NOTE: The content on the Baylor Blitz is solely meant for the subscribers of SicEmSports. Let's all please make sure that whatever is written here stays here. We appreciate you all helping us with this. Now, let's all take a look at Baylor recruiting and what else is going on involving the Bears.
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Baylor-Oklahoma visitors
The following is a list of recruits who have told SicEmSports they plan to attend Baylor’s 7:00 p.m. Saturday against Oklahoma. This list is subject to change
> Mark Jackson, DE, Cibolo Steele (2016 Baylor offer; Texas A&M commit)
>Toneil Carter, RB, Houston Langham Creek (2017 Baylor offer)
> Robert Barnes, S, SL Carroll (2017 Baylor offer; OU commit)
> Donovan Duvernay, DB, Sachse (2016 Baylor commit)
> Devin Duvernay, WR, Sachse (2016 Baylor offer)
> Marvin Wilson, DT, Houston Episcopal (2017 Baylor offer; Nation's No. 1 player)
> Jordan Elliott, DT, Houston Westside -- Tweeted he's coming (2016 Baylor offer)
> Shyheim Carter, Ath, Kenwood, LA – (2016 Baylor offer)
> Anthony Hines III, LB, Plano East )2017 Baylor offer)
> D’Torian Smith, DE, Tatum (2017 Baylor interest)
> Darrell Simpson, OL, Justin Northwest – The 2018 recruit who has everybody’s attention
> Baron Browning, LB, Kennedale – We think he’s coming (2017 Baylor commitment)
> JaMarcus King, LB, Coffeyville C.C. (2016 Baylor offer)
> Tyree Horton, LB, Highland C.C. (2016 Baylor offer)
> Hezekiah Jones, WR, Stafford (2017 Baylor commit)
> Raleigh Texada, DB, Frisco Centennial (2016 Baylor commit)
> J.P. Urquidez, OL, Copperas Cove (2016 Baylor commit)
> Tren’Davian Dickson, WR, Navasota (2016 Baylor commit)
> Omar Manning, WR, Lancaster (2017 Baylor interest)
> Treston Price, DT, Lancaster (2017 Baylor interest)
> Cartrell Thomas, WR, Lancaster (2017 Baylor interest)
> Levi Onwuzurike, DE, Allen (2016 Baylor offer) -- This is an official visit
> Denzel Mims, Ath, Daingerfield (2016 Baylor commit)
> Chris Miller, S, Frisco Lone Star (2016 Baylor commit)
> Kaegun Williams, RB, Cedar Hill (2017 Baylor interest)
> Donovan Stiner, S, Houston Bellaire (2017 Baylor commit)
> Jhamon Ausbon, WR, Houston St. Thomas (2017 Baylor commit)
> Kenan Ivy, S, Lancaster (2017 Baylor commit)
> Micheal Johnson, DE, Fort Bend Hightower (2016 Baylor commit)
> Devin Morris, Ath, Caldwell (2017 Caldwell interest)
> K.D. Nixon, Ath/WR, DeSoto (2017 Baylor interest)
> Rajah Preciado, S, College Station (2016 Baylor commit)
> Patrick Hudson, OL, Silsbee (2016 Baylor commit)
> Kameron Martin, RB, Port Arthur Memorial (2016 Baylor commit)
> Kary Vincent, Jr., DB. Port Arthur Memorial (2017 Baylor offer)
> Grayland Arnold, DB, Kountze (2016 Baylor commit)
> Zach Smith, QB, Grandview (2016 Baylor commit)
> Deonte Williams, LB, Plano Prestonwood (2016 Baylor commit)
> Kellen Mond, QB, San Antonio Reagan (2017 Baylor commit)
>Tyler Natee, Ath, Euless Trinity (2016 Baylor interest)
Notable: The count going into the publication of the blitz is 39 recruits who have told us they plan to attend Saturday. As we mentioned, this is arguably the greatest collection of talent the Baylor has ever had come to the campus for a visit for any game….a reminder that Devin Duvernay’s visit is unofficial…with Mark Jackson arriving, it does give the impression that he’s willing to list to Baylor a little more. It also gives credence to earlier reports that Jackson has left the door open…we believe Trophy Club Byron Nelson DE Brandon Bowen will be coming. We just don’t have that confirmed but will work to try and get that before the game kicks off….would not anticipate a commitment from this weekend as several prospects remain in playoff mode. What it does do is put Baylor in a better position….we did check to see if DeSoto QB and Ohio State commit Tristan Wallace was considering a visit but were told no. Also, 2017 offensive lineman Walker Little Cy Fair 2017 offensive lineman Austin Deculus do not plan to attend…Deonte Williams will be cutting it close because Prestonwood plays its TAPPS playoff game at 2:00 p.m....we now have some back on forth on Shyheim Carter. So we'll see.
