The Topper
Houston Strake Jesuit 2019 wide receiver Nathaniel Beal was brief but pretty clear.
Following his visit to Baylor’s first practice on Thursday, he called the experience great. Then when asked what he thought of Baylor, Beal said,
“My favorite’’
Beal wouldn’t comment on whether he was considering committing soon. However, it does appear that the coaching staff has made a strong enough connection to where Beal may pop at a time that’s right for all sides.
We’ll keep you posted.
The Topper – II
Since he was offered last month, Katy Seven Lakes linebacker David Gbenda has been on everybody’s must-have list. Gbenda found time Thursday to see Baylor for the first time as he attended the first practice.
“I like it a lot,’’ Gbenda said. “Baylor is a school that I would consider more highly than I thought.’’
There’s still a ways to go on this. Gbenda said he hasn’t planned out any official visits at this time.
Q&A – Patrick Lawrence
A post practice interview between the media and the Baylor senior offensive lineman.
It feels a lot better to have a little depth with us now. I take little breaks in practice. Before it felt like I was taking every rep. It’s awesome to see the development the guys have had so far like X and Ryan Miller and Henry, Jason Moore, and Elliott. They’re all getting tougher and bigger and stronger. They’re hitting plus-20 reps on the bench press and squatting over 500 pounds, and before they weren’t doing that.
That’s something we have to have as offensive linemen. Ryan Miller squatted 600 pounds this offseason. Seeing things like that boosts your confidence as an offensive line because we need it. Last year we didn’t get as much as we need in the initial thrust off the ball and I think that’ something we’re going to get a lot more of this year.
(How has quality gone up) In practice for sure. I think that will be huge for us in practice. Day 1 today I thought we took a lot of quality reps. We’ll be excited to put pads on and get more of that.
(Do you have to be leader) Yes. With Blackmar in the position he’s in right now, I think I’ve got to step up and be the senior I need to be. In the offensive line we got a lot of young guys and they need someone to look up to and someone with experience to help lead them.
I would definitely love to have them (injured guys) here to build chemistry. Blackmar has started for three years already and he’s had so much experience that maybe he needs a little break, I don’t know. It’s not like he’s going to decrease in his role as a leader just because he’s not playing this spring. He’s just taking injured guys into the indoor and they’re doing their own reps. He’s got young guys he’s working on there. It’s things like that. Everybody’s just doing their job trying to build as leaders.
On the field, Bell and Cochran are doing a great job. We have Coach Rhule over there with us too, so that’s awesome to have his experience. Coach DeLeone is an awesome resource to have off the field. He was just talking about how he coached Joe Thomas and the things he did before and after games for his body. Things like that are priceless.
(Coach Bell) I didn’t know Coach Bell much before. He was with the quarterbacks and I knew him, but we didn’t have much of a relationship. Over the past two months, we’ve developed a great relationship. We read to some elementary school kids and read some Dr. Seuss books together. He’s with us on the competition teams, so we’re out doing things like that together. We’re trying to win. You should follow us on Twitter BUbigs and keep up with us. He’s an awesome guy. He seems to know exactly what he’s talking about with the offensive line and pays a lot of attention to everything Coach DeLeone says. He’s doing a great job.
Coach Cochran is an awesome guy. The experience he brings he’s like a brother to us. He shows a lot of authority when he needs to. It’s awesome to see him step up more with Coach DeLeone to the side of the field. He can step up and do more coaching on his own and that’s fun to see too.
(Pressure on O-line) That’s something we’ve known since going on my fifth year. Every single year the pressure is on the offensive line to lead the team. I’ve gotten to watch tons of good players with Spencer Drango, Kyle Fuller, Jarell Broxton, Blake Muir, lots of people I’ve been able to see lead. We’re trying to do what they did and be the best we can be. It’s not more pressure on us. We just know what we have to do. I don’t think it’s a weighing thing on my shoulders.
I really believe that chapter has turned. We’re not going to be a 1-11 team next year. We’re going to go out and compete every game. I feel like we should win every game. We have the talent and now we have more depth. Not that we didn’t have a great senior class last year but we have another great senior class. We have a lot of numbers for our senior class with Ira, Blackmar, myself and a couple of transfer guys. Beard’s a senior now too and Jalen Hurd. As a team we’ve grown and I don’t think you’ll see the same results as last year.
