By Kevin Lonnquist
Publisher
The Topper
>Obviously, if something happens regarding the status of Baylor Baseball head coach Steve Rodriguez we’ll pass along. One thing to point out is if a move is made, don’t expect the timeframe to name a replacement to be within days. A possible successor is likely still in the middle of his season. The NCAA postseason begins next weekend followed by the Super Regionals June 9-12.
>The official visit list that we provided on the other thread is up to date at this point from what I understand. Of course, the staff is working toward trying to convince others to take their official visits for June. It’s a work in progress. Marlin 2023 LB Derion Gullette is one of those considering a Baylor OV. Nothing definitive yet.
>With the fact that Frisco Lone Star 4-star defensive back Jaylon Braxton has changed his official date with Baylor from June 17-19 to Penn State and will visit whenever the time is right, probably is not the best thing for the Bears as far as they are concerned. It’s known that his favorites are Alabama, LSU and Oklahoma in no particular order. Should the Bears land an official visit, it likely will be in December… presuming he doesn’t commit before then.
Crawford willing to listen
Rivals No. 169 Isaiah Crawford said he at least owes it to himself. The Post 2023 edge said that while he has been committed to Texas Tech since before Thanksgiving 2021, he wants to give Baylor another look.
The Texas No. 29 rated recruit has scheduled his official visit to Baylor for June 24-26. Between the Bears and Texas Tech, there are no other official visits scheduled. Crawford is looking at a another official visit to Colorado but nothing else has been set.
“Just keeping my eyes open,’’ he said. “Maybe something will change my mind.’’
You’ll remember that Crawford committed to Baylor back in June of 2021. He held that commitment through the early part of November until Joey McGuire and James Blanchard has moved from Waco to join the staff at Texas Tech. It’s McGuire’s first Division I head coaching assignment.
Crawford soon flipped from the Bears to the Red Raiders. Now, Baylor wants to see if there’s a chance to lure him back to Waco.
“I’ve been talking to Coach [Aaron] Hunt, and it’s been good,’’ Crawford said. “He still shows that Baylor still has a lot of interest in me. But also Tech has done a great job keeping me there.’’
Crawford enjoyed a tremendous 2021 season in which he collected 88 tackles (16 solos) and led the team with six sacks along with a couple of defended passes.
Sometimes when it comes to recruiting, it’s about knowing what you’re saying no to. Maybe it doesn’t. But Crawford said it was a family decision to give Baylor another look.
“My mom and I discussed it,’’ Crawford said. “She wants me to take my officials to experience more and see my options. It’ll be a great experience for sure. My mom hasn’t been out to see the campus, so it’ll be great for her too.’’
Of course, Baylor has some ground to make up here. It’s going to take some serious work by the staff to overcome the lead built by Texas Tech. The good news is that the Bears still have time on their side.
Rising 2023 considers Baylor
One of the anticipated summer risers in the rankings out of the state of Texas, Houston Kinkaid athlete has been fielding interest from some of the top programs in the country heading into a busy visit season.
Micah Bell
The recruiting buzz comes on the heels of a huge track season where he won four state championships in the 100m (10.46), 200m (20.89), long jump (24-feet-5.25-inches) and the 4x100 relay, while placing second in the triple jump (45-feet-9.5-inches).
"I PR'ed in every single event that I did individually and for the 4x100 team event too," Bell said. "Set a couple school records and a couple conference records, so it was cool."
Bell is gearing up for a busy summer that will start with him taking an official visit to Notre Dame on June 17-19 where Marcus Freeman and cornerbacks coach Mike Mickens have made strong impressions.
"I'm talking to Coach Mickens, Coach Freeman," he said. "They're all real cool people. Looking forward to seeing everything, the campus, players and see what they have to offer in general."
Bell will potentially visit Stanford shortly after his trip to South Bend as the Cardinal have been able to make a strong pitch with their academics.
"I think it's a good school, a great academic school," he said. "They usually have a good football program so it's the best of both worlds."
As for in-state schools, Texas and Baylor remain in heavy contact behind running backs coach Tashard Choice at Texas and cornerbacks coach Kevin Curtis at Baylor.
At Texas, the pitch is for Bell to potentially play a lot of different positions on both sides of the ball.
"Great connections," he said. "Usually when they're good, they have a great football team and great support from the fans. It's a cool vibe and it's in Texas where I'm from."
Coming off its first Big 12 Championship since 2014, Baylor continues to push for the in-state playmaker.
"I love Coach Curtis from Baylor," he said. "He's talking about how I could get down there at Baylor and what he needs to do to go to Baylor. That's what we talk about every time."
While academics are a big part of his decision, NFL development will also majorly factor into Bell's decision.
"Number-one, I want to be in the league," he said. "But if that doesn't happen, I want to be set for life. My main goal is the league."