-Kevin Lonnquist
Baylor returns to East Texas
Tatum 2017 defensive end D’Torian Smith (6-3, 230) began talking with Baylor defensive line coach Chris Achuff back in September. But he’s never met him in person.
But the interest sparked because the film didn’t lie.
A great first step coupled by shifty hips and aggressive hands, Smith will make his first appearance at Baylor for Saturday’s national prime time game against Oklahoma at McLane Stadium. He will also have his first face-to-face meeting with Achuff.
“I think in the short amount of period of time, coach Achuff established a pretty solid relationship,’’ Smith said. “[Our relationship] is pretty dynamic. I can see where he stands with recruiting me. I can’t wait to meet him in person.’’
Tatum, a Class 4A school, had a rough 2015 at 0-10. However, Smith put together a pretty impressive season. He collected 11 sacks and forced three fumbles. When he’s watching the game, Achuff advised him to watch how the defensive tackles and defensive ends work.
To no one’s surprise, Smith’s name is starting to reach more circles. He said he has also been talking with Oklahoma State, Houston and Texas State. That list should expand.
Whether or not Baylor offers is another matter. Time will allow that storyline to play itself out. It shouldn’t be long before somebody does. If it’s not now, the chances of him gaining attention in the spring should proliferate.
“Education is everything, and I know that Baylor has a great education system,’’ Smith said. “As far as sports go, who doesn’t know about the reputation they maintain. I could see myself there not only playing but getting one of the best educations in the country.’’
-Kevin Lonnquist
Football notables
>For the most part, Baylor coaches have limited the amount of work junior NT Andrew Billings has gone through this week due to the lingering effects of his sprained ankle. However, Billings is expected to proceed as normal to start against the Sooners. From what it appears, it’s going to be a series to series evaluation of how he can move and cut on the snap.
>How likely is it that junior wide receiver and Heisman and Biletnikoff candidate Corey Coleman will declare for the NFL draft in January? One source believes that it’s in excess of 90 percent that Coleman will forego his senior year.
Already at 1,178 yards and a FBS-best 20 touchdown receptions, the word is Coleman’s leadership has been more than what the Baylor coaches had anticipated. He’s pretty much put the rest of the team on his back with his work ethic and diligent preparation between games.
This should come as no surprise but we’re hearing that agents and financial advisors have started to reach out to Coleman in preparation for the decision.
>In another move that could be made for the spring 2016, the talk of switching Davion Hall to safety continues to gain traction. With only five (maybe six) games remaining in the 2015 season, it’s probably a little too late to do that.
We’re hearing that Baylor head coach Art Briles is reluctant to make the move at this time. That could be because of the way the roster and two-deeps are set. Hall is already listed as one of the starting inside wide receivers. He has caught four passes for 55 yards.
Just keep in mind that when Baylor recruited Hall out of Texarkana Liberty-Eylau, the coaching staff assured him that it wanted him at wide receiver. Baylor has lived up to that promise. But given the potential of the 2016 recruiting class, the number of the wide receivers on the current roster and what’s lacking in the secondary in 2016, this is an offseason move to monitor.
-Kevin Lonnquist
MBB: Baylor 2015-16 Preview
The sting of the last-second second round 57-56 loss to Georgia State in the second round of the NCAA tournament remains but it’s also history.
There’s nothing like a new season to fuel optimism that March Madness could translate to bigger accomplishments.
Baylor’s 2015-16 squad features a group that provides some scoring options from the wings but will need efficiency from its guards. Picked to finish fifth in the Big 12 and ranked No. 21/22 in the coaches and AP poll, head coach Scott Drew’s team opens the season against Stephen F. Austin at 8:00 p.m. Friday at the Ferrell Center.
The Bears (24-10, 11-7 Big 12) return three starters from the squad that played for the Big 12 championship. That includes Big 12 6th man of the year in senior forward Taurean Prince (13.9 ppg, 5.6 rpg), senior forward Rico Gathers (11.6 ppg, 11.6 rpg) and senior point guard Lester Medford (7.6 ppg, 3.1 rpg).
Drew, who is beginning his 13th season in Waco, has a team should be pretty flexible offensively but needs younger players to make contributions when the Bears deploy their patented 1-3-1 zone.
Here’s a look at several of the key players
Rico Gathers, Sr. F (6-8, 275) – He’s moved forward from his offseason shoplifting arrest and is expected to either duplicate or come close to the rebounding numbers he put together in 2014-15. Gathers has a knack for locating the basketball around the goal. He’s not the most proficient scorer. But he if cleans up enough, that will help. Gathers will play in the opener.