We were in those games last year. They were close. I feel like we’ve grown as a team to push it to the next level and get those extra wins that we didn’t last year.
Christian Beard is a great player. He sat out last year and now he’s getting back into it. He’s playing right next to me at right guard and he’s doing a great job. He loves football and loves to compete. He’s a really strong and athletic guy. He’s really excited to be here at Baylor.
I’m excited to block for JaMycal Hasty and see what he can do. He showed a lot of potential last year in a couple of games. How he performed against Texas Tech really stood out for me. Things like that really motivates you as a player. You love blocking for someone who is going to fight for those extra yards, and JaMycal does that. He’s had an awesome offseason. He’s been kicking butt in all the drills.
(Body transformations across team) I think it’s been huge. I’ve put on 10 pounds and haven’t gained any fat. Throughout the team I’ve seen a lot of improvement. Malin’s up to over 300 pounds, Tech is a good 300 pounds. He’s had to put on a lot of weight and has done an awesome job too. Everyone has gotten so much stronger in the offseason. We sat down and had a meeting about the improvement with the numbers. I don’t think anyone hasn’t had an improvement.
(Do expect to be at level as some past players) It’s my goal. I want to be an all-Big 12 player. I want to play in the NFL. All those guys were all-Big 12 players and have played in the NFL and I hope to be there too.
Q&A – Ira Lewis
A post practice interview between the media and the Baylor senior defensive lineman.
It’s good getting back in the swing of things, getting the rust off. It’s fun getting back on the field with your guys and your brothers. So it’s a great feeling being out there.
(Coach Okam) He gets to the point. He brings a lot of new things that will definitely help us on the D-line. He’s a really good coach and will help us a lot moving forward.
(Going from Robinson to Okam) It wasn’t really much of a change. Both of those guys are kind of similar in some ways. They do things a little different. Coach Okam has a lot of things for us on the table. I’m really excited about the future.
I heard about him before. He also won the national championship, so he was a big-time player. We want to learn a lot from him. You think really highly of that guy. Anything he says it’s like he’s been through it. With his experience you just want to learn all the knowledge from him.
(Different from last spring) Now everybody knows what they need to do. Everybody is comfortable with each other and everybody understands from the mistakes of last year we need to move forward and be careful of the details, and everything we do is very important.
(Players coaching each other) I definitely need to be a vocal leader for the defense and this team. I can help bring a lot of young guys because they can stray off and do different things. We just got to move them along and keep doing things to improve and be in the film room and study, and do the little things that we all need to do and we’ll all become that much better.
My expectation for the D-line is to be the best unit in the Big 12 and the best in the nation. We certainly have the talent, so we have to get there with details, and Coach Okam is going to lead us there.
I’ve definitely lost some body fat with the help of our coaching staff. I feel like now I’m more knowledgeable about the game and I understand more things on the field, so I can play that much faster.
It took me some time to get used to it but the coaches aren’t going to tell us anything wrong. So whatever they say I know is best, and moving forward I feel my body has changed, and a lot of other people on the team their body has changed. I think it’s for the better.
(Defense played better last month of the season) It makes a huge difference. Everybody has more confidence in themselves and what they’re doing, and everybody listens to details and being in the film room we understand the details better. We’re going to be that much better of a unit.
Closing the gap?
It’s widely believed in recruiting circles that Texas Tech is the early leader for San Antonio Jay 2019 quarterback Jacob Zeno. However, Thursday’s visit helped Baylor in the best way.
It does sound like the coaching staff continues to do all the right things, say all the right things and present the program in a way that connects to Zeno. At the very least, the Bears remain firmly placed in the Top 3.
As for the recent Georgia offer, that doesn’t seem to be making the impact at this point. Keep in mind there’s a logjam at quarterback in Athens. Baylor is in need of QBs. Don’t be surprised if the Bears take two in 2019.
Zeno is going to the Houston Rivals event Saturday at C.E. King High School. He no plans to visit any other schools at this time.
