then plans to visit BYU over the weekend and plans to make a decision soon after his return. By soon I mean a week or so. Yes, this is a decision that not too many people could have predicted; Bryant coming down to BYU and Baylor. Proximity could end up playing a huge role but the fact that there are people on the team or going to be on the team that are close to Bryant could also make the proximity issue a moot point.

We’ll stay close to this…

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Jamal Singleton was seen wearing his shirt from Baylor's camp at Spring Westfield game in the state 7-on-7 tournament. Singleton plans to visit Waco this week with Houston Westside teammates R.J. Jackson and Marcus Jackson. This could potentially end up being a big visit for these three. Word on the street is that the Bears would like to get all three of these young men.

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For those of you interested in the Irving McArthur High School big man, Jeremy Mayfield, his recruiting just got hotter.

The 6’11”, 225 pound 3, 4 player has visited Baylor and was looking at Baylor, North Texas, Nebraska, LSU and Kansas State. The stakes were raised after the recent Adidas tournament in Atlanta, GA and yesterday (Sunday), he received phone calls from the head coaches at Syracuse, Kansas and Oklahoma State.

He continues to say that he is wide open with regards to making a decision but admits that he really likes LSU.

In the upcoming Vegas tournament on the 22nd through the 26th, he is going to pull double duty as much as possible to get more exposure. He will play with his regular AAU team, Team Ft. Worth but will also play with Houston Hoops.

We’ll keep you posted…

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Another athlete planning to make a visit to Baylor is Aaron Luna, whose only offer at this point in football is from Baylor. He has been busy playing baseball this summer and is in the process of deciding if he wants to play baseball or football or both in college.

Of course, I’m sure all of you see the value of getting another kid from Southlake and creating a relationship there with the program, the coaches and the community. It can only help in the future.

Of course it will also help if Hixson comes down here and rocks everyone’s world and then goes home and talks it up.

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Bradley Bullitt and Anthony McDonald were out at the state 7-on-7 supporting their alma maters. Bradley and Anthony seemed to be enjoying their time on campus although Friday's do involve a 5:30 workout. Both are looking forward to the year, and are ready to get things going. Anthony was recruited as a free safety but could play pretty much anywhere, and really doesn't know just where he'll end up. Bradley and Anthony are both on campus and working out with the team right now.

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Nick Pace is continuing to rehab. He still has a way to go before the season. He is benching in the mid-200s and is a guy that benched in the mid-300s last year. Nick is not set on red-shirting but has a ways to go before he'll be ready for the season. That's not to say he can't or won't play at some point next year. That we won't truly know until the season is in the books.

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We were able to get some pictures of the State 7 on 7 tournament and we will have them up ASAP. In the meantime we will have video of Marcus Jackson and Queito Teasley up later this morning for your viewing pleasure; btw, Quieto is fast, fast,fast.



Marcus Jackson



Queito Teasley




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Remember:

I just want you guys to understand that there are recruit’s, recruit’s parents, players and VERY IMPORTANT PERSONS INVOLVED WITH BAYLOR ATHLETICS who read and/or subscribe to this site.

This is just a note to make sure that you handle yourself and temper your conversation and critiques with some understanding of the reading audience.

Other than that, speak your peace, talk trash, and enjoy the site.

This post was edited by Jason Howell on 7/19 7:50 AM
This post was edited by Jason Howell on 7/19 7:51 AM

It really is not too much of a deal but I wanted to explain and maybe put to rest some of the rumors surrounding Keith Demby.

Demby is thought, by some, to have an attitude problem. I couldn't disagree more. His problem is not that he has an attitude problem, his problem is that he is so talented and gifted that he get lazy from time to time. It only compounds the rumor that he has allowed his emotions to show when he was frustrated on the field.

Many of the top talented kids that I have worked with are so good or athletic in high school that it appears that they are lazy and in fact, they very well could be. If a kid wants to be good and Keith Does, it only take the first practice of fall camp and getting hit really hard for them to snap into place and get after the hard work. That's about where he is.

If you ask me if I would take Demby?

Any day of the week and twice on Sunday. If you want to know the truth, I think he grades out much better at Sam Linebacker than he does at TB but hey, that's just me.