Taurean Prince, Sr. G/F (6-8, 220) – Whether it’s from beyond the arc or driving to the goal, prince knows how to take it to fill up the net. He was great coming off the bench as Baylor’s first option. The adjustment he will make from starting should be one of the subplots to watch.
Lester Medford, Sr. G (5-10, 175) – It’s fair to say that Medford was inconsistent in 2014-15. Sometimes, stat lines reveal an equal number of turnovers to assists. Point guards simply can’t do that. They must be in the heavy plus side. Medford is the most experienced ball handler on the floor. His game must stake a step forward.
Key contributors
Johnathan Motley, So. F (6-9, 230) – The good news is that Motley has added about 20-30 pounds to his frame and should be more of factor around the basket, in the paint and blocking shots. There needs to be an improvement in his offensive game. Like any freshman, there were times where he was really comfortable with his scoring. But he felt the rigors of the Big 12 season and pretty much was no factor.
Al Freeman, So. G (6-3, 200) – If there was a player whom the coaching staff needed to make a big jump, it’s Freeman. Freeman showed glimpses of a quality ball handler who was pretty tough when the game got into the open floor. However, he was also a little pedestrian in certain games. Baylor needs all the help it can get with running the offense. Freeman must be a part of it.
Ish Wainwright, Jr., G (6-5, 228) – Don’t worry about what the Baylor prospectus shows, Wainwright has dropped some weight and came through with a great offseason camp. Baylor doesn’t need him to score. But it needs him to fight for loose balls and collect a rebound here and there to keep possessions going.
Terry Maston, So, F (6-7, 215) – He saw some spot duty in 2014-15. But if Baylor is going to develop its bench, Maston has to be one of them. Maston came to Baylor as a very tenacious rebounder. Baylor is going to need him to add some size in the block. If he can score 4-7 points per game, Drew’s staff will take that.
2015 Recruiting class: There is nothing stopping true freshman King McClure (heart ailment) right away from contributing immediately. Like most freshman, it may take until the Big 12 season before Drew really knows what it can expect from him….freshman guard Jake Lindsey may or not may not redshirt. Time will tell. JUCO center Jo Acuil is out until at least December because of his heart ailment…Miami (FL) transfer Manu Lecomte must sit out for this season because of transfer rules…look for guard Wendell Mitchell to redshirt.
2015-16 season schedule: Following a solid test with SFA, the Bears travel Monday to play a very tough Oregon squad. The Ducks under Dana Altman have a team that advanced to the NCAA tournament in 2014-15….the rest of the non-conference has mostly guarantee win chances. But there is a Dec. 6 home game against Vanderbilt, a team under Kevin Stallings that is usually a postseason squad, followed by a Dec. 19 trip to College Station to play at Texas A&M. This is the return game of the home-and-home series. The final game is Jan. 30 against Georgia at the Ferrell Center in the Big 12-SEC Challenge. Under Mark Fox, the Bulldogs advance to the NCAA tournament…the Big 12 season begins Jan. 2 at Kansas…the Big 12 home opener is Jan. 5 against Oklahoma State…games against Texas are scheduled for Feb. 1 in Waco (Big Monday) and Feb. 20 in Austin….conference road travel isn’t too demanding except for Feb. 6 at West Virginia and Feb. 10 at Kansas State…the regular season concludes March 5 against West Virginia in the Ferrell Center….the Big 12 postseason tournament is slated for March 9-12 in Kansas City.
Prediction: There are still concerns about the amount of quality guard play with this team. I believe Freeman can make an impact. He needs to in order to help Medford. McClure can be the wild card. If he makes the transition, then Baylor’s guard play should be fine. Motley must take the next step to be consistent. I see a bench that may go three at the maximum. It’s likely that it will be two. But my belief is that Baylor finishes fourth in the Big 12, advances to the conference tournament semifinals and the first weekend of the NCAA tournament. It’s a team that’s good enough to reach the Sweet 16. But it will depend on matchups.
-Kevin Lonnquist
Big 12 Weekend
A look at Saturday’s games for Nov. 14. All times are central with TV listings provided.
Texas (4-5, 3-3) at West Virginia (4-4, 1-4); 11:00 a.m. Milan-Puskar Stadium, Morgantown, W VA (ESPNU) – Series: Tied, 2-2 – When the Longhorns have left Austin, they haven’t been very good. Their offense has disappeared. They’ve scored three, seven and zero points in true road games. West Virginia QB Skyler Howard appears to have regressed. However, West Virginia’s defense continues a consistent trend.
