By Kevin Lonnquist
Publisher
Baylor’s coaching staff is looking toward the future with the beginning of the official visit season. But it also needs to ensure what it presently has on its roster can help it bounce back in 2023.

What do they say? It always comes down to the kicking game, doesn’t it. Dave Aranda is among several head coaches that talk about the hidden yardage of a game that comes via the special teams.

That could come courtesy of a great return, a shanked punt or a punt in which the coverage team dropped the return man where he caught the ball.

Both punter and place-kicker for the Bears in 2023 is going to have a different look. Punter Isaac Power has graduated. And the battle to replace John Mayers as place-kicker is on. BU also needs a new kickoff specialist as Noah Rauschenberg transferred to North Texas.

There is also a new special teams coach in quality control coach Tyler Hancock. He spent the previous two seasons at Charlotte coordinating their special teams.

In a series breaking down the Bears position group by position group, we break down how Baylor’s positions may play out this fall. On May 9, we started with the quarterbacks. In the final edition we break down the special teams.

Punter: When Power was good, he was very good. He averaged 41.5 yards per effort and dropped 15 inside the opposition’s 20-yard line and 12 others that were fair caught. But when he was bad, he hurt the Bears.

The heir apparent to replace him will be 2023 enrollee and January arrival Palmer Williams. The true freshman split time in high school as both the punter and kicker. Williams was rated as a 4 ½ stars by Chris Sailer kicking ratings. Williams excelled in 2022 averaging 43.3 yards per effort. That kind of average will help a team flip the field. If Baylor wants to look at him to split time as the kickoff artist, it can. Of his 59 kickoffs last year, 38 went for touchbacks.

PK: It would seem everything would fall to left-footed Isaiah Hankins to return to the starting role after winning it in 2021 before struggling toward the end of the year and losing out to Mayers. Hankins then won the starting job again in 2022. But a disastrous performance against BYU – missed 43-yard attempt, PAT blocked – meant the quick hook back to Mayers.

Hankins could have some competition from Michigan State transfer and Highland Park native Jack Stone. Stone likely will be this team’s kickoff specialist. He had 53 kickoffs for the Spartans in 2022, 13 for touchbacks. If Hankins doesn’t struggle, then Stone may also serve as the long field goal specialist. He booted a 51-yarder for Sparty in 2022. Then there’s Waco Midway product Bryce Boland who is there in case everything else goes awry. One interesting note is that Baylor only tried one on-side kick. It didn’t work.

Return/Coverage Game: You can figure when it comes to the kickoff return game that both Monaray Baldwin and Jordan Nabors will serve as the top two options. Each had a return beyond 35 yards last year. Nabors could also double as the punt returner as he was second to the graduated Gavin Holmes in the number of returns. Nabors shows promise because he has a great first step.

Baylor’s punt coverage team allowed 3.2 yards per return last year. That’s exceptional. Keep that number the way it is or less. The Bears kickoff coverage team allowed a 98-yard KOR for a touchdown against Oklahoma State last year and gave up several big returns during the season. That must tighten up for 2023.

The bottom line is that kicking is always going to be a wild card. If the punter is solid to great, then he can influence a game. If your kicker is consistent, you’re comfortable with him kicking anywhere. If Baylor doesn’t trust him, then it puts more pressure on the offense to score. The return and coverage teams are a matter of being disciplined.

In this season where Baylor needs to have a lot of things go its way to get into the Big 12 championship race, it can’t be average in the kicking game.

By Kevin Lonnquist
Publisher
Baylor is set for its second official visitors weekend for the 2024 recruiting class. It’s been a flurry of activity since this past Friday.

On Tuesday, the Bears added to their class with the addition of Arlington Bowie safety Kris Wokomah. That brings the total number of pledges in this class to seven. Wokomah is scheduled to take his OV to Baylor June 23-25.

Baylor’s set number is an unknown given the program’s attention to the NCAA transfer portal. However, an educated guess probably puts the number at about 15.

Here’s a look at the visitors who start their visits on Friday. Traditionally, recruits do not commit following their visits. Never say never but given the non-commits who are arriving along with their recruiting nuggets, it doesn't appear Baylor is in line to lock anyone down.

This weekend has a heavy defensive look to it.

Login to view embedded media Remember him? He was the first commit of the class way back in 2022. And while hie commitment has remained with the Bears, it also has been weird in a hard to describe sense. Lorena is so close to Waco that he shared with us that he could not make the Green & Gold game because of 7 on 7 commitments. He did come to the Jan. 30 Junior Day.