He really likes Baylor and his family likes the small school environment that is Baylor. We'll have more on Keith in the I.C. on Monday.
This post was edited on 7/19 12:52 PM

Article

Jamal is a good athlete that has made some strides in the offseason. In fact Westside's Coach Wilson used the phrase "Great Spring" to describe his receiver. He did say that Singleton would be fighting for a job at receiver since they have their three top receivers coming back, but mentioned that shouldn't taken as a knock on Singleton.

Expect Singleton to get in some work at safety this fall

Right now Baylor is showing him the most interest

Blake is looking to play only baseball, and definitely wants to go to college. He's also looking forward to a position change on the football field in 2004. Here's the whole story.

Blake Holt

wow. after watching that video i'm sure he could play the slot well, but dont you want someone with those playmaking skills in your defensive backfield? not too many CB's have hands like those, and the breaks he made...

Here's a few more tidbits on Damien. He had some interesting things to say.

"If I were to get a commitment offer from Baylor I would commit. If I get one from Arkansas or SMU then I will commit. Out of those three which ever comes first I’ll probably commit. I’m really more interested in Baylor. That’s the one right now."

“For one, ever since I was playing pee-wee, I would go to the Baylor games and hear those Bears coming in. I’ve always wanted to be a Baylor Bear.”


Damien Taylor

It is time for another installment of the ‘Independence Column’. I will always begin with the ground rules because we will have new folks (hopefully) joining us all the time. Everything that is reported in the Independence Column must stay in the Independence Column. That's the way this deal works and the way it will always work. Sometimes the information is sensitive enough that it simply does not need to be passed on beyond the eyes of this thread.

This is a special feature for subscribers only. The reason why it is posted on the premium board is because it is the only way to ensure that the information stays here and is exclusive to the Baylor fan base that subscribes to www.InsideBaylorSports.com. This will only work if everyone helps make it work. We have been pretty good about information from this site not ending up on other Baylor sites and on other message boards and I appreciate that.

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Look for one big announcement on Monday in regards to the site

Of course the news of the week is still going to be Henry Dugat and our news for the IC is that we have no news. It could go down any day and we will be around and on top of it to break it to you. I still think that Baylor leads but still think it is too close to call and the longer this stretches out, the more I tend to think that the Bears may be losing ground.

I hope I’m wrong.

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We wanted to catch up with a few of the 2004 signees and get some updates on them before they left home to come to Waco. We were able to catch up with the following…

Ben Hixson is looking to report in a few weeks when he gets done with his summer job, which will be in a few weeks. He is looking forward to taking the Bears to a bowl game and one game is going to be circled on his calendar.

“Oh yeah, UT. I’ve got several friends that are gonna be in that game. They have been talking their trash. They’ve been throwing their hook em horns around and telling me what they’re gonna do.”

Unnamed UT player, “We’re gonna kill ‘em. I’ve been giving him heck ever since we decided where we’re gonna go. I’ve been throwing my horns around and stuff. He says just wait. He tells me that he’s gonna light me up. He says Vince who? I tell him he’ll find out. Cedric who? You’ll find out. You’ll meet him soon enough. “

Hixson, “Those UT guys have the biggest mouths. They’re always talking about their hook em horns. I don’t know I think they’re on the decline.”

Hixson participated in the Oil Bowl All-Star game and has become quick friends with Arkansas signee and Euless Trinity safety Desmond Williams.

After taking a nice long family vacation to Orlando, FL and Disneyworld, Nate Cook is excited about his freshman campaign at Baylor. His updated measurements were 6’3”, 195 lbs. He still does not know if he will red-shirt but stressed that the coaching staff said they are looking for people to make plays and that he might be one of them.

He also said that he is in great shape and works out five days a week with his father. He is planning on moving to Waco at the end of July.

Chris Green is ready to get to Waco. So ready, in fact, that he is moving to Waco tomorrow, July 10. He is moving into an apartment and will begin going through summer workouts and stay in Waco until the rest of the team reports.

Over the summer, while in Richmond (TX), Green has worked out with one of his high school coaches, former Chicago Bear Barry Minter, four to fives times a week. His current weight is 270 lbs.