QB will travel
While he is the second QB recruited for the 2018 class, Baylor is getting Rowlett’s Preston Weeks as ready as possible before he arrives in June.
Weeks said he plans to visit for Saturday’s practice and will attend all of the meetings. Obviously, he can’t go through practices. He has to be a sponge.
“They want me to come down as much as I can,’’ Weeks said. “I’ve been doing a lot of work with what they like to do. I’m trying to do whatever I can to help.’’
Weeks committed to Baylor in early February as a preferred walk on. There is a chance that could become a scholarship if everything goes as he would hope. That’s likely going to happen after the 2018. But that’s not set in stone either. Doing the little things like he is doing can go a long way to accelerate the timeline.
“Obviously, it’s a very important position for this offense,’’ Weeks said. “It’s definitely based on mental ability more than the athletic ability and arm ability.’’
Mangham will listen
All Baylor wanted from 2019 Rivals No. 215 Jaren Mangham was a chance for him to see what the program had to offer.
Once the one-time Houston native, who is now living in Detroit and attending Cass Tech, found a window to visit Baylor during a recent trip to Texas, it became time well spent. At this point, the Bears are in the running. Time will tell where how it unfolds.
“I have a lot of interest in Baylor,’’ Mangham said. “I’ve been talking to the whole staff to be honest. I thought Baylor was very nice. What I learned was the coaching staff is building something real special there and are committed to being on top of the Big 12.’’
The offer list is long and winding. But the big running back does have an affinity for potentially returning to Texas. His mother ran track at Texas A&M. That would put the Aggies at or near the top.
Mangham is definitely a load to deal with on the field with his size. He’s a bruising back, the kind that Matt Rhule has been searching for to fit his offense. However, Mangham takes pride in his receiving skills. Baylor has also kept pace in the facilities war.
“The treatment room and stadium were crazy,’’ Mangham said. “I think I would fit in great I'm a bigger back that can run and have soft hands like a receiver.’’
In the spring of 2017, he was recorded at 4.6 in the 40 and owning a 34 in the vertical. He anticipates surpassing those this year.
Mangham said he plans on narrowing his list of schools he is considering and making official visit plans over the next two months.
It’s Snow(ing) on Saturday
Hebron 2020 defensive back Darius Snow is up to nine offers. Who knows how long that list will grow. Eventually, he will become a national recruit.
What he does know is that he returning to Waco to watch Baylor’s second spring practice. He will take a couple of teammates with him in Carson Frank and Jaylon Lott (2020 RB, 6-0, 175).
“The main thing I want to see is how the coaches work with the players and tour the facilities,’’ Snow said. “I’m not surprised [that Baylor is recruiting me this hard]. I knew they had what it took.’’
Snowing is an excellent position because he already holds offers from Alabama, Georgia, Michigan State, Texas and Texas A&M. However, a lot can happen. Proximity works in Baylor’s favor since Snow can make the quick drive from the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
He plans on spending a lot time with defensive backs coach Fran Brown.
“They’re coaching staff is top tier, and they haven’t failed to show me that,’’ Snow said. “So it’s mostly the staff that keeps them in contention. Love what they’re pitching. I'm excited to see what they can accomplish now.’’
Baseball: vs. No. 8 Texas Tech
Baylor (8-6) opens Big 12 play Friday-Sunday against the reigning conference co-Champion Red Raiders (16-3) at Baylor Ballpark.
Here’s a look at the series:
Overall: TTU leads 86-80
Waco: BU leads 49-28
Away: TTU leads 54-26
Neutral Site: BU leads 5-4
Rodriguez vs: 2-5
First Meeting: 1928
Last Meeting: May 25, 2017
Pitching matchups
Game 1 – 6:35 p.m.
BU SP1: LHP Cody Bradford (2-1, 2.55 ERA)
TTU SP1: RHP Davis Martin (3-0, 2.00 ERA)
Game 2 – 2:05 p.m.
BU SP2: RHP Hayden Kettler (2-2, 2.13 ERA)
TTU SP2: RHP John McMillon (3-0, 3.43 ERA)
Game 3 – 1:05 p.m.