At 5-foot-11, 165 pounds, Bell is the No. 84 ranked recruit in the state of Texas, according to Rivals.
-Nick Harris
MBB: Walter ready to see Baylor
Currently the No. 34 prospect in the Rivals150,
Ja’Kobe Walter
has spent the spring making a case to jump up the rankings and will likely do so next month. The guard is also nearing a college decision and plans to announce it before the summer gives way to fall.
He has one, final visit to take before he does so, however, and Baylor will be on the receiving end of it. Below, Walter discusses the final days of his recruitment and where things stand as they relate to his impending decision.
*****
ON VISITS
“I don’t know the official date right now, but I know I have an official visit to Baylor coming up. That’s the only one.”
ON BAYLOR
“They were my first offer, so we have a really strong, great relationship. They have just been telling me how perfectly I fit in with their culture there. They think I’m a great fit with the defense and the offense. They really think they can develop me.”
ON WHAT STANDS OUT ABOUT SCOTT DREW’S PROGRAM
“I’ve been watching them the past few seasons, especially after they won that championship. It’s easy to see the development they have with their guards.”
ON THE COACH HE CLOSEST WITH
“[Baylor assistant Alvin] Brooks. He’s an overall cool dude. It’s not only just basketball with him. We talk about anything. Actually, it’s mostly everything besides basketball.”
ON POSSIBLE OTHER VISITS
“I wanted to visit UCLA, but we never set a date. I want to have my decision over by the end of the summer, so I don't think I’m going to be taking any more visits after Baylor.”
ON OTHER SCHOOLS IN THE MIX
“Officially, I’ve visited Alabama, Texas and Auburn. My Texas visit actually went really well. Coach [Chris] Beard is always telling me that I’ve been a priority from day one. He says he thinks I’m the best player not only in the state, but in the county.”
ON STAYING CLOSE TO HOME FOR COLLEGE
“I don’t really care about it to the point that I'm going to base my decision on it, but if I'm close to home that’s good.”
RIVALS' REACTION
Walter hasn't named a leader, but all signs suggest Baylor has positioned itself well. The Texas-based guard has long had a strong relationship with the Bears’ staff, and his final visit will be to Waco.
Texas and Alabama seem like the main threats to steal his pledge, but Scott Drew and company have to feel good about where they stand as the four-star prospect heads down the backstretch of his recruitment.
-Rob Cassidy
Publisher
The Topper
>Obviously, if something happens regarding the status of Baylor Baseball head coach Steve Rodriguez we’ll pass along. One thing to point out is if a move is made, don’t expect the timeframe to name a replacement to be within days. A possible successor is likely still in the middle of his season. The NCAA postseason begins next weekend followed by the Super Regionals June 9-12.
>The official visit list that we provided on the other thread is up to date at this point from what I understand. Of course, the staff is working toward trying to convince others to take their official visits for June. It’s a work in progress. Marlin 2023 LB Derion Gullette is one of those considering a Baylor OV. Nothing definitive yet.
>With the fact that Frisco Lone Star 4-star defensive back Jaylon Braxton has changed his official date with Baylor from June 17-19 to Penn State and will visit whenever the time is right, probably is not the best thing for the Bears as far as they are concerned. It’s known that his favorites are Alabama, LSU and Oklahoma in no particular order. Should the Bears land an official visit, it likely will be in December… presuming he doesn’t commit before then.
Crawford willing to listen
Rivals No. 169 Isaiah Crawford said he at least owes it to himself. The Post 2023 edge said that while he has been committed to Texas Tech since before Thanksgiving 2021, he wants to give Baylor another look.
The Texas No. 29 rated recruit has scheduled his official visit to Baylor for June 24-26. Between the Bears and Texas Tech, there are no other official visits scheduled. Crawford is looking at a another official visit to Colorado but nothing else has been set.
“Just keeping my eyes open,’’ he said. “Maybe something will change my mind.’’
You’ll remember that Crawford committed to Baylor back in June of 2021. He held that commitment through the early part of November until Joey McGuire and James Blanchard has moved from Waco to join the staff at Texas Tech. It’s McGuire’s first Division I head coaching assignment.
Crawford soon flipped from the Bears to the Red Raiders. Now, Baylor wants to see if there’s a chance to lure him back to Waco.
“I’ve been talking to Coach [Aaron] Hunt, and it’s been good,’’ Crawford said. “He still shows that Baylor still has a lot of interest in me. But also Tech has done a great job keeping me there.’’
Crawford enjoyed a tremendous 2021 season in which he collected 88 tackles (16 solos) and led the team with six sacks along with a couple of defended passes.
Sometimes when it comes to recruiting, it’s about knowing what you’re saying no to. Maybe it doesn’t. But Crawford said it was a family decision to give Baylor another look.
