By Kevin Lonnquist
Publisher
The Topper
Just a couple of recruiting nuggets.
>Everything seems to be pretty strong between Baylor and it’s other top 2021 commits in Shadow Creek QB Kyron Drones and Lindale RB Jordan Jenkins. Both have recently expressed faith with Dave Aranda’s staff.
These two are expected to sign in less than two weeks (the early signing period is Dec 16-18). Drones is a January 2021 enrollee. Jenkins is a summer 2021 enrollee.
>On Nov. 22, Klein Forest 2021 4-star all-purpose back/defensive back Ahmonte Watkins released a Top 4 of Texas A&M, Texas Tech, TCU and Mississippi State. Baylor offered the day after. The interesting part of this is that no one really knows which way he is leaning. But Baylor appears to have his attention.
“I don’t know a lot about them, but I’m definitely interested,’’ Watkins said. “I know they’re a good academic school. I’m trying to learn more.’’
He is pure speed. Watkins’ personal best in the 100 is 10.71. His PB in the 200 is 21.39
Watkins, who moved to Texas after spending his first three high school years in Louisiana, said he plans to sign later this month. Time will tell if that happens. If it doesn’t, that could be good news for the Bears.
The film is of Watkins when he was Riverside Academy in Reserve, LA. FWIW Riverside Academy is home to current Baylor preseason All-American guard Jared Butler.
>As for building relationships with 2022 standouts, the staff continues to do the little things to keep it going with Fort Worth Nolan Catholic LB/DE Vincent Paige. “Everything is going well with Baylor,’’ Paige said. “I’m just continuing to build my relationship with [Defensive Coordinator] Ron Roberts. Paige had transferred to Lewisville over the summer but returned to Nolan.
>Duncanville 2022 offensive lineman Jaylen Early has had frequent discussions with the staff. Nothing has really changed. But that’s a good thing. I’m talking with Coach [Recruiting Coordinator] Omar Hale,’’ Early said. “He said they really like my athleticism and second level blocking.’’
>Baylor missed out on Hutchinson (KS) Community College DL Isaiah Iton who announced his Top 6 on Thursday evening. They are Maryland, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Arkansas, Missouri and Florida State. Rivals FutureCast has Iton going to Ole Miss.
Baylor players talk Oklahoma
Wide receiver Josh Fleeks, center Jason Moore and linebacker Abram Smith met with the media to discuss how to carry the momentum after the Kansas State into Oklahoma.
Josh Fleeks, Jr., WR
(What do you see from Oklahoma’s defense) They’re a good defense. They’re actually one of the top defenses we’ll play. They’re real good at man with their corners.
(Mood on team after win) The win played a big part in us going into this week. I think that will give us the strength to play better.
(John Mayers) Oh yeah, we’ve got a ton of confidence. We wouldn’t trade him for anyone.
(Offense scored 17 points in fourth quarter against KSU) In practice we do it all the time. We were at a point where we really couldn’t get into that groove in a game. Last week we found that groove.
(How does Charlie getting vocal inspire the team) Even saying something little pumps the team up. We want to play for him and with him. Anything he says or does, we’re right behind him.
Jason Moore, Jr., C
(Charlie running the ball) We feel extremely confident anytime Charlie has the ball. He’s a playmaker and we protect him and block for him and watch what he does.
(What is his running style) Charlie’s a real downhill runner. He makes guys miss, but on his runs he leaves it all out there. He’s going to run somebody over or jump over somebody. He’s going to do anything he can to get that first down. He’s going to try to get the extra yards.
(Adjustment from guard to center) I feel comfortable at center. I’ve always been a guy that I’m taking note of every offensive line position. At center, it’s just a matter of getting the mechanics down and getting comfortable at the position. Now that I’ve had some time and some games under my belt, I feel a lot more confident when I’m playing center now.
(Is the O-line jelling) I feel like everything is starting to come together. We’re all communicating very well. I watched the film and we’re definitely coming together. I feel like the cohesiveness within our group is definitely starting to increase.
(Carrying the momentum from KSU win to OU) It starts by going 1-0 each day. Right now, I’m here doing this interview with you all, so I’m focusing on that. Then I’m focusing on the next day. It starts with winning the little things and that leads to big things.