BU SP3: LHP Tyler Thomas (0-0, 0.68 ERA)
TTU SP3: TBA
Houston Strake Jesuit 2019 wide receiver Nathaniel Beal was brief but pretty clear.
Following his visit to Baylor’s first practice on Thursday, he called the experience great. Then when asked what he thought of Baylor, Beal said,
“My favorite’’
Beal wouldn’t comment on whether he was considering committing soon. However, it does appear that the coaching staff has made a strong enough connection to where Beal may pop at a time that’s right for all sides.
We’ll keep you posted.
The Topper – II
Since he was offered last month, Katy Seven Lakes linebacker David Gbenda has been on everybody’s must-have list. Gbenda found time Thursday to see Baylor for the first time as he attended the first practice.
“I like it a lot,’’ Gbenda said. “Baylor is a school that I would consider more highly than I thought.’’
There’s still a ways to go on this. Gbenda said he hasn’t planned out any official visits at this time.
Q&A – Patrick Lawrence
A post practice interview between the media and the Baylor senior offensive lineman.
It feels a lot better to have a little depth with us now. I take little breaks in practice. Before it felt like I was taking every rep. It’s awesome to see the development the guys have had so far like X and Ryan Miller and Henry, Jason Moore, and Elliott. They’re all getting tougher and bigger and stronger. They’re hitting plus-20 reps on the bench press and squatting over 500 pounds, and before they weren’t doing that.
That’s something we have to have as offensive linemen. Ryan Miller squatted 600 pounds this offseason. Seeing things like that boosts your confidence as an offensive line because we need it. Last year we didn’t get as much as we need in the initial thrust off the ball and I think that’ something we’re going to get a lot more of this year.
(How has quality gone up) In practice for sure. I think that will be huge for us in practice. Day 1 today I thought we took a lot of quality reps. We’ll be excited to put pads on and get more of that.
(Do you have to be leader) Yes. With Blackmar in the position he’s in right now, I think I’ve got to step up and be the senior I need to be. In the offensive line we got a lot of young guys and they need someone to look up to and someone with experience to help lead them.
I would definitely love to have them (injured guys) here to build chemistry. Blackmar has started for three years already and he’s had so much experience that maybe he needs a little break, I don’t know. It’s not like he’s going to decrease in his role as a leader just because he’s not playing this spring. He’s just taking injured guys into the indoor and they’re doing their own reps. He’s got young guys he’s working on there. It’s things like that. Everybody’s just doing their job trying to build as leaders.
On the field, Bell and Cochran are doing a great job. We have Coach Rhule over there with us too, so that’s awesome to have his experience. Coach DeLeone is an awesome resource to have off the field. He was just talking about how he coached Joe Thomas and the things he did before and after games for his body. Things like that are priceless.
(Coach Bell) I didn’t know Coach Bell much before. He was with the quarterbacks and I knew him, but we didn’t have much of a relationship. Over the past two months, we’ve developed a great relationship. We read to some elementary school kids and read some Dr. Seuss books together. He’s with us on the competition teams, so we’re out doing things like that together. We’re trying to win. You should follow us on Twitter BUbigs and keep up with us. He’s an awesome guy. He seems to know exactly what he’s talking about with the offensive line and pays a lot of attention to everything Coach DeLeone says. He’s doing a great job.
Coach Cochran is an awesome guy. The experience he brings he’s like a brother to us. He shows a lot of authority when he needs to. It’s awesome to see him step up more with Coach DeLeone to the side of the field. He can step up and do more coaching on his own and that’s fun to see too.
(Pressure on O-line) That’s something we’ve known since going on my fifth year. Every single year the pressure is on the offensive line to lead the team. I’ve gotten to watch tons of good players with Spencer Drango, Kyle Fuller, Jarell Broxton, Blake Muir, lots of people I’ve been able to see lead. We’re trying to do what they did and be the best we can be. It’s not more pressure on us. We just know what we have to do. I don’t think it’s a weighing thing on my shoulders.
I really believe that chapter has turned. We’re not going to be a 1-11 team next year. We’re going to go out and compete every game. I feel like we should win every game. We have the talent and now we have more depth. Not that we didn’t have a great senior class last year but we have another great senior class. We have a lot of numbers for our senior class with Ira, Blackmar, myself and a couple of transfer guys. Beard’s a senior now too and Jalen Hurd. As a team we’ve grown and I don’t think you’ll see the same results as last year.
