Baylor Defensive Back AJ McCarty Enters the Transfer Portal
Baylor defensive back A.J. McCarty entered the transfer portal on Monday, making the announcement via social media.
A redshirt junior, McCarty was originally a three-star signee in the 2020 recruiting class under former head coach Matt Rhule, choosing Baylor over Tulsa.
Upon arriving, the Brownwood native maintained his redshirt but saw special teams reps in the final three games of the tumultuous 2020 COVID season. In 2021, he saw time in 13 games during the 12-2 Big 12 Championship run, including a tackle in the Sugar Bowl victory over Ole Miss.
Last year, McCarty appeared in all 13 games, including two starts at cornerback, compiling 37 tackles, one TFL, three pass breakups, and a crucial 18-yard pick-six that sealed a decisive win over Texas Tech in Lubbock.
Speaking of which, the Red Raiders were the first to offer McCarty shortly after his decision became public.
After making a position switch during the spring, McCarty was expected to fill the “Star” position on next year’s defense. Instead, the Bears will continue hunting for more secondary help as the season looms just around the corner.
The timing is surprising, at least for those of us on the outside looking in. Behind the scenes, that was a different story to some degree, but no matter, a spot has opened, and McCarty’s days suiting up in Baylor green and gold has ended.