(O-line rotation with guys banged up) It’s difficult at times, but it’s good to know we have brothers who are able to step in in a time of need. We rotate guys to keep us fresh. We all do the same preparation day in and day out, so when I look to my left and right I’m confident knowing that whoever is in there we’re prepared to do our job.
(Wickline injury) It wasn’t a distraction. We were all caught off-guard at first. We all came off the sidelines to get some adjustments from him. We saw his shoe was covered in blood and his pants were bloody. We saw him get taken out to go get some stitches and he came back eventually. I mean it just shows these coaches are in it with us and they’re in the trenches too, and they’re just as tough through things as we are.
(Did Wickline tell you what happened) I think the story is Charlie whipped into him. I think it was a play where he jumped on the sideline, he jumped trying to get the first down, and he dove out on the sideline and I think he leg whipped coach Wick. But he never gave us an official story from him.
Abram Smith, Jr., LB
(how do you carry the momentum to OU) I think one big thing is we had a great week of preparation, if we’re being honest. Lot of energy, lot of focus, just all around throughout the team. So, I think that’s one thing we can take in going into this preparation against Oklahoma.
(what’s the defensive focus) It’s the run game. From film, they like to run a lot of counters. So, I think one thing is fitting and boxing and doing what we can to kind of take that away from them, so he has to throw the ball and make reads off of that.
(is it a lot different going into empty stadiums) I would say so. For me personally, it’s kind of weird, just how weird the year is and just different stadiums. I think one thing is it kind of feels like a scrimmage, like you’re back out at practice and it’s kind of like it’s not really happening. And that’s one thing you’ve got to get rid of real fast when you’re out there. It’s game time, so you’ve got to flip that switch and get everybody going.
(confidence in John Mayers) Oh yes, at all times. We see him working all the time in practice on kicks like those. We have a bunch of live reps as well, the defense against the field goal team. We see him drill those, so we have his back the whole way.
(do you stay away from him before he kicks the FG) For the most part, yes. You don’t want to go up there and get in his head, trying to psyche him up or any of that. You kind of want him to be locked in in the moment.
(being able to practice straight through without breaks) Honestly, I think it’s a good thing, just being able to go straight through and no interruptions. Your body has got to get used to all the work again, you didn’t have a spring, so your body is not really used to all the pounding and the hitting. So, I feel like this has been really good.
(confidence boost to get the stop at the end of the game) I think that was really big. I know before going out there, we knew what we had to do. It was our turn to answer. Because the whole little run there, the offense was answering for us. So, I feel like as a defense, it was our turn to have their back like they had ours.
(what happened in the fourth quarter on their TD drives) I feel like it was more of just eyes in gaps. That was pretty much it. A lot of that is we beat ourselves in a lot of the runs that they broke out.
(the way Charlie fired up everybody on the sidelines, do you feel like you’re all together now, offense and defense) I do, actually. After he said that, you kind of feel the team grow together. We’ve been growing this whole time, so you feel it getting closer and closer to actually being fully complete. Putting the offense and defense together a little bit more would have helped, but at the same time we grew together either way
Big 12 Power Rankings
Each Week, SicEmSports has its power rankings throughout the course of the 2020 season. Agree or disagree, here they are.
1. Iowa State – Cyclones clinch Big 12 title game berth with win over West Virginia
2. Oklahoma – Sooners control their destiny to Big 12 title game
3. Texas – Tom Herman’s fate may have been decided
4. Oklahoma State – Cowboys defense has yielded 85 points in last two games
5. West Virginia – Looking to play spoiler in Ames
6. Kansas State – The final seconds in Waco have been cruel in 2018 and 2020
7. TCU – Horned Frogs to play host to La. Tech on Dec. 12
8. Texas Tech – Why onside when you just took the lead?
9. Baylor – John Mayers chops as impressive as his game-winning field goals
10. Kansas – Nothing but a complete disaster
Big 12 Weekend
A look at the conference games for this coming Saturday. All times are central. Games are listed in chronological order. Rankings are from the College Football Playoff Rankings. Television listings are provided.
Texas (5-3, 4-3) at Kansas State (4-5, 4-4); 11:00 a.m., Bill Snyder Family Stadium, Lawrence, KS (FOX)
Series: Tied, 10-10
Notable: What kind of motivation is there for Texas since it’s practically out of the Big 12 championship race. It doesn’t hold any tiebreakers Now, the program has found out RB Keaontay Imgram reportedly will opt out and transfer. KSU is hoping to end the season at .500 and may keep some bowl hopes alive.