Login to view embedded media It’s his birthday weekend. A pretty good weekend to celebrate it. Jackson is the highest rated player in this class and earned his fourth star in the previous Rivals rating period. Everything between Jackson and the staff has been solid to this point.

Login to view embedded media Baylor’s search for a quality running back continues. Dodds has quality P5 offers from Stanford, Texas Tech, Missouri and Cal. This has been a pretty busy OV month for him. He took his OV to Lubbock June 2-4 followed by Missouri June 9-11. Now, the Bears get their turn. Dodds rushed for 1,633 yards and 12 TDs in 2022.

Login to view embedded media This defensive tackle has been blowing up since the May evaluation period. He took an OV to SMU on June 9, then TCU midweek this week June 13. After this OV to Baylor, he visits Kansas June 23. As odd as it may sound, SMU could be the team to beat here given the fact the Mustangs were on him earlier than everyone else. Time will tell. He is scheduled to announce his commitment decision Aug. 20.

Login to view embedded media Baylor is definitely in this race for the Georgia LB. It appears the Bears are the top three contenders along with North Carolina and Wake Forest. Woods took his OV to Wake Forest June 9. After this trip to Texas, he visits Chapel Hill, NC next week.

Login to view embedded media Another one of the Baylor coaching connections in Utah that led to this. Tate visited Baylor for the Spring Game on April 22. Now, he takes in the entire campus with this official visit. He is scheduled to visit Oklahoma State next week. Don’t worry about his academics. Several Ivy League schools have offered.

Login to view embedded media The projected defensive end comes to see dad and his work buddies this weekend. That could always change. However, Baylor really needs to add some defensive linemen for this class given that they don’t have any other commitments in that position besides Grimes. Baylor is losing Gabe Hall, Byron Vaughns and TJ Franklin after the 2023 season.

By Kevin Lonnquist
Publisher
After withdrawing from the NBA draft a little more than two weeks ago and evaluating professional opportunities to play in Australia, Baylor wing Jalen Bridges announced late Wednesday he will return to Scott Drew’s program.

Bridges return likely solidifies the Bears roster for the 2023-24 season. A 6-7, 225-pound slasher who transferred from West Virginia, Bridges started all 34 games of the Bears this past season.

Login to view embedded media
After an up-and-down showing during the non-conference schedule, Bridges became a consistent factor during the Big 12 season. He scored in double figures and 12 of the 18 conference games and then one for a career-high 28 points against Iowa State in the quarterfinals of the Big 12 tournament. He set a league tournament record going 7-8 from 3-point range.

Bridges finished the season averaging 10.3 points and a team-leading 5.6 rebounds per game.

But in a stunning move he announced in March he was declaring for the NBA draft while maintaining his eligibility. All NBA mock drafts showed Bridges was either going to be a late second round pick or not selected at all.

Bridges will offer some needed length in the front court where Baylor does not have a lot of options. The Bears missed out on North Dakota State 6-11 center Grant Nelson (Alabama) and Tennessee 6-8 power forward Olivier Nkamhoua (Michigan) in late transfer portal pursuits.

Three subjects this week:
Commit #7 for 2024, Kris Wokomah
Commit #1 for 2025, QB Adam Schobel
AJ McCarty entering the transfer portal



Came in at 16:53

Listen to the podcast here

Baylor and Texas Tech are the only two schools to offer him at this time. However, it's good that he's here.

Login to view embedded media
Login to view embedded media

By Kevin Lonnquist
Publisher
Baylor’s coaching staff is looking toward the future with the beginning of the official visit season. But it also needs to ensure what it presently has on its roster can help it bounce back in 2023.

On New Year’s Night 2022 in the AllState Sugar Bowl against Ole Miss, the Rebels were driving deep into Baylor territory. Al Walcott then picked off Luke Altmeyer’s pass was picked off and returned it 96 yards for a touchdown. It became another game during the 2021 season where the BU safeties delivered their presence.

During that Big 12 and Sugar Bowl championship season, Baylor’s defense collected 19 interceptions, 13 by safeties. And while the INT total dropped to 13 in 2022, safeties had eight of those.

Still, something was missing from the back end of the defense in 2022. Maybe it was intensity. Maybe it was just not making a play when it mattered. There were new faces, of course. However, the standard set in 2021 wasn’t kept.

