By Kevin Lonnquist
Publisher
The Topper
What was expected became official on Thursday. The NCAA Division I Council voted to extend the dead period through April 15, 2021. That means players – unless a visit is led by them – cannot visit a school of interest. Plus, college football programs cannot host any visitors. There will be no official visits in December or in January.
The voted extended the current dead through Jan. 1. If the dead period is lifted by April 15, time will tell if college football programs will wait to hold spring football (provided they can even conduct it) until after then.
Central Texas 2022 Playmaker
Killeen Shoemaker 2022 athlete Omari Evans is one of those talents where it can go anywhere on the field.
He’s making his presence known in recruiting circles in the secondary for the Wolves who are trying to advance to the Class 6A Division II playoffs. It’s only now that his stock is beginning to rise. That’s because he’s performed at a high level and there’s more than enough game film to review.
Baylor recently offered Evans, whose given name is Donovan, as a defensive back. But he said the staff hasn’t ruled out playing safety either. He’s talking with Baylor defensive backs coach Brian Stewart and assistance recruiting coordinator Brian Nance.
“I’m very much appreciative of Baylor’s offer and I think highly of them,’’ Evans said. “They said they like my speed and explosiveness. They also like how aggressive I am when I play.’’
Shoemaker lost a heartbreaker to Temple on Thursday evening, 27-24, to fall to 6-2. Through the first seven games, he’s collected 28 tackles (19 solo) along with two PBU. He’s also played a little on offense and has five scores. He’s been used in the backfield and at wide receiver.
Other P5 programs have entered the picture with the likes of Indiana, Boston College and Arkansas bestowing offers. But Killeen is about 45 miles from Waco. So proximity could mean something.
What also means something is his length. Evans is 6-1. Playmakers with speed and height are always an attractive combination.
“I’m good with Baylor seeing me as a defensive back,’’ Evans said. “Everybody else sees me as a wide receiver or athlete. For the next couple of months, I want to become more familiar with Baylor’s academic program and the campus and what I’m getting into.’’
FW Nolan 2022 DE having huge season
While Baylor has a long way to go when it comes to building its 2022 class, the foundation its building with Fort Worth Nolan Catholic defensive end Curlee Thomas IV is taking shape.
“My mom had a stroke a few months back, and coach [Justin] Johnson was the first coach to reach out,’’ Thomas said. “That meant a lot to me. She’s only 35. She works out five days a week. She’s in better shape than me.’’
Thomas has been talking to Baylor Associate Head Coach Joey McGuire since he was in middle school when he was Keller Fossil Ridge. He’s also been talking to Johnson and defensive line coach Dennis “Meatball” Johnson. Thomas transferred to Nolan in January of this year.
The move has paid off immensely. Thomas leads all of TAPPS defenders with 13 sacks and has added 15 other tackles for loss and 16 QB hurries. He had three of SMU 2021 QB commit Preston Stone last week in Nolan’s 31-14 district championship clinching win over Dallas Parrish Episcopal. Nolan fell behind, 14-0, before rallying with 31 unanswered.
The Vikings drew a bye in the playoffs this week and play next week.
“I think I’ve improved in my ability to read keys, my pass rush move and my stance,’’ Thomas said. “Last year [at Fossil Ridge] I was In defensive that was more run stop based. This year, I've been given more freedom. Really really good defensive line coach.”
All that’s left for Thomas is to visit with Baylor head coach Dave Aranda. But so far, the Bears have made their mark.
“I love talking to coach “Juice” and coach Johnson,’’ Thomas said. “Coach Johnson is always down to earth. Wants to talk to me as a person more than football.’’
Thomas’ recruitment will continue to evolve as he has already at least 24 D1 offers.
MBB: Tristan Clark was a peace with decision, Thamba ready to step up
Earlier in the week, Baylor senior Tristan Clark and junior center Flo Thamba met with the media to discuss their futures. For Clark, it’s now life after basketball with his decision to retire. In Thamba’s case, he knows more will be expected from him.
Tristan Clark, C, Sr.
Q: How hard was that decision to retire?