Kansas (0-9, 0-6) at No. 15 TCU (8-1, 5-1); 11:00 a.m. Amon Carter Stadium, Fort Worth (FOX Sports 1) – Series: TCU leads, 8-4 – The Horned Frogs return from a tough 49-29 loss at Oklahoma State without the services of WR Josh Doctson (wrist). It’s not clear if Doctson has been ruled out for the season or not. That said, the Horned Frogs should look to get well against the Jayhawks who haven’t played any Big 12 opponent to within two scores this year.
Kansas State (3-5, 0-5) at Texas Tech (5-5, 2-5); 2:30 p.m. AT&T Jones Stadium, Lubbock (FOX Sports 1) – Series: Kansas State leads, 8-7 – This is senior day for the Red Raiders. It’s also the fourth consecutive attempt for this program to become bowl eligible. Tech rushing defense (273.6, 10th in the Big 12) continues to be a problem. However, Kansas State is still last in the league in total offense at 329.0 yards per game.
No. 8 Oklahoma State (9-0, 6-0) at Iowa State (3-6, 2-5); 2:30 p.m. Jack Trice Stadium, Ames, IA (ESPN) – Series: Oklahoma State leads, 28-18-3 – Experts will be looking at the Cowboys emotionally following their big win over TCU last week. Led by Emmanuel Ogbah and Darrion Daniels, this OSU front is one of the best in the league. Iowa State needs to have redshirt freshman RB Mike Warren (997 yards) take care of the football.
No. 12 Oklahoma (8-1, 5-1) at No. 6 Baylor (8-0, 5-0); 7:00 p.m. McLane Stadium, Waco (ABC) – Series: Oklahoma leads, 21-3 – One key stat for the Sooners: They have allowed only nine total return yards on punts. One key stat for the Bears: They are last in the Big 12 in average time of possession 25:32.
-SicEmSports
Big 12 Power Ratings
Each week, SicEmSports unveils the league ratings. The rankings are done in accordance of what happened in the prior week. Thursday games going into the forthcoming week are not taken into account. Agree or disagree, this makes for water cooler talk.
1. Baylor – The Bears are in the top spot until they are removed
2. Oklahoma State – Must avoid a flat spot at Iowa State
3. Oklahoma – Sooner running game will test the Bears
4. TCU – If he isn’t out for the year, how effective can WR Josh Doctson (wrist) be?
5. West Virginia – Really need the running game to carry the offense
6. Texas – Need to win two of the last three to become bowl eligible
7. Texas Tech – It’s a really undisciplined team
8. Iowa State – DE Dale Pierson having an all-Big 12 year (7.5 sacks, 11 TFL)
9. Kansas State – The state of Kansas has no conference wins
10, Kansas – Coaches ready to hit the recruiting road in December
-Kevin Lonnquist
Lady Bears open 2015-16
Just a quick preview on Kim Mulkey’s team. They open the 2015-16 season at 6:00 p.m. Friday at the Ferrell Center against UT-Arlington.
This team returns three starters and five other letter winners from the Big 12 regular season and conference tournament championship squad (BU has won five consecutive conference titles). In 2014-15 Baylor finished 33-4 and fell to national finalist Notre Dame, 77-68, in the Elite 8 (Oklahoma City Regional)
Reigning Big 12 player of the year, forward Nina Davis, averaged 21.1 points and 8.3 rebounds. Davis is followed by point guard Niya Johnson who averaged 8.9 assists per game. The Lady Bears are favored to repeat as Big 12 champions and are ranked No. 5/5 in the preseason polls.
Some of their signature non-conference games will be the Junkanoo Jam in the Bahamas over Thanksgiving weekend and then the Florida Sunshine Classic in Winter Park the weekend before Christmas. Big 12 play opens against Dec. 30 at Oklahoma State. The Big 12 tournament is scheduled for March 4-7 in Oklahoma City.
Should Kim Mulkey’s team play to those expectations, expect Baylor to host the first and second rounds of the NCAA tournament at the Ferrell Center
-SicEmSports
Emptying the notebook
>In case you were wondering, Baylor and Texas Tech have the agreement to continue their series at AT&T Stadium in Arlington through 2018. There are no discussions presently to extend the series beyond that.
>We do expect unofficial basketball visitors for the weekend. But those should be under classmen. We’ll keep you posted on the names.
>Unless something drastically changes, do no look for Waco High DB Eric Cuffee to be in the mix with Baylor. Not long ago, Cuffee left Baylor out of his Top 5. He is not expected to be in attendance Saturday at McLane Stadium.
>On again and now off again – Rivals No. 18 prospect TE Isaac Nauta said Thursday he will not visit Baylor.
-SicEmSports