However, the return of Matthew Powledge as defensive coordinator and him running this part of the defense like he did two years ago should eventually return this group to what it was doing. It will be interesting to watch how the swagger will return.

In a series, we break down how Baylor’s positions may play out this fall. On May 9, we started with the quarterbacks. We continue with the safeties.

Projected Starters: This is where we begin with the Star. That belongs to Bryson Jackson. It’s an interesting move because he’s switching from linebacker. However, Jackson showed that he can do it. Consider that it’s a hybrid position between linebacker and safety. What it really comes down to is his positioning on the field on down, distance and field position. Plus, he and Powledge know each other. That helps.

Devin Lemear came on during the latter half of 2022 season and unseated Devin Neal (now at Louisville) for a starting spot. In a “I didn’t know that moment”, he was fourth-leading tackler on this team with 55 and created four turnovers (two INTs, two fumble recoveries).

The other spot is going to be a battle. Devyn Bobby and Alfonso Allen are in position to battle for it. Each had solid springs. It may come down to the fall scrimmages to determine who earns the spot.

The depth chart: Well, this position took a hit when AJ McCarty abruptly entered the portal on June 12. That impacts the overall picture because the rotation is impacted as he was the backup to the Star. Corey Gordon saw two games of action this past fall and seemed to turn heads in the spring. But the rotation is down to Gordon and whoever doesn’t start between Bobby and Allen. That’s it.

Then Baylor maybe has to rely on the development of 2023 summer arrivals LeVar Thornton Jr. and DJ Coleman. Obviously, that’s not ideal. But with the depth the way it is, they must be groomed in an all-hands-on-deck type of situation.

The bottom line is that this group has a chance to be solid and bring back the playmaking and turnover creating mentality Powledge instilled in 2021. Jackson may need a couple of games to settle in. Lemear can become the next star.

However, it must remain healthy because there’s not a lot of experience. For a program that wants to compete in the Big 12 championship race, this isn’t the season for the on-the-job training. If it gets to that, cross your fingers.

By Kevin Lonnquist
Publisher
The one element that needs to be known about Southlake Carroll’s football program is that it’s always going to have Division I talent running through it.

It doesn’t matter if it’s a well-established player or one on the rise. Somebody is going to catch a recruiter’s eye.

The latter falls on Carroll 2026 wide receiver Brock Boyd. Little used in 2022 during the Dragons’ playoff run, the May evaluation period was kind to him.

Then there was Baylor’s camp on Saturday in which the Bears offered.

Login to view embedded media
“I got to go against great competition,’’ Boyd said. “I was able to do 1on1’s against juniors and seniors [Saturday]. Working with [Baylor wide receivers coach Dallas Baker], he doesn’t care about your mistakes. It’s how you respond to it. I love how he tries to bring that dog out of you.”

Baylor joined a list of a notable offer list that includes Oklahoma, TCU, Nebraska and Texas Tech. The Texas Tech offer carries some significance to it. Boyd’s older brother Brady is a receiver for the Red Raiders.

“I look at each one on how it’s affect me as a player and a man,’’ he said. “I love whoever loves me back.”

Saturday’s camp was important for Boyd as he got to know Dave Aranda’s program a little bit. His familiarity with the program had been limited.

“I’ve only been in the stadium,’’ Boyd said. “But I love the layout. A lot of seats for a big crowd. I also love Baylor’s location. It’s close from home.”

Boyd, who according to Carroll’s MaxPreps Stats, caught only two passes in 2022. Of Carroll’s 207 complete passes, 143 went to the top three receivers who were more established.

As a 2026, Boyd had to wait his turn as a freshman. But given the type of spring he had, things should be changing.

“I’d describe it as a learning year,’’ Boyd said. “I got pulled up and got a little bit of playing time, but it got me prepared for how fast and physical varsity football is.”

Maybe the attention caught him by surprise. However, Boyd has been around the Carroll program long enough – especially with his brother – to understand the recruiting process and what it will take to play at the next level.

“I think my main goal right now should be getting stronger and faster,’’ he said. “I can’t wait to get back to working out with my teammates and building the bond again over summer.”

By Kevin Lonnquist
Publisher
Baylor is set for its first official visitors weekend for the 2024 recruiting class. It’s been a flurry of activity since this past Friday.

The Bears picked up China Spring’s Greydon Grimes committing on June 2. Grimes is projected to start out at defensive end. And while DeSoto linebacker Brandan Booker flipped from Baylor to Stanford this past Monday, the Bears immediately answered on Tuesday with the commit Baylor legacy and Fort Bend Ridge Point’s Mason Dossett, who flipped from Purdue. Dossett is viewed as a safety.