TRISTAN: It’s a very hard decision, especially when you're considered one of the players in the country and considered a potential next-level prospect, it’s hard. I’ve been through a lot these last couple years, mentally and physically. It was just a lot of fun. I pushed and challenged myself because I love basketball and I love playing, and I just kept going, because I wanted to keep playing. But, it just comes a time where you have to think about the future and just your mental state, and I just decided to take my mental state over the physical pain and going through all of that. I just wanted to make sure I was good as a person before I was good as a basketball player. So, it was a very hard decision.
Q: How difficult was it to play through last season and not be able to play at the level you want to play?
TRISTAN: It was very hard, because I know I had a lot of expectations coming from the year before with my performance. It was very hard. There were days I couldn’t practice, there were days I just had to be in the training room all day. Some days, I couldn’t walk. But, I just told myself and kept challenging myself to keep going because I love the game and we’re the best team in the country, we’ve got a really good team. When you’re a competitor, you want to be out there, so you push yourself. It’s a good thing but also a bad thing, especially knowing that you have a real serious injury as well. it’s very hard.
Q: You mentioned where you were mentally in your rehab and kind of taking over and focusing on that as your goal. Where are you right now? And did that take a weight off your back, and how do you see that moving forward?
TRISTAN: Definitely took a big weight off my shoulders. It’s a big decision. We’re an elite team, so it’s going to have a lot of impact in our community, in the Baylor community, but also the college basketball community. But, going through all of this and everything that I’ve been through, I just feel like I’m going to use my pain and my frustration that I had with my injury and all the stuff that I went through, I’m just going to use it as motivation, so I can help people and I can impact the world the best way I can. Even though there was a lot of stuff that I had to go through, I just feel like I can use all this and I have a story to tell to other athletes, and I can relate with them and just help athletes and make an impact off the court as much as I did on the court.
Q: Is sports psychology a new thing or something you’ve been thinking about for a while based on your experience over the last year and a half or so?
TRISTAN: I thought about it during quarantine, just because I was still rehabbing my knee. But, I’m a guy where I think about all my options, because I knew potentially I maybe could play on this. But, I’m still driven to keep going. But during the quarantine, I just looked up careers that I feel I could do outside of basketball, and I saw the potential careers I could do in my career path and for my studies. And I saw sports psychology. I looked up more into it, and I thought it was a perfect match for me, especially what I went through and what type of guy I am, I feel like I can make a big impact with that.
Q: When you look back on your career, what moments stick out?
TRISTAN: There’s a lot. I didn’t think I was going to start my freshman year. I know a lot of people were saying this or saying that, but I just thought I wasn’t going to start. And then I came in my freshman year just starting. Especially at a school where they don’t really play a lot of freshmen like that, it was kind of big for me and that was kind of a confidence booster for me. I remember that, and playing in all the great stadiums and playing against the best coaches and some all-time great teams. I don’t have specific moments, it’s just the whole journey, the whole experience of being on that elite level is just a pleasure and I’m thankful that I was able to do all that.
Q: Do you take any solace that you played at such an elite level and kind of reached the ceiling with your talent?
TRISTAN: It’s kind of mixed emotions. Since I’m so young, I’m only 21, you want to keep going, you want to keep playing, but I just decided that I didn’t want to put myself through all the pain and mental issues. I didn’t want to go through all that. So, I’m at peace with it, because I know I did everything I could to get back and to fight back with my team and get back on the court. But, I’m at pace knowing that I was one of the best players in the country at one time. And I can tell my children that, I can tell whoever that I’m helping that you don’t have to just stick with basketball, just hoop forever. You can do more than that. That’s what I want my message to be with future athletes I’ll work with.
Q: In preparing for that next step in sports psychology, can you play a role on this team in helping some of the young guys. And can you talk about what some of those guys bring, starting with Flo and Jonathan?
TRISTAN: I could definitely make an impact on this team. I have much respect for all the players, and they have respect for me. They know they work I’ve put in, and I know the work that they’ve put in. So, it’s all respect. So, I can definitely come in and make an impact and kind of get a head start and get a feel for what I’m about to get myself into.