We were in those games last year. They were close. I feel like we’ve grown as a team to push it to the next level and get those extra wins that we didn’t last year.
Christian Beard is a great player. He sat out last year and now he’s getting back into it. He’s playing right next to me at right guard and he’s doing a great job. He loves football and loves to compete. He’s a really strong and athletic guy. He’s really excited to be here at Baylor.
I’m excited to block for JaMycal Hasty and see what he can do. He showed a lot of potential last year in a couple of games. How he performed against Texas Tech really stood out for me. Things like that really motivates you as a player. You love blocking for someone who is going to fight for those extra yards, and JaMycal does that. He’s had an awesome offseason. He’s been kicking butt in all the drills.
(Body transformations across team) I think it’s been huge. I’ve put on 10 pounds and haven’t gained any fat. Throughout the team I’ve seen a lot of improvement. Malin’s up to over 300 pounds, Tech is a good 300 pounds. He’s had to put on a lot of weight and has done an awesome job too. Everyone has gotten so much stronger in the offseason. We sat down and had a meeting about the improvement with the numbers. I don’t think anyone hasn’t had an improvement.
(Do expect to be at level as some past players) It’s my goal. I want to be an all-Big 12 player. I want to play in the NFL. All those guys were all-Big 12 players and have played in the NFL and I hope to be there too.
Q&A – Ira Lewis
A post practice interview between the media and the Baylor senior defensive lineman.
It’s good getting back in the swing of things, getting the rust off. It’s fun getting back on the field with your guys and your brothers. So it’s a great feeling being out there.
(Coach Okam) He gets to the point. He brings a lot of new things that will definitely help us on the D-line. He’s a really good coach and will help us a lot moving forward.
(Going from Robinson to Okam) It wasn’t really much of a change. Both of those guys are kind of similar in some ways. They do things a little different. Coach Okam has a lot of things for us on the table. I’m really excited about the future.
I heard about him before. He also won the national championship, so he was a big-time player. We want to learn a lot from him. You think really highly of that guy. Anything he says it’s like he’s been through it. With his experience you just want to learn all the knowledge from him.
(Different from last spring) Now everybody knows what they need to do. Everybody is comfortable with each other and everybody understands from the mistakes of last year we need to move forward and be careful of the details, and everything we do is very important.
(Players coaching each other) I definitely need to be a vocal leader for the defense and this team. I can help bring a lot of young guys because they can stray off and do different things. We just got to move them along and keep doing things to improve and be in the film room and study, and do the little things that we all need to do and we’ll all become that much better.
My expectation for the D-line is to be the best unit in the Big 12 and the best in the nation. We certainly have the talent, so we have to get there with details, and Coach Okam is going to lead us there.
I’ve definitely lost some body fat with the help of our coaching staff. I feel like now I’m more knowledgeable about the game and I understand more things on the field, so I can play that much faster.
It took me some time to get used to it but the coaches aren’t going to tell us anything wrong. So whatever they say I know is best, and moving forward I feel my body has changed, and a lot of other people on the team their body has changed. I think it’s for the better.
(Defense played better last month of the season) It makes a huge difference. Everybody has more confidence in themselves and what they’re doing, and everybody listens to details and being in the film room we understand the details better. We’re going to be that much better of a unit.
Closing the gap?
It’s widely believed in recruiting circles that Texas Tech is the early leader for San Antonio Jay 2019 quarterback Jacob Zeno. However, Thursday’s visit helped Baylor in the best way.
It does sound like the coaching staff continues to do all the right things, say all the right things and present the program in a way that connects to Zeno. At the very least, the Bears remain firmly placed in the Top 3.
As for the recent Georgia offer, that doesn’t seem to be making the impact at this point. Keep in mind there’s a logjam at quarterback in Athens. Baylor is in need of QBs. Don’t be surprised if the Bears take two in 2019.
Zeno is going to the Houston Rivals event Saturday at C.E. King High School. He no plans to visit any other schools at this time.