Trey Payne is looking to get a head start as he plans to get to campus next Thursday or Friday. He plans to join the workouts and get in on some 7-on-7 action. This summer Trey has been lifting weights and practicing with the La Marque 7-on-7 team.

Vincent Rhodes probably had the craziest summer. He’s been all over the place. He went to Cancun for his senior trip and had a little fun and then he came back and went out to California where he got a taste of the spot light.

“I was on the “Price is Right”. We had to get in line at 10 and the show didn’t start until 2. I didn’t get called up but I had my name tag on and I was in the audience.”

For those that are interested the show will air October 11.

While he was out on the west coast he also bumped into Gary Payton at the BMW shop outside of the “Price is Right” studio.

Vincent will be playing in the North-South All-Star game with fellow signee Jacoby Jones. Vincent will be doing a journal for us the week of July 12 – 16 and he will report to campus August 9.

Jacoby Jones is hard at work and will be reporting to Waco on August 8. He is working in a feed store and is working out this summer. Like Vincent he will be playing in the North-South All-Star game in Houston on July 27. He will be doing a journal of the week he is at the game. He reports on the 22nd and will be coached by Coach Dodge of Southlake Carroll.

Note: All the signees are expecting the Bears to put up better numbers than last year and are looking forward to going bowling.


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I got a chance to catch up with Tim Watts, Rivals.com National Recruiting Analyst while on his trip Atlanta for the Adidas Camp. He was able to see Baylor commit CJ Jerrells play as well as watch Baylor recruit Desmond Carter play and was able to give us a scouting report on both.

On CJ – “This kid is just really quick. He sees the floor so well, he has a nice outside shot and can shoot it for range.”

“He will have to get better with his ball handling but has a good upside because he can defend so well. He is a great defender and that will keep him on the floor because Coach Drew will love that about him.”

On Desmond Carter – “He is more of a pure point guard. He’s not very big but is put together really well. He was one of the more impressive kids at the Memorial Tournament.

The thing I really like about the kid is that he can drive to the basket and create his own shot. That always helps him create for his teammates.

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Marcus Jackson has recently picked up another offer from UL-Monroe and Houston appears to be getting closer to extending an offer. Houston holds a slight edge at this point, but Marcus is starting to realize the Baylor coaches are after him hard.

“Baylor, I haven’t been to their school yet really. All the coaches seem cool. They always write me something funny. I’m just waiting to see what the campus is like.”

Funny?

“They’re always talking about Baylor’s quarterback. I don’t know it’s just funny to me. It’ll say Baylor’s quarterback and then it’ll have a picture of me or my name or a star around my number. I just didn’t think college coaches would be all pumped up like that about a prospect.”

It also looks like Marcus and teammate R.J. Jackson are looking to go to the same school. The only school to offer both so far is Baylor. If Houston offers they will join Baylor in that regard. Marcus plans to head to LSU towards the end of July and hopes to attract an offer from them. If that were to happen LSU would become #1.

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A lot of questions have been asked about the quarterback targets for the Bears. This year the Bears have offered Marcus Jackson of Houston Westside, Chase Daniel of Southlake Carroll, and Derek Shaw of Oceanside (CA). The Bears appear to be in the best position for Marcus Jackson of the three and if things don’t work out look for the Bears to start looking out of state.

The coaching staff is not going after a lot of quarterbacks for the class of 2005. That should tell us a few things. They are satisfied with the quarterback position for the next year or so. They feel good about Terence Parks and about the possibility of Twaneil Spead from the class of 2004.

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Remember:

I just want you guys to understand that there are recruit’s, recruit’s parents, players and VERY IMPORTANT PERSONS INVOLVED WITH BAYLOR ATHLETICS who read and/or subscribe to this site.

This is just a note to make sure that you handle yourself and temper your conversation and critiques with some understanding of the reading audience.

Other than that, speak your peace, talk trash, and enjoy the site.

Here's a little more. Edward has paired down his list but there is still some interest in Notre Dame and Oklahoma St. Baylor is on the outside looking in on this one.



Edward Britton

I just got word froma very good source that it is touch and go on the Dugat situation going down. We wilkl stay on top of it but it should go down anyday now and I would have to think that it should go down this week.