But, just with the guys on the team, I know Flo and John and the freshmen that came in. With Flo, he’s still a raw talent, but he works hard, he plays hard, he’s going to do what he has to do. He’s not a scorer, he can’t do what some of the other bigs that came here did, but he’s going to get the job done. John, super athletic, one of the most athletic players I’ve ever played with or seen. I feel like he’s going to surprise a lot of people. I think he’s going to lead the team in rebounding, in my eyes. He’s an underrated defender on the perimeter as well as the interior. I feel like’s a good fit for the team. With the freshmen, LJ, unfortunately he’s playing behind All-American guards, all-conference guards right now. But he’s definitely going to be one of those type of players, in my option. With Zach and Dain, the potential is so high for them. They’ve got a bright future. And as long as they keep working, they’re going to accomplish a lot.
Flo Thamba, C, Jr.
(What can you and Jon bring to the 5 spot) As far as what we’re bringing to the spot is energy and effort because I want to help the team win. In regards of replacing Tristan’s scoring and effectiveness in the game scoring-wise, he was really good. But one thing we pride ourselves on is mental toughness and coming in and rebounding and playing defense and making the offense flow easier.
(What have you worked on since last year) I’ve improved my game a lot. Basically finishing more around the basket and getting easier shots up, and improving my mid-range game, and going to the line and knocking down free throws. Overall I just want to keep my game simple because having good guards make it way easier.
Me and Freddie have had a lot of conversations about it, and I’ve basically improved on my defensive side.
(How much did last year help) It helped a lot basically sitting on the sideline and watching play by play and seeing what other teams throw at us. It makes you adapt. Watching from the sidelines, I learned a lot.
(Continuing Baylor’s line of productive post players) That’s always the goal, coming in with a winning mindset and be the best player you can be. Just having that mindset, the rest will take care of itself.
It basically just comes down to the confidence aspect, knowing all your work is going to pay off. It’s a testament to me and Jon being in the gym going at it with the freshmen this summer made us better at having the confidence that you take the shot that you’ve been working on and it will take care of itself.
(How motivated is team after NCAA tournament was canceled last year) It was a sad day. I remember being in the hotel room excited to play against TCU and finding out the season was canceled. It was tough on our guys. After that announcement, we had a meeting where we talked about all the stuff we could have done in the postseason. Just looking at this year, it gives us the opportunity to showcase what we can do.
(Did you learn from Freddie’s hard work) Everything is always a learning curve. Me having to step up during that time period was an opportunity and a way of showcasing the hard work I put in. Learning from Freddie, it was to expect the unexpected. Anytime anybody can get hurt and you have to always be able to fill in what position is needed.
Big 12 Power Rankings
Each Week, SicEmSports has its power rankings throughout the course of the 2020 season. Agree or disagree, here they are. We’re repeating what we shared from this past Sunday.
1. Oklahoma State – A win at Bedlam puts Cowboys in control of Big 12 title game
2. Iowa State – Cyclones can officially knock KSU out of the Big 12 title game race
3. Oklahoma – A win over OSU and the Sooners have the Big 12 title game tiebreaker
4. Texas – Longhorns now have to wait
5. West Virginia – Mountaineers smother TCU
6. Kansas State – QB Will Howard’s greatest test
7. TCU – National criticism comes to once proud program
8. Texas Tech – Red Raiders make dramatic comeback against Baylor
9. Baylor – A season of frustration continues
10. Kansas – COVID issues wipe out game against Texas
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 AP/Coaches poll. Television listings are provided. Only Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Kansas State and Iowa State are playing. The Texas-Kansas game was postponed for COVID-19 reasons.
Kansas State (4-3, 4-2) at No. 17/16 Iowa State (5-2, 5-1); 3:00 p.m., Jack Trice Stadium, Ames, IA (FOX)
Series: Iowa State leads, 50-49-4
Notable: The Wildcats need to run the football to give themselves a chance. They’re 7th in the Big 12 at 130 yards per game. Iowa State is second in rushing defense at 108.
No. 14/14 Oklahoma State (5-1, 4-1) at No. 17/18 Oklahoma (5-2, 4-2); 6:30 p.m. Memorial Stadium, Norman, OK (ABC)
Series: Oklahoma leads, 89-18-7
Notable: Oklahoma leads the Big 12 in total offense at 515 yards per game. QB Spencer Rattler is the league’s leading passer at 288. Oklahoma State is second in total defense at 311.5 yards per game. However, the Cowboys are -3 in the turnover ratio this year.