Baylor’s set number for pledges for this class is an unknown given the program’s attention to the NCAA transfer portal. However, an educated guess probably puts the number at about 15.

Here’s a look at the visitors who start their visits on Friday. Traditionally, recruits do not commit following their visits. Never say never but given the non-commits who are arriving along with their recruiting nuggets, it doesn't appear Baylor is in line to lock anyone down.

Login to view embedded media The QB commit makes his second appearance on the Baylor campus. He attended the Green & Gold game on April 22 at McLane Stadium. He is likely the only QB Baylor will take for 2024…at least from the high school ranks.

Login to view embedded media This is an important visit for the Bears to move from being in the Top 6 to emerging as a finalist. Lacy has an official visit set up with Nebraska and former Baylor HC Matt Rhule on June 23. He already visited Arizona State in April. A commitment decision could come sometime this summer.

Login to view embedded media It’s a busy month for one of Baylor’s prime DL targets. Following this visit, he takes OVs to Georgia Tech on June 16 followed by Arkansas on June 23. Mississippi State is circling, and time will tell if Ole Miss becomes more serious along with other SEC programs. Foster is a high priority for the Bears.

Login to view embedded media An interesting race here because the Bears are probing in the heart of SEC country just like they are with Foster. But this is going to be tougher with anOV scheduled for Tennessee on June 23. Ole Miss and Texas A&M are in this. Arkansas is considered the favorite. This is going to be tough for Baylor.

Login to view embedded media The second OV for Lair who is in the middle of a four-week journey. He visited LSU June 2. Following Baylor, Lair is scheduled to OV at Texas June 16 followed by Washington June 23. Those four appear to the strongest programs he is considering. Baylor is facing a challenge here. However, the staff has done a good job building the relationship. Plus, the recent addition of 2023 signee and former Fort Bend Marshall teammate Trent Thomas doesn’t hurt.

Login to view embedded media The legacy commit returns this weekend. It’s probably like the zillionth time he’s been on campus. But the visit likely will have importance about further clarifying how his role at safety. For grins, Dossett also may run into former Fort Bend Ridge Point teammate and future BU teammate DK Kalu. Dawson said playing for Baylor is a dream of his. It’s a pretty fair assessment that Purdue was used in a place-holder situation in case Baylor didn’t work out. Now, it has.

By Kevin Lonnquist
Publisher
Adam Schobel’s reputation precedes him. But it is for good reason.

He’s a two-year starting QB for Class 3A Columbus (TX). Shobel has thrown for more than 5,200 yards coupled with 62 touchdown passes.

Login to view embedded media
Schobel is also Baylor’s first commit for the 2025 recruiting season. Early Sunday, the signal caller announced his commitment to the Bears.

And Baylor appears to have righted itself when it comes to its high school recruitment QB management. There’s a QB for 2024 in Westlake Village (CA) Nate Bennett. Schobel secures things for the next class.

Obviously, there’s a long way to go with Baylor and Schobel. Indeed, Dave Aranda’s staff – this relationship spearheaded by QB coach Shawn Bell – has to treat Schobel like he was not committed and keep that relationship rock solid. Expect more schools to jump in as we are in the middle of camp season.

While small school quarterbacks may cause some angst, Schobel’s situation appears to be different. The Bears offered him back in May. He also attended Rivals camp in Coppell May 7 and measured in at 6-5, 195.

What Rivals analyst Cole Patterson noted about Schobel was how the ball jumped out of his hands.

Login to view embedded media
But they beat out the likes of Oklahoma State, Houston and UTSA. Baylor offered on May 18, the same day as Houston. Oklahoma State was a couple of days behind.

His productivity has been extraordinary. In 2022, Schobel threw 36 touchdowns against four interceptions. He led the Cardinals to the 3A Division I state quarterfinals before falling to Franklin and Baylor 2023 signee Bryson Washington.


Login to view embedded media

Should be nice and roasty toasty today for this one.

Login to view embedded media
Login to view embedded media
Login to view embedded media
Login to view embedded media
Login to view embedded media
Login to view embedded media

We talk about Baylor's two newest commits for the 2024 football class, the basketball portal, and, of course, NIL.



Came in at 29:03

Listen to the podcast here

By Kevin Lonnquist
Publisher
Baylor’s 2023-24 roster became more clear following the May 31 deadline for those players who decided to either withdraw from the NBA draft or remain.