Texas has begun their own full court press. They have decided that they really want him and have gone out the window with their initial thought that they didn't want two smallish guards. They just think he is too good.

I still say it leans towards the Bears but it could be 6 - 5 in pick em' as to where he goes.

appears to be looking other places right now, but it's still early with this guy.

Roberto

Reggie does not have Baylor in his top 4 but he is very interested in the Bears. He mentioned that Baylor and Kansas St. were close to home and he wants his parents to be able to watch him play. The thing that is hurting Baylor right now is he wants to go somewhere that he can win a lot and Baylor hasn't really won a lot in the recent past. That seems to be the Bears biggest hurdle. Reggie is also looking for PT. We'll keep you updated on this one.

I will be doing a Q&A similar to the one we did last week with QT, so if you have a question get it to me by Wednesday at 9:00 AM. Be sure to include your rivals name so I can give you credit if I use your question. Send your questions to rudyjnh@yahoo.com.


This post was edited on 6/29 8:52 PM
This post was edited on 6/30 4:43 PM
This post was edited on 7/1 7:13 AM

Thought you guys might like these. Here are a few quotes I left out of the article.

some stuff on Baylor

I talked to Coach Adams from Baylor, he’s the defensive line coach up there, and he said he wants to offer me, but he wants to talk to Coach Lancaster right now. He wouldn’t be working with me Coach Lancaster would, so he had to talk with him. I tried to call last week but I haven’t been able to get in touch with them yet.

some stuff on Kansas

Kansas said that they really liked me. They’ve seen me on film, but they don’t like to early offer. They want to wait and see how I develop through my senior year. I think that’s a good idea because I’m not in a hurry right now to make my decision. I’m just worried about playing high school football next year.

comments when asked about making an early decision if the right opportunity popped up.

I’d have to take it into consideration. One of the things I would have to do is talk it over with my parents and all that. I don’t know I could commit early it would just depend on the circumstances.

There will be more on this guy in the independence column


David Allison

We should be short-timing ont he video of Shon Brown. As luck would have it, we should have a lot of great stuff for you guys by way of video of the Waco High Bunch and QT should be coming as well.
This post was edited by Jason Howell on 6/28 5:03 PM

Shon Brown Video

We were able to get in touch with Kellen today and he confirmed what was already thought to be true. There will be more to come on Kellen.

Kellen Taylor

I am putting together a Q&A and if you have a question that you would like to be asked send it to rudyjnh@yahoo.com. I'll be picking the best one's to go along with some of my own. Please get them to me by 7:00 tonight if you want them included.

Be sure to include your rivals handle so I can give you credit.

Most teams want to see what Patrick does as a senior. He doesn't have an offer yet, but he did say that Oregon St. was showing him the most interest. Here's another quote about his visit to Baylor.

"Yeah I actually went to their campus when I was down there, and they said to send back a tape and they would start to look at it. So I’m working on that right now."

He's interested but now it's Baylor's turn to return it if they want him.

Any thoughts?



Patrick

I'm on the phone with him right now but could not wait to post it. We just got a commitment from a kid that had many other offers (and OU and Nebraska were two of them). I'll have the story up in 30 minutes or so. I'm smilin while I'm typing. LOL!!!!

He's a great kid too. We'll have more information on him in the coming weeks along with his film.
This post was edited on 6/21 10:44 AM

Article

Keep this information in house. Do Not let this leak off of this board.

Sean just called me from Houston and he has just received some information on Dugat.

Dugat did go down to Texas this weekend, with his high school coach, and not his parents.

The Longhorns seem to think the visit went well.

Without his parents though, a quick decision has to be seen as a good sign to Baylor fans based on the role his parents play in his decision. If he draws this thing out the longhorns could be making up ground.

As of right now the thought is that Baylor is still the favorite and no decision has been made.

Andrew had some really interesting things to say. He definitely wants to get out to visit UNC before making a decision, and it looks like he's going to wait and take an official visit there, because the cost of travel would be a little much. Good kid and he does have Baylor in the running but I doubt the Bears go hard after another receiver unless something happens to one that is already committed.