No. 15 Oklahoma State (6-2, 5-2) at TCU (4-4, 4-4); 11:00 a.m., Amon Carter Stadium, Fort Worth (ESPN2)
Series: Oklahoma State leads, 16-12-2
Notable: The Cowboys are still in the hunt for the Big 12 title game and must win to keep their hopes alive. RB Chuba Hubbard’s status is up in the air with an injury. However, Dezmon Jackson was outstanding last week against Texas Tech (36-235). TCU needs a win to get over .500. While it was Kansas, the offense had its best showing last week.
Kansas (0-8, 0-7) at Texas Tech (3-6, 2-6); 11:00 a.m., Jones AT&T Stadium, Lubbock (FS2)
Series: Texas Tech leads, 19-2
Notable: The Red Raiders conclude the regular season and try to figure out why their usually explosive offense – with the exception of last week at Oklahoma State – struggled. While there doesn’t seem to be any speculation about Les Miles’ future, maybe there should be?
West Virginia (5-3, 4-3) at No. 9 Iowa State (7-2, 7-1); 2:30 p.m., Jack Trice Stadium, Ames, IA (ESPN)
Series: West Virginia leads, 5-3
Notable: A win and the Cyclones are headed to AT&T Stadium in Arlington on Dec. 19 for the Big 12 title game. RB Breece Hall should win the conference rushing title as he has 1,260 yards coming into this one. The Mountaineers defense likely will keep them in this. They have allowed the fewest yards from scrimmage per game (274). But they also have the second best offense in the league (442.6).
Baylor (2-5, 2-5) at No. 11. Oklahoma (6-2, 5-2); 7:00 p.m,, Memorial Stadium, Norman, OK (FOX)
Series: Oklahoma leads, 27-3
Notable: The Bears are one of the best in the country in turnover ratio at plus-8. However, the Bears are really struggling to run the ball at just 102.6 yards per game. Oklahoma QB Spencer Rattler leads the Big 12 in passing yards per game (289.9), passing yards (2,319) and TD passes (22).
Publisher
The Topper
Just a couple of recruiting nuggets.
>Everything seems to be pretty strong between Baylor and it’s other top 2021 commits in Shadow Creek QB Kyron Drones and Lindale RB Jordan Jenkins. Both have recently expressed faith with Dave Aranda’s staff.
These two are expected to sign in less than two weeks (the early signing period is Dec 16-18). Drones is a January 2021 enrollee. Jenkins is a summer 2021 enrollee.
>On Nov. 22, Klein Forest 2021 4-star all-purpose back/defensive back Ahmonte Watkins released a Top 4 of Texas A&M, Texas Tech, TCU and Mississippi State. Baylor offered the day after. The interesting part of this is that no one really knows which way he is leaning. But Baylor appears to have his attention.
“I don’t know a lot about them, but I’m definitely interested,’’ Watkins said. “I know they’re a good academic school. I’m trying to learn more.’’
He is pure speed. Watkins’ personal best in the 100 is 10.71. His PB in the 200 is 21.39
Watkins, who moved to Texas after spending his first three high school years in Louisiana, said he plans to sign later this month. Time will tell if that happens. If it doesn’t, that could be good news for the Bears.
The film is of Watkins when he was Riverside Academy in Reserve, LA. FWIW Riverside Academy is home to current Baylor preseason All-American guard Jared Butler.
>As for building relationships with 2022 standouts, the staff continues to do the little things to keep it going with Fort Worth Nolan Catholic LB/DE Vincent Paige. “Everything is going well with Baylor,’’ Paige said. “I’m just continuing to build my relationship with [Defensive Coordinator] Ron Roberts. Paige had transferred to Lewisville over the summer but returned to Nolan.
>Duncanville 2022 offensive lineman Jaylen Early has had frequent discussions with the staff. Nothing has really changed. But that’s a good thing. I’m talking with Coach [Recruiting Coordinator] Omar Hale,’’ Early said. “He said they really like my athleticism and second level blocking.’’
>Baylor missed out on Hutchinson (KS) Community College DL Isaiah Iton who announced his Top 6 on Thursday evening. They are Maryland, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Arkansas, Missouri and Florida State. Rivals FutureCast has Iton going to Ole Miss.