Almost.

As expected, guard Adam Flagler passed up his final year of eligibility to remain in the draft. While his chances to be selected in the second round aren’t that great, he could be looking to play overseas or in the G League and focus on his game to be ready to transition into the NBA.

The almost comes in Jalen Bridges. The 6-7 junior forward withdrew from the draft. That was not unexpected. The wrinkle is that his agent is looking at opportunities for Bridges to play in Australia.

ESPN’s Draft Express reported Wednesday Bridges is fielding offers from several NBL teams as part of a “Next Stars” program. It’s unclear if there is a deadline for Bridges to decide on this. What became clear was Bridges was not going to get drafted.

However, Baylor doesn’t necessarily have to wait for an answer. Having Bridges, who played well during the Big 12 season and scored a career-high 28 points in the Big 12 quarterfinal tournament game against Iowa State, back on the roster would be a benefit.

That said, the Bears really need some help in the front court. The only options are Josh Ojianwuna and 2023 signee Yves Missi in the block. Jonathan Tchamwa Tchatchoua is a wild card because of where he is coming back from catastrophic knee injury.

Two players Baylor is in the mix for are Tennessee 6-8 senior power forward Olivier Nkamhoua and North Dakota State 6-11 junior forward Grant Nelson.

Both were in the NBA draft before they withdrew on Wednesday and are coveted.

Nkamhoua was Tennessee’s second-leading scorer at 10.8 points and second leading rebounder 5.0 points as the Vols advanced to the Sweet 16 in this past NCAA tournament. Kansas State, Michigan, Memphis and West Virginia among the others that are involved.

Nelson led the Bison in scoring (17.9) and rebounding (9.0). With his presence he shot 52 percent from the floor. And while NDSU is in the one-bid Summit League, he did show out against two NCAA tournament teams in Arkansas and Kansas in November. He scored 17 against the Razorbacks and 11 facing the Jayhawks.

Time will tell how that part will unfold.

But with Flagler’s decision known, that could open things up for Toledo transfer guard RayJ Dennis. Baylor was one of several involved in his recruitment along with Michigan and Illinois. The MAC 2022-23 Player of the Year visited Scott Drew’s program on Mother’s Day. He averaged 19.5 points per game for the Rockets.

A report from another recruiting service predicted Dennis would come to Baylor. Rivals national basketball team is working on it. We can say Baylor feels good about where it stands but nothing is guaranteed.

By Kevin Lonnquist
Publisher
Baylor’s coaching staff is looking toward the future with the beginning of the official visit season. But it also needs to ensure what it presently has on its roster can help it bounce back in 2023.

Secondaries that have well-earned reputations like to brand themselves with such nicknames as “No Fly Zone”. There’s that old saying that it isn’t bragging if you can do it. Well Baylor did that in 2021 on its way to the 2021 Big 12 title.

However, 2022 saw a drop off. It was widely known that while the first two lines of Baylor’s defense appeared to be in good shape, the concern was the secondary. Through mixing and matching and trying to see what would work, it became clear that this Baylor secondary just wasn’t going to be as good or nearly as good as the 2021 version.

While the Bears allowed the second-fewest passing yards per in the Big 12 (222.8), it became a case that when the Bears needed to have it when games were on the line, they just didn’t.

So out goes defensive coordinator Ron Roberts and safeties coach Kenny Wheat and in comes Matthew Powledge who will head up the safeties. But corner is where this team needs someone standing on an island who is fearless.

This is a group that when the offseason began, the major concern was experience. Frankly, there just wasn’t very much returning. That’s why Baylor went into the portal and secured two. You’ll read about those below. That said, of the non-transfer corners on the 2023 roster, those members combined for one interception this past fall.

In a new series, we break down how Baylor’s positions may play out this fall. On May 9, we started with the quarterbacks. We continue with the cornerbacks.

Projected starters: Well, let’s start with Utah State transfer Ajani Carter who committed to the Bears in May and has one year of eligibility remaining. The Galena Park North Shore native is going to take one of the two spots. He has a history of creating turnovers. In his two years at Utah State, he has four interceptions, four forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and six PBUs. Now, you know why he has that side and why Baylor really needed him.

The other spot favors Tevin Williams III. He started the Armed Forces Bowl against Air Force and played a pretty solid game. Granted, there wasn’t a lot of passes to defend. But what we did learn in that game is that he’s a well-coached tackler. Corners have to be willing tacklers. Williams is. He has the only returning interception, which came against Texas Tech.