“My mom and I discussed it,’’ Crawford said. “She wants me to take my officials to experience more and see my options. It’ll be a great experience for sure. My mom hasn’t been out to see the campus, so it’ll be great for her too.’’
Of course, Baylor has some ground to make up here. It’s going to take some serious work by the staff to overcome the lead built by Texas Tech. The good news is that the Bears still have time on their side.
Rising 2023 considers Baylor
One of the anticipated summer risers in the rankings out of the state of Texas, Houston Kinkaid athlete has been fielding interest from some of the top programs in the country heading into a busy visit season.
Micah Bell
The recruiting buzz comes on the heels of a huge track season where he won four state championships in the 100m (10.46), 200m (20.89), long jump (24-feet-5.25-inches) and the 4x100 relay, while placing second in the triple jump (45-feet-9.5-inches).
"I PR'ed in every single event that I did individually and for the 4x100 team event too," Bell said. "Set a couple school records and a couple conference records, so it was cool."
Bell is gearing up for a busy summer that will start with him taking an official visit to Notre Dame on June 17-19 where Marcus Freeman and cornerbacks coach Mike Mickens have made strong impressions.
"I'm talking to Coach Mickens, Coach Freeman," he said. "They're all real cool people. Looking forward to seeing everything, the campus, players and see what they have to offer in general."
Bell will potentially visit Stanford shortly after his trip to South Bend as the Cardinal have been able to make a strong pitch with their academics.
"I think it's a good school, a great academic school," he said. "They usually have a good football program so it's the best of both worlds."
As for in-state schools, Texas and Baylor remain in heavy contact behind running backs coach Tashard Choice at Texas and cornerbacks coach Kevin Curtis at Baylor.
At Texas, the pitch is for Bell to potentially play a lot of different positions on both sides of the ball.
"Great connections," he said. "Usually when they're good, they have a great football team and great support from the fans. It's a cool vibe and it's in Texas where I'm from."
Coming off its first Big 12 Championship since 2014, Baylor continues to push for the in-state playmaker.
"I love Coach Curtis from Baylor," he said. "He's talking about how I could get down there at Baylor and what he needs to do to go to Baylor. That's what we talk about every time."
While academics are a big part of his decision, NFL development will also majorly factor into Bell's decision.
"Number-one, I want to be in the league," he said. "But if that doesn't happen, I want to be set for life. My main goal is the league."
At 5-foot-11, 165 pounds, Bell is the No. 84 ranked recruit in the state of Texas, according to Rivals.
-Nick Harris
MBB: Walter ready to see Baylor
Currently the No. 34 prospect in the Rivals150,
Ja’Kobe Walter
has spent the spring making a case to jump up the rankings and will likely do so next month. The guard is also nearing a college decision and plans to announce it before the summer gives way to fall.
He has one, final visit to take before he does so, however, and Baylor will be on the receiving end of it. Below, Walter discusses the final days of his recruitment and where things stand as they relate to his impending decision.
*****
ON VISITS
“I don’t know the official date right now, but I know I have an official visit to Baylor coming up. That’s the only one.”
ON BAYLOR
“They were my first offer, so we have a really strong, great relationship. They have just been telling me how perfectly I fit in with their culture there. They think I’m a great fit with the defense and the offense. They really think they can develop me.”
ON WHAT STANDS OUT ABOUT SCOTT DREW’S PROGRAM
“I’ve been watching them the past few seasons, especially after they won that championship. It’s easy to see the development they have with their guards.”
ON THE COACH HE CLOSEST WITH
“[Baylor assistant Alvin] Brooks. He’s an overall cool dude. It’s not only just basketball with him. We talk about anything. Actually, it’s mostly everything besides basketball.”
ON POSSIBLE OTHER VISITS
“I wanted to visit UCLA, but we never set a date. I want to have my decision over by the end of the summer, so I don't think I’m going to be taking any more visits after Baylor.”
ON OTHER SCHOOLS IN THE MIX
“Officially, I’ve visited Alabama, Texas and Auburn. My Texas visit actually went really well. Coach [Chris] Beard is always telling me that I’ve been a priority from day one. He says he thinks I’m the best player not only in the state, but in the county.”
ON STAYING CLOSE TO HOME FOR COLLEGE
“I don’t really care about it to the point that I'm going to base my decision on it, but if I'm close to home that’s good.”
RIVALS' REACTION
Walter hasn't named a leader, but all signs suggest Baylor has positioned itself well. The Texas-based guard has long had a strong relationship with the Bears’ staff, and his final visit will be to Waco.
Texas and Alabama seem like the main threats to steal his pledge, but Scott Drew and company have to feel good about where they stand as the four-star prospect heads down the backstretch of his recruitment.
-Rob Cassidy