Baylor players talk Oklahoma
Wide receiver Josh Fleeks, center Jason Moore and linebacker Abram Smith met with the media to discuss how to carry the momentum after the Kansas State into Oklahoma.
Josh Fleeks, Jr., WR
(What do you see from Oklahoma’s defense) They’re a good defense. They’re actually one of the top defenses we’ll play. They’re real good at man with their corners.
(Mood on team after win) The win played a big part in us going into this week. I think that will give us the strength to play better.
(John Mayers) Oh yeah, we’ve got a ton of confidence. We wouldn’t trade him for anyone.
(Offense scored 17 points in fourth quarter against KSU) In practice we do it all the time. We were at a point where we really couldn’t get into that groove in a game. Last week we found that groove.
(How does Charlie getting vocal inspire the team) Even saying something little pumps the team up. We want to play for him and with him. Anything he says or does, we’re right behind him.
Jason Moore, Jr., C
(Charlie running the ball) We feel extremely confident anytime Charlie has the ball. He’s a playmaker and we protect him and block for him and watch what he does.
(What is his running style) Charlie’s a real downhill runner. He makes guys miss, but on his runs he leaves it all out there. He’s going to run somebody over or jump over somebody. He’s going to do anything he can to get that first down. He’s going to try to get the extra yards.
(Adjustment from guard to center) I feel comfortable at center. I’ve always been a guy that I’m taking note of every offensive line position. At center, it’s just a matter of getting the mechanics down and getting comfortable at the position. Now that I’ve had some time and some games under my belt, I feel a lot more confident when I’m playing center now.
(Is the O-line jelling) I feel like everything is starting to come together. We’re all communicating very well. I watched the film and we’re definitely coming together. I feel like the cohesiveness within our group is definitely starting to increase.
(Carrying the momentum from KSU win to OU) It starts by going 1-0 each day. Right now, I’m here doing this interview with you all, so I’m focusing on that. Then I’m focusing on the next day. It starts with winning the little things and that leads to big things.
(O-line rotation with guys banged up) It’s difficult at times, but it’s good to know we have brothers who are able to step in in a time of need. We rotate guys to keep us fresh. We all do the same preparation day in and day out, so when I look to my left and right I’m confident knowing that whoever is in there we’re prepared to do our job.
(Wickline injury) It wasn’t a distraction. We were all caught off-guard at first. We all came off the sidelines to get some adjustments from him. We saw his shoe was covered in blood and his pants were bloody. We saw him get taken out to go get some stitches and he came back eventually. I mean it just shows these coaches are in it with us and they’re in the trenches too, and they’re just as tough through things as we are.
(Did Wickline tell you what happened) I think the story is Charlie whipped into him. I think it was a play where he jumped on the sideline, he jumped trying to get the first down, and he dove out on the sideline and I think he leg whipped coach Wick. But he never gave us an official story from him.
Abram Smith, Jr., LB
(how do you carry the momentum to OU) I think one big thing is we had a great week of preparation, if we’re being honest. Lot of energy, lot of focus, just all around throughout the team. So, I think that’s one thing we can take in going into this preparation against Oklahoma.
(what’s the defensive focus) It’s the run game. From film, they like to run a lot of counters. So, I think one thing is fitting and boxing and doing what we can to kind of take that away from them, so he has to throw the ball and make reads off of that.
(is it a lot different going into empty stadiums) I would say so. For me personally, it’s kind of weird, just how weird the year is and just different stadiums. I think one thing is it kind of feels like a scrimmage, like you’re back out at practice and it’s kind of like it’s not really happening. And that’s one thing you’ve got to get rid of real fast when you’re out there. It’s game time, so you’ve got to flip that switch and get everybody going.
(confidence in John Mayers) Oh yes, at all times. We see him working all the time in practice on kicks like those. We have a bunch of live reps as well, the defense against the field goal team. We see him drill those, so we have his back the whole way.
(do you stay away from him before he kicks the FG) For the most part, yes. You don’t want to go up there and get in his head, trying to psyche him up or any of that. You kind of want him to be locked in in the moment.
(being able to practice straight through without breaks) Honestly, I think it’s a good thing, just being able to go straight through and no interruptions. Your body has got to get used to all the work again, you didn’t have a spring, so your body is not really used to all the pounding and the hitting. So, I feel like this has been really good.