Perhaps Miami (FL) transfer Isaiah Dunson has an opportunity to crack the starting lineup. But he didn’t have much burn with the Hurricanes and will need the fall camp (he went through spring after he arrived in January) to put himself in the rotation. And he needs to be in the rotation.

Depth Chart: Now a sophomore, Romario Noel slowly got some time in 2022 appearing in six games. Reggie Bush redshirted in 2022 so he’s someone that needs to continue to grow. Chateau Reed’s resume from 2022 is similar to Noel’s. He played in six games but needs to fight his way into a position of trust. Carl Williams IV and Caden Jenkins are the 2023 signees who just arrived in January. If Baylor has to play them in meaningful snaps this year, that’s not good.

The bottom line is that you can see by reading the depth chart where the concerns with this group were valid.

By Kevin Lonnquist
Publisher
Less than 24 hours after Baylor lost a commit, the Bears earned it right back with the addition of valued legacy target.

The Bears pried away Fort Bend Ridge Point 2024 athlete Mason Dossett announced on Tuesday that he has committed to Baylor. He had been committed to Purdue since late April.

Login to view embedded media
Dossett is the sixth addition to Dave Aranda's class. He is viewed as a safety for this program. He is the son of former Baylor standout and retired NFL player Martin Dossett who was on The Brazos and completed his career in the early 2000s.

Martin Dossett played for the Green Bay Packers in 2002-03.

Baylor's pipeline into Ridge Point continues to gain momentum. Defensive Tackle DK Kalusigned for the 2023 class and just arrived over the Memorial Day weekend.

Login to view embedded media
Dossett was a two-player for Ridge Point. He was the second-leading receiver with 46 catches for 660 yards and four scores. In his time on defense, he collected an INT.

Dossett fielded other P5 offers from Arizona, Duke and Georgia Tech.

Login to view embedded media

Recruiting this weird folks it happens.

Login to view embedded media

By Kevin Lonnquist
Publisher
Baylor’s coaching staff is looking toward the future with the beginning of the official visit season. But it also needs to ensure what it presently has on its roster can help it bounce back in 2023.

The Bears linebacker corps is looking at practically a new lineup. It’s also looking for a leader to emerge much in the same way Terrel Bernard did in 2021 and Dillon Doyle in 2022. Of course, all defensive numbers count the same between the defensive line, linebacker and secondary.

While Baylor’s rushing game allowed just 148 yards per game – good for third in the Big 12 – that was a little deceptive because this group experienced problems in the win at Oklahoma and the losses to TCU and Texas – the second half and really the fourth quarter were a case where they just got pushed around.

It was a steady performance against Air Force in the Armed Forces Bowl allowing 276 yards on 67 attempts. At a clip of 4.1 yards per attempt against a triple option approach.

Still, Baylor’s middle tier needs to find some solutions. It also has a new position coach in Christian Robinson who arrived from Auburn. Of course, Baylor has one unknown in Garmon Randolph who is indefinitely suspended for a violation of team rules. Back in early April he was arrested for DUI. Dave Aranda said there is a chance Randolph could return to the team.

In a new series, we break down how Baylor’s positions may play out this fall. On May 9, we started with the quarterbacks. We continue with the linebackers.

Projected Starters: With so much to review, you can start with Matt Jones who started 12 games last year and finished with 65 total tackles including 2.5 TFL. That’s a productive season, but the staff would like to see that go up even further. Should it, that would signal Jones is getting himself in position and the defensive line is funneling plays to him in the right lane.

Jones is the candidate to take over where Doyle and Bernard left off. He knows that. Where he ends up is the question because he spent spring at the Jack, Mike and Will positions.

However, Liberty transfer Mike Smith is the candidate to take over in the middle. Smith will have one year of eligibility remaining. But he served a big role for the Flames when he led the defense with 85 stops and started 12 games. Smith is built for the middle at 6-1, 225.

Time will tell in fall camp with the other positions. Randolph’s situation doesn’t help. But the candidates would be Tony Anyanwu, who appeared in nine games, LSU transfer Josh White (he was pretty much unavailable for 2022 with a concussion) and Brooks Miller who continued to impress during the spring season. Quietly, he appeared in 10 games and started one.

Should Randolph return, it would settle things and create a better rotation.