Publisher
The Topper
What was expected became official on Thursday. The NCAA Division I Council voted to extend the dead period through April 15, 2021. That means players – unless a visit is led by them – cannot visit a school of interest. Plus, college football programs cannot host any visitors. There will be no official visits in December or in January.
The voted extended the current dead through Jan. 1. If the dead period is lifted by April 15, time will tell if college football programs will wait to hold spring football (provided they can even conduct it) until after then.
Central Texas 2022 Playmaker
Killeen Shoemaker 2022 athlete Omari Evans is one of those talents where it can go anywhere on the field.
He’s making his presence known in recruiting circles in the secondary for the Wolves who are trying to advance to the Class 6A Division II playoffs. It’s only now that his stock is beginning to rise. That’s because he’s performed at a high level and there’s more than enough game film to review.
Baylor recently offered Evans, whose given name is Donovan, as a defensive back. But he said the staff hasn’t ruled out playing safety either. He’s talking with Baylor defensive backs coach Brian Stewart and assistance recruiting coordinator Brian Nance.
“I’m very much appreciative of Baylor’s offer and I think highly of them,’’ Evans said. “They said they like my speed and explosiveness. They also like how aggressive I am when I play.’’
Shoemaker lost a heartbreaker to Temple on Thursday evening, 27-24, to fall to 6-2. Through the first seven games, he’s collected 28 tackles (19 solo) along with two PBU. He’s also played a little on offense and has five scores. He’s been used in the backfield and at wide receiver.
Other P5 programs have entered the picture with the likes of Indiana, Boston College and Arkansas bestowing offers. But Killeen is about 45 miles from Waco. So proximity could mean something.
What also means something is his length. Evans is 6-1. Playmakers with speed and height are always an attractive combination.
“I’m good with Baylor seeing me as a defensive back,’’ Evans said. “Everybody else sees me as a wide receiver or athlete. For the next couple of months, I want to become more familiar with Baylor’s academic program and the campus and what I’m getting into.’’
FW Nolan 2022 DE having huge season
While Baylor has a long way to go when it comes to building its 2022 class, the foundation its building with Fort Worth Nolan Catholic defensive end Curlee Thomas IV is taking shape.
“My mom had a stroke a few months back, and coach [Justin] Johnson was the first coach to reach out,’’ Thomas said. “That meant a lot to me. She’s only 35. She works out five days a week. She’s in better shape than me.’’
Thomas has been talking to Baylor Associate Head Coach Joey McGuire since he was in middle school when he was Keller Fossil Ridge. He’s also been talking to Johnson and defensive line coach Dennis “Meatball” Johnson. Thomas transferred to Nolan in January of this year.
The move has paid off immensely. Thomas leads all of TAPPS defenders with 13 sacks and has added 15 other tackles for loss and 16 QB hurries. He had three of SMU 2021 QB commit Preston Stone last week in Nolan’s 31-14 district championship clinching win over Dallas Parrish Episcopal. Nolan fell behind, 14-0, before rallying with 31 unanswered.
The Vikings drew a bye in the playoffs this week and play next week.
“I think I’ve improved in my ability to read keys, my pass rush move and my stance,’’ Thomas said. “Last year [at Fossil Ridge] I was In defensive that was more run stop based. This year, I've been given more freedom. Really really good defensive line coach.”
All that’s left for Thomas is to visit with Baylor head coach Dave Aranda. But so far, the Bears have made their mark.
“I love talking to coach “Juice” and coach Johnson,’’ Thomas said. “Coach Johnson is always down to earth. Wants to talk to me as a person more than football.’’
Thomas’ recruitment will continue to evolve as he has already at least 24 D1 offers.
MBB: Tristan Clark was a peace with decision, Thamba ready to step up
Earlier in the week, Baylor senior Tristan Clark and junior center Flo Thamba met with the media to discuss their futures. For Clark, it’s now life after basketball with his decision to retire. In Thamba’s case, he knows more will be expected from him.
Tristan Clark, C, Sr.
Q: How hard was that decision to retire?
