Can someone connect a dot ... the podcast treated the Nate Bennett commitment like he's Odell James, Jarrett Stidham, or Austin Novasod. But Baylor is the only DI team recruiting him?

What dots are missing?

How old is he? Weren't we the only one recruiting Novosad at one point?

Oaks Christian has a rep as a quarterback factory. Jimmy Clausen and Joe Montana's son that went to Tulane off the top of my head.

Harrison Bergeron said:

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Can someone connect a dot ... the podcast treated the Nate Bennett commitment like he's Odell James, Jarrett Stidham, or Austin Novasod. But Baylor is the only DI team recruiting him?

What dots are missing?

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You are never going to get an unbiased take from the staff on this website. And part of me gets it, it's just how sports message boards work. I don't buy the quarterback factory thing either. No such thing. Even Lake Travis and West Lake produce quarterbacks that aren't that great but play on good teams. If the kid was putting up massive stats at that California private school, I could maybe see why we would extend the offer this early. My theory is that we are having to rebound from the Novosad commitment and start going after more realistic options that aren't going to want NIL money to maintain their commitment

No Quarterback said:

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Harrison Bergeron said:

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Can someone connect a dot ... the podcast treated the Nate Bennett commitment like he's Odell James, Jarrett Stidham, or Austin Novasod. But Baylor is the only DI team recruiting him?

What dots are missing?

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You are never going to get an unbiased take from the staff on this website. And part of me gets it, it's just how sports message boards work. I don't buy the quarterback factory thing either. No such thing. Even Lake Travis and West Lake produce quarterbacks that aren't that great but play on good teams. If the kid was putting up massive stats at that California private school, I could maybe see why we would extend the offer this early. My theory is that we are having to rebound from the Novosad commitment and start going after more realistic options that aren't going to want NIL money to maintain their commitment

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I don't think any program does what you just described in your last sentence. I don't know if Bennett is good or not, but I don't think our staff would be offering the kid if they didn't think he could be. There are way too many other talented high school quarterbacks out there to extend offers just to do so.

Every program has its own set of criteria and things its looking for in high school players. If they're offering an under-the-radar player early, it's because they like what they've seen on tape or at camps. Matt Rhule made a living recruiting talented kids before other schools and the recruiting services were in on them. That's how a school like Baylor has to recruit to build a championship roster.

PartyBear said:

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How old is he? Weren't we the only one recruiting Novosad at one point?

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When we first offered Novosad, he was a middling 3-star and his offer list wasn't much more impressive than Bennett's is now. We were his first P5 offer, in fact. After we offered, he had a very strong junior year, both A&M/Ohio State entered the sweepstakes, and suddenly he was a high-tier 4-star and we were fighting to stay on the bull.

I don't know much about him individually, but I do know that he's in an pro factory of a high school program where the coach has NFL coaching experience. Being the starting QB there is no joke. Looking up their recent grads is enough for me to feel like he can develop well before he steps on campus.

Honestly, offering QBs early and hoping for the best may be Baylor's best strategy in terms of landing QBs. Baylor can't sell a history of putting QBs in the NFL and it is very unlikely to be competitive in the P5 NIL space, but it can move early on guys and form a strong relationship with them that can be stronger than late offers. As a clear example, Baylor 's strategy kept a certain QB from flipping to Ohio State - for a program like Baylor's, that's certainly evidence of something.

Haven't seen anyone mention but he is a legacy. Dad is a pastor in Malibu and graduated in 2001. Not sure if he played.

If he hits summer camps and plays well in the fall would not be shocked if a bunch more offers come rolling in. He's a legacy so that can give us a little bit of a head start.

Baker Mayfield walked on to play P5 ball. Petty, Florence, and Russell were not super star recruits. RGIII came because we promised he could play QB. Stidham came only after the previous 4 all put up monster numbers. Mahomes was a 3* guy.

Have ND, BYU, and Texas friends. They watched highly touted guys like Dayne Crist, Jake Heaps, and Tyrone Swoopes not pan out after much fanfare upon arrival.

No idea if this kid will be a star but we need bodies to compete. Need guys pushing for playing time to make everyone else better. If he's got the skills to contribute then great!

Stefano DiMera said:

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Oaks Christian has a rep as a quarterback factory. Jimmy Clausen and Joe Montana's son that went to Tulane off the top of my head.

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Thanks ... makes sense. No disrespect to Bennett, but the podcast acted like he was Arch Manning (I was hoping he). Agreed good strategy to find talent and recruit before blows up - if can keep him.

When you always getting passed up with the Big name QB's you learn to lower expectations so you don't end up with nothing like last year. Remember when BU put all their eggs in one basket for Gerry Bohanon they were lucky to get him but he couldn't pass it a lick. It's time to realize BU isn't a player for good QB's

Ga qb had no offers, then he had a natty. BU is a great opportunity for any player. Lots of good qbs with Butts on benches at other schools.

This offer was made based on development. He needs to add weight and strength but the rest is there plus both parents went to Baylor. He has everything the coaches want.

fredbear said:

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Ga qb had no offers, then he had a natty. BU is a great opportunity for any player. Lots of good qbs with Butts on benches at other schools.

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I'd love Bennet as a walk on.