The depth chart: Keep an eye on Jeremy Evans, He appeared in three games in 2022 to keep his redshirt season and took a step in the offseason. Evans is the kind who can move around. He might be the successor at the Star in years to come. Tyrone Brown could be a starter candidate. He made two in 2022. Carmello Jones was recruited out of West Orange-Stark as a defensive lineman. However, the thinking was for him to switch to LB when he got to Baylor. He played in the Armed Forces Bowl. Kyler Jordan should also be in the mix.

The bottom line is that this group may be more athletic than last year’s group. But it’s effectiveness will hinge on once everyone gets settled into a particular position – yes, players can play other spots but they need to be primarily grounded into one – the Randolph situation resolves itself, Smith maintaining his productivity and the White becoming the player thinks he can and what LSU thought he was when he signed with the Tigers.

By Kevin Lonnquist
Publisher
Baylor’s upcoming 2023 football season has more questions than answers. Less than 100 days until the start of the campaign, Dave Aranda’s tenure is likely at a crossroads to deliver a team that will find better fortune than what happened in 2022. The Bears finished 6-7.

That’s going to be asking for something. At this time last year, the hype for Baylor reached unprecedented levels. Indeed, the Bears were picked to win the Big 12 and ranked in the preseason Top 10.

With so much turnover from that roster, expectations don’t figure to be near as high.

But the game that could tip the balance of where 2023 is Sept. 9 against Utah. The 11:00 am start on ESPN will be an opportunity for the Bears to showcase what they may be able to accomplish.

Why Utah: Well, consider the Utes are coming off a PAC 12 championship that included two wins over USC – including the PAC 12 championship game – along with an appearance in the Rose Bowl.

Utah is returning 14 starters from that team and figures to be picked in at least the Top 3 of the preseason PAC 12 rankings. Head coach Kyle Whittingham’s program should also be ranked in the Top 15 when the AP and Coaches preseason rankings are released in August.

Of note: Utah starting quarterback Cameron Rising, an intriguing dual threat, is coming off a torn ACL he suffered in the Rose Bowl against Penn State. However, there are indications that he will be close to being ready once the season begins. If Rising is not, redshirt freshman Brandon Rose, who finished the Rose Bowl, likely opens as the starter.

Running back Ja’Quinden Jackson, a one-time Texas Longhorn who is from Duncanville and switched from quarterback, has developed into a budding star based on the way he finished the campaign.

There’s also an experienced tight end in sixth-year Brant Kuithe.

Utah’s defense is always considered aggressive. There is experience along the front and especially the secondary. That last line of defense is led by Ole Miss transfer Miles Battle. Safety Cole Bishop is back following his 2-year LDS mission.

After the opener: Utah will begin on Aug. 31 against Florida. The Gators upset the Utes in Gainesville, FL last year. However, Utah will have two extra days to prepare for the Bears who will play on Sept. 2 against Texas State.

Now, it might not have much impact on Baylor since the Bears will be heavily favored against a team that just changed coaches and may be able to pull everybody by the third quarter.

Football is week to week, but Utah’s performance will play a lot into how it approaches this game.

Baylor’s end game: Baylor likely will be an underdog in this game. It may not be much of a point spread. However, the talk will be how the Utes either carry forward from the win over Florida or how they bounce back from the loss to Florida. That’s OK. Baylor needs to stay under the radar.

Of course, an upset of any kind – close, last-second or domination – will change the belief factor in that locker room.

The same would be for a close loss. Nobody likes to lose, of course. However, a program that needs to find out where it is and what it is capable of doing for the remainder of the season can build off of this game.

A blowout loss or one where the Bears never had a serious look (lose by 17 or something like that) may sit like a bad bowl of chili. It doesn’t kill the season, but it presents the question of whether this team can compete for anything.

Following Long Island on Sept. 16, the Bears would start to answer those questions Sept. 23 against Texas.

Cleared 19 feet. I can remember when 18 was thought to be impossible.

Click the tweet to play it and see how it's coming along.

Login to view embedded media

By Kevin Lonnquist
Publisher
While it might have seemed like a formality, you don't know until you know.

But the Grimes family will be together at Baylor. China Spring TE Greydon Grimes announced on Friday that he has committed to Baylor. Grimes, son of Baylor offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes, is the sixth member of the 2024 class.

“There were a lot of factors but I’d say the biggest is just the culture,” Grimes said.

Login to view embedded media
Baylor likes him on defense to start. That could change.

"They said that’s what they think I can have the best impact at,'' Grimes said about playing DE to start. "but that it’s still possible I end up playing tight end."