TRISTAN: It’s a very hard decision, especially when you're considered one of the players in the country and considered a potential next-level prospect, it’s hard. I’ve been through a lot these last couple years, mentally and physically. It was just a lot of fun. I pushed and challenged myself because I love basketball and I love playing, and I just kept going, because I wanted to keep playing. But, it just comes a time where you have to think about the future and just your mental state, and I just decided to take my mental state over the physical pain and going through all of that. I just wanted to make sure I was good as a person before I was good as a basketball player. So, it was a very hard decision.
Q: How difficult was it to play through last season and not be able to play at the level you want to play?
TRISTAN: It was very hard, because I know I had a lot of expectations coming from the year before with my performance. It was very hard. There were days I couldn’t practice, there were days I just had to be in the training room all day. Some days, I couldn’t walk. But, I just told myself and kept challenging myself to keep going because I love the game and we’re the best team in the country, we’ve got a really good team. When you’re a competitor, you want to be out there, so you push yourself. It’s a good thing but also a bad thing, especially knowing that you have a real serious injury as well. it’s very hard.
Q: You mentioned where you were mentally in your rehab and kind of taking over and focusing on that as your goal. Where are you right now? And did that take a weight off your back, and how do you see that moving forward?
TRISTAN: Definitely took a big weight off my shoulders. It’s a big decision. We’re an elite team, so it’s going to have a lot of impact in our community, in the Baylor community, but also the college basketball community. But, going through all of this and everything that I’ve been through, I just feel like I’m going to use my pain and my frustration that I had with my injury and all the stuff that I went through, I’m just going to use it as motivation, so I can help people and I can impact the world the best way I can. Even though there was a lot of stuff that I had to go through, I just feel like I can use all this and I have a story to tell to other athletes, and I can relate with them and just help athletes and make an impact off the court as much as I did on the court.
Q: Is sports psychology a new thing or something you’ve been thinking about for a while based on your experience over the last year and a half or so?
TRISTAN: I thought about it during quarantine, just because I was still rehabbing my knee. But, I’m a guy where I think about all my options, because I knew potentially I maybe could play on this. But, I’m still driven to keep going. But during the quarantine, I just looked up careers that I feel I could do outside of basketball, and I saw the potential careers I could do in my career path and for my studies. And I saw sports psychology. I looked up more into it, and I thought it was a perfect match for me, especially what I went through and what type of guy I am, I feel like I can make a big impact with that.
Q: When you look back on your career, what moments stick out?
TRISTAN: There’s a lot. I didn’t think I was going to start my freshman year. I know a lot of people were saying this or saying that, but I just thought I wasn’t going to start. And then I came in my freshman year just starting. Especially at a school where they don’t really play a lot of freshmen like that, it was kind of big for me and that was kind of a confidence booster for me. I remember that, and playing in all the great stadiums and playing against the best coaches and some all-time great teams. I don’t have specific moments, it’s just the whole journey, the whole experience of being on that elite level is just a pleasure and I’m thankful that I was able to do all that.
Q: Do you take any solace that you played at such an elite level and kind of reached the ceiling with your talent?
TRISTAN: It’s kind of mixed emotions. Since I’m so young, I’m only 21, you want to keep going, you want to keep playing, but I just decided that I didn’t want to put myself through all the pain and mental issues. I didn’t want to go through all that. So, I’m at peace with it, because I know I did everything I could to get back and to fight back with my team and get back on the court. But, I’m at pace knowing that I was one of the best players in the country at one time. And I can tell my children that, I can tell whoever that I’m helping that you don’t have to just stick with basketball, just hoop forever. You can do more than that. That’s what I want my message to be with future athletes I’ll work with.
Q: In preparing for that next step in sports psychology, can you play a role on this team in helping some of the young guys. And can you talk about what some of those guys bring, starting with Flo and Jonathan?
TRISTAN: I could definitely make an impact on this team. I have much respect for all the players, and they have respect for me. They know they work I’ve put in, and I know the work that they’ve put in. So, it’s all respect. So, I can definitely come in and make an impact and kind of get a head start and get a feel for what I’m about to get myself into.