QB will travel
While he is the second QB recruited for the 2018 class, Baylor is getting Rowlett’s Preston Weeks as ready as possible before he arrives in June.
Weeks said he plans to visit for Saturday’s practice and will attend all of the meetings. Obviously, he can’t go through practices. He has to be a sponge.
“They want me to come down as much as I can,’’ Weeks said. “I’ve been doing a lot of work with what they like to do. I’m trying to do whatever I can to help.’’
Weeks committed to Baylor in early February as a preferred walk on. There is a chance that could become a scholarship if everything goes as he would hope. That’s likely going to happen after the 2018. But that’s not set in stone either. Doing the little things like he is doing can go a long way to accelerate the timeline.
“Obviously, it’s a very important position for this offense,’’ Weeks said. “It’s definitely based on mental ability more than the athletic ability and arm ability.’’
Mangham will listen
All Baylor wanted from 2019 Rivals No. 215 Jaren Mangham was a chance for him to see what the program had to offer.
Once the one-time Houston native, who is now living in Detroit and attending Cass Tech, found a window to visit Baylor during a recent trip to Texas, it became time well spent. At this point, the Bears are in the running. Time will tell where how it unfolds.
“I have a lot of interest in Baylor,’’ Mangham said. “I’ve been talking to the whole staff to be honest. I thought Baylor was very nice. What I learned was the coaching staff is building something real special there and are committed to being on top of the Big 12.’’
The offer list is long and winding. But the big running back does have an affinity for potentially returning to Texas. His mother ran track at Texas A&M. That would put the Aggies at or near the top.
Mangham is definitely a load to deal with on the field with his size. He’s a bruising back, the kind that Matt Rhule has been searching for to fit his offense. However, Mangham takes pride in his receiving skills. Baylor has also kept pace in the facilities war.
“The treatment room and stadium were crazy,’’ Mangham said. “I think I would fit in great I'm a bigger back that can run and have soft hands like a receiver.’’
In the spring of 2017, he was recorded at 4.6 in the 40 and owning a 34 in the vertical. He anticipates surpassing those this year.
Mangham said he plans on narrowing his list of schools he is considering and making official visit plans over the next two months.
It’s Snow(ing) on Saturday
Hebron 2020 defensive back Darius Snow is up to nine offers. Who knows how long that list will grow. Eventually, he will become a national recruit.
What he does know is that he returning to Waco to watch Baylor’s second spring practice. He will take a couple of teammates with him in Carson Frank and Jaylon Lott (2020 RB, 6-0, 175).
“The main thing I want to see is how the coaches work with the players and tour the facilities,’’ Snow said. “I’m not surprised [that Baylor is recruiting me this hard]. I knew they had what it took.’’
Snowing is an excellent position because he already holds offers from Alabama, Georgia, Michigan State, Texas and Texas A&M. However, a lot can happen. Proximity works in Baylor’s favor since Snow can make the quick drive from the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
He plans on spending a lot time with defensive backs coach Fran Brown.
“They’re coaching staff is top tier, and they haven’t failed to show me that,’’ Snow said. “So it’s mostly the staff that keeps them in contention. Love what they’re pitching. I'm excited to see what they can accomplish now.’’
Baseball: vs. No. 8 Texas Tech
Baylor (8-6) opens Big 12 play Friday-Sunday against the reigning conference co-Champion Red Raiders (16-3) at Baylor Ballpark.
Here’s a look at the series:
Overall: TTU leads 86-80
Waco: BU leads 49-28
Away: TTU leads 54-26
Neutral Site: BU leads 5-4
Rodriguez vs: 2-5
First Meeting: 1928
Last Meeting: May 25, 2017
Pitching matchups
Game 1 – 6:35 p.m.
BU SP1: LHP Cody Bradford (2-1, 2.55 ERA)
TTU SP1: RHP Davis Martin (3-0, 2.00 ERA)
Game 2 – 2:05 p.m.
BU SP2: RHP Hayden Kettler (2-2, 2.13 ERA)
TTU SP2: RHP John McMillon (3-0, 3.43 ERA)
Game 3 – 1:05 p.m.
BU SP3: LHP Tyler Thomas (0-0, 0.68 ERA)
TTU SP3: TBA
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