Grimes chose Baylor over Houston Baptist, Abilene Christian, UNT and UTSA. While he's been to Baylor many times, Grimes attended Baylor's Green & Gold game on April 22 at McLane Stadium.

"I thought it was fun to watch,'' he said. "I was up in the suites with my mom and sister and the other coach’s family’s but it was definitely fun to watch and to see how the team is coming along.''

Grimes was an integral part on both sides of the ball for China Spring in 2022. He played tight end and along the defensive line as the Cougars went 15-1 and won the Class 4A Division I state title.

On defense, he collected 62 total tackles, seven sacks along with 27 QB pressures or disruptions.

Grimes is a 3-star recruit with a 5.5 rating.

Login to view embedded media

By Kevin Lonnquist
Publisher
After going through some frustrations with other QBs for 2024, Baylor's coaching staff has the one it wants for this class.

Login to view embedded media
On Thursday, Westlake Village (CA) Oaks Christian's Nate Bennett announced on social media he has committed to the Bears. Bennett attended Baylor's spring game on April 22. Bennett is the fifth addition to this class.

Login to view embedded media
An up and comer, the Bears beat out Liberty, Utah State, San Jose State and Western Michigan. But academics will not be a concern as several Ivy League schools offered including Penn, Dartmouth and Columbia.

Bennett shared snaps at Oak Christian in 2022 with three other quarterbacks but emerged as the No. 1 guy. He completed 66 percent of his passes for 1,228 yards with 14 touchdowns against nine interceptions. But what's notable is that his average completion is better than 13 yards.

He is the quintessential pro-style QB as he rushed for 22 times for 24 yards.

Now, it's up to the coaching staff to continue to maintain that relationship. The Bears lost their 2023 commitment in Austin Novosad to Oregon and then were finalists for 2024s Walker White and Deuce Adams before each committed to Auburn and Louisville.

Login to view embedded media

WACO, Texas – Baylor men's basketball will tip off the 2023-24 season against the Auburn Tigers on Nov. 7, at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, S.D.



This season will mark the first time BU has opened the season with a power-six opponent since 2013-2014 when it opened against Colorado in the Tip-Off Showcase. Head coach Scott Drew is looking forward to going back to the Sanford Pentagon for a marquee matchup to start the season.



“We are thrilled to be heading back to the Sanford Pentagon for a great matchup with Auburn,” Drew said. “I have tremendous respect for Coach [Bruce] Pearl and what he has done with his program, and we look forward to a great game in November. Our team had a fantastic experience last year in Sioux Falls, and we are excited to be invited back again this season."



The meeting in South Dakota will be the eighth between the two programs, with Baylor winning five of the seven previous matchups, including the last meeting, 84-72, on Jan. 30, 2021. In that meeting, Baylor’s bench took the tiger by the tail as sophomore guard Adam Flagler scored a game-high 19 points and Matthew Mayer added 13 points and a couple of highlight-reel dunks to help the second-ranked Bears remain undefeated en route to the National Championship.

By Kevin Lonnquist
Publisher
Baylor's ability to develop guards put it in position to land Toledo transfer RayJ Dennis.

Now, the Bears have him.

On Thursday, the best available guard in the transfer portal announced with National Basketball Writer Jeff Goodman that he was committing to Scott Drew's program.

He will have one year of eligibility remaining. The MAC 2022-23 Player of the Year averaged 19.5 points and 5.8 assists for the Rockets.

Dennis picked the Bears over several Big 10 schools including Illinois and Michigan.

Essentially, he will take over one of the starting spots in the back court. In a couple of national interviews, Dennis talked about BU head coach Scott Drew's ability to produce NBA-ready guards.

Dennis is the second transfer portal addition of the offseason. VCU guard Jayden Nunn committed back in April. He is also the fifth addition to the class along with 2023 signees Miro Little and Ja'Kobe Walter and center Yves Missi who re-classified from 2024 to 2023.

This program remains in the hunt for help in the front court. It is also waiting for a decision from wing Jalen Bridges. Bridges withdrew from the NBA draft on Wednesday but is exploring pro opportunities in Australia.

Getting word that LaGrange DT Jaren Woods has left Baylor shortly after he arrived last week. My understanding is that he's been struggling with his passion for the game ever since he suffered that devastating knee injury in the 2022 opener.

Hate it for him. But if you're heart's not it, don't force it. You wish him well. Not to sound cruel, but this does open a ship for the 2024 class.