But, just with the guys on the team, I know Flo and John and the freshmen that came in. With Flo, he’s still a raw talent, but he works hard, he plays hard, he’s going to do what he has to do. He’s not a scorer, he can’t do what some of the other bigs that came here did, but he’s going to get the job done. John, super athletic, one of the most athletic players I’ve ever played with or seen. I feel like he’s going to surprise a lot of people. I think he’s going to lead the team in rebounding, in my eyes. He’s an underrated defender on the perimeter as well as the interior. I feel like’s a good fit for the team. With the freshmen, LJ, unfortunately he’s playing behind All-American guards, all-conference guards right now. But he’s definitely going to be one of those type of players, in my option. With Zach and Dain, the potential is so high for them. They’ve got a bright future. And as long as they keep working, they’re going to accomplish a lot.
Flo Thamba, C, Jr.
(What can you and Jon bring to the 5 spot) As far as what we’re bringing to the spot is energy and effort because I want to help the team win. In regards of replacing Tristan’s scoring and effectiveness in the game scoring-wise, he was really good. But one thing we pride ourselves on is mental toughness and coming in and rebounding and playing defense and making the offense flow easier.
(What have you worked on since last year) I’ve improved my game a lot. Basically finishing more around the basket and getting easier shots up, and improving my mid-range game, and going to the line and knocking down free throws. Overall I just want to keep my game simple because having good guards make it way easier.
Me and Freddie have had a lot of conversations about it, and I’ve basically improved on my defensive side.
(How much did last year help) It helped a lot basically sitting on the sideline and watching play by play and seeing what other teams throw at us. It makes you adapt. Watching from the sidelines, I learned a lot.
(Continuing Baylor’s line of productive post players) That’s always the goal, coming in with a winning mindset and be the best player you can be. Just having that mindset, the rest will take care of itself.
It basically just comes down to the confidence aspect, knowing all your work is going to pay off. It’s a testament to me and Jon being in the gym going at it with the freshmen this summer made us better at having the confidence that you take the shot that you’ve been working on and it will take care of itself.
(How motivated is team after NCAA tournament was canceled last year) It was a sad day. I remember being in the hotel room excited to play against TCU and finding out the season was canceled. It was tough on our guys. After that announcement, we had a meeting where we talked about all the stuff we could have done in the postseason. Just looking at this year, it gives us the opportunity to showcase what we can do.
(Did you learn from Freddie’s hard work) Everything is always a learning curve. Me having to step up during that time period was an opportunity and a way of showcasing the hard work I put in. Learning from Freddie, it was to expect the unexpected. Anytime anybody can get hurt and you have to always be able to fill in what position is needed.
Big 12 Power Rankings
Each Week, SicEmSports has its power rankings throughout the course of the 2020 season. Agree or disagree, here they are. We’re repeating what we shared from this past Sunday.
1. Oklahoma State – A win at Bedlam puts Cowboys in control of Big 12 title game
2. Iowa State – Cyclones can officially knock KSU out of the Big 12 title game race
3. Oklahoma – A win over OSU and the Sooners have the Big 12 title game tiebreaker
4. Texas – Longhorns now have to wait
5. West Virginia – Mountaineers smother TCU
6. Kansas State – QB Will Howard’s greatest test
7. TCU – National criticism comes to once proud program
8. Texas Tech – Red Raiders make dramatic comeback against Baylor
9. Baylor – A season of frustration continues
10. Kansas – COVID issues wipe out game against Texas
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 AP/Coaches poll. Television listings are provided. Only Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Kansas State and Iowa State are playing. The Texas-Kansas game was postponed for COVID-19 reasons.
Kansas State (4-3, 4-2) at No. 17/16 Iowa State (5-2, 5-1); 3:00 p.m., Jack Trice Stadium, Ames, IA (FOX)
Series: Iowa State leads, 50-49-4
Notable: The Wildcats need to run the football to give themselves a chance. They’re 7th in the Big 12 at 130 yards per game. Iowa State is second in rushing defense at 108.
No. 14/14 Oklahoma State (5-1, 4-1) at No. 17/18 Oklahoma (5-2, 4-2); 6:30 p.m. Memorial Stadium, Norman, OK (ABC)
Series: Oklahoma leads, 89-18-7
Notable: Oklahoma leads the Big 12 in total offense at 515 yards per game. QB Spencer Rattler is the league’s leading passer at 288. Oklahoma State is second in total defense at 311.5 yards per game. However, the Cowboys are -3 in the turnover ratio this year.
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