(confidence boost to get the stop at the end of the game) I think that was really big. I know before going out there, we knew what we had to do. It was our turn to answer. Because the whole little run there, the offense was answering for us. So, I feel like as a defense, it was our turn to have their back like they had ours.
(what happened in the fourth quarter on their TD drives) I feel like it was more of just eyes in gaps. That was pretty much it. A lot of that is we beat ourselves in a lot of the runs that they broke out.
(the way Charlie fired up everybody on the sidelines, do you feel like you’re all together now, offense and defense) I do, actually. After he said that, you kind of feel the team grow together. We’ve been growing this whole time, so you feel it getting closer and closer to actually being fully complete. Putting the offense and defense together a little bit more would have helped, but at the same time we grew together either way
Big 12 Power Rankings
Each Week, SicEmSports has its power rankings throughout the course of the 2020 season. Agree or disagree, here they are.
1. Iowa State – Cyclones clinch Big 12 title game berth with win over West Virginia
2. Oklahoma – Sooners control their destiny to Big 12 title game
3. Texas – Tom Herman’s fate may have been decided
4. Oklahoma State – Cowboys defense has yielded 85 points in last two games
5. West Virginia – Looking to play spoiler in Ames
6. Kansas State – The final seconds in Waco have been cruel in 2018 and 2020
7. TCU – Horned Frogs to play host to La. Tech on Dec. 12
8. Texas Tech – Why onside when you just took the lead?
9. Baylor – John Mayers chops as impressive as his game-winning field goals
10. Kansas – Nothing but a complete disaster
Big 12 Weekend
A look at the conference games for this coming Saturday. All times are central. Games are listed in chronological order. Rankings are from the College Football Playoff Rankings. Television listings are provided.
Texas (5-3, 4-3) at Kansas State (4-5, 4-4); 11:00 a.m., Bill Snyder Family Stadium, Lawrence, KS (FOX)
Series: Tied, 10-10
Notable: What kind of motivation is there for Texas since it’s practically out of the Big 12 championship race. It doesn’t hold any tiebreakers Now, the program has found out RB Keaontay Imgram reportedly will opt out and transfer. KSU is hoping to end the season at .500 and may keep some bowl hopes alive.
No. 15 Oklahoma State (6-2, 5-2) at TCU (4-4, 4-4); 11:00 a.m., Amon Carter Stadium, Fort Worth (ESPN2)
Series: Oklahoma State leads, 16-12-2
Notable: The Cowboys are still in the hunt for the Big 12 title game and must win to keep their hopes alive. RB Chuba Hubbard’s status is up in the air with an injury. However, Dezmon Jackson was outstanding last week against Texas Tech (36-235). TCU needs a win to get over .500. While it was Kansas, the offense had its best showing last week.
Kansas (0-8, 0-7) at Texas Tech (3-6, 2-6); 11:00 a.m., Jones AT&T Stadium, Lubbock (FS2)
Series: Texas Tech leads, 19-2
Notable: The Red Raiders conclude the regular season and try to figure out why their usually explosive offense – with the exception of last week at Oklahoma State – struggled. While there doesn’t seem to be any speculation about Les Miles’ future, maybe there should be?
West Virginia (5-3, 4-3) at No. 9 Iowa State (7-2, 7-1); 2:30 p.m., Jack Trice Stadium, Ames, IA (ESPN)
Series: West Virginia leads, 5-3
Notable: A win and the Cyclones are headed to AT&T Stadium in Arlington on Dec. 19 for the Big 12 title game. RB Breece Hall should win the conference rushing title as he has 1,260 yards coming into this one. The Mountaineers defense likely will keep them in this. They have allowed the fewest yards from scrimmage per game (274). But they also have the second best offense in the league (442.6).
Baylor (2-5, 2-5) at No. 11. Oklahoma (6-2, 5-2); 7:00 p.m,, Memorial Stadium, Norman, OK (FOX)
Series: Oklahoma leads, 27-3
Notable: The Bears are one of the best in the country in turnover ratio at plus-8. However, the Bears are really struggling to run the ball at just 102.6 yards per game. Oklahoma QB Spencer Rattler leads the Big 12 in passing yards per game (289.9), passing yards (2,319) and TD passes (22).
