Matt Rhule's 2017 Baylor roster thin but talented

Over the course of the off season the Baylor football team lost more than half of their 2016 and all but one member of their 2017 recruiting class — which at one time was ranked among the top five nationally — when head coach Art Briles was dismissed from his position.

Now it will be up to new Baylor head coach Matt Rhule to revitalize the life of the Bears on the recruiting trail  to help overcome those off season departures.

Rhule will take over a program with an estimated 60 players on scholarship and eligible for the 2017 season prior to additional transfers and early departures for the NFL.

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Quarterbacks (1)

So. Zach Smith

Baylor only has one quarterback on the roster currently and the position will need to be bolstered immediately by the new coach. Whether it be by grad transfer or junior college athlete prospect, Smith will need a backup ready to take over in case of blowouts, illness, or injury.

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Running Backs (3)

Sr. Wyatt Schrepfer
Jr. Terence Williams
So. JaMycal Hasty  

Wyatt Schrepfer was awarded a scholarship before the season and may not have one for 2017, but as of now the former walk-on is included. Williams and Hasty need help to avoid getting banged up late in games and to help heal nagging injuries. Matt Rhule need to add at least two running backs to the class and high school prospects can see the field if mentally ready. Adding a junior college back also wouldn't be a bad idea to offset the workload.

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Wide Receiver (9)

Sr. KD Cannon
Sr. Quan Jones
Jr. Ishmael Zamora
Jr. Chris Platt
So. Blake Lynch
So. Tony Nicholson
So. Pook Stricklin
So. Denzel Mims
So. Jared Atkinson

Wide receiver remains deep and talented. Cannon may leave for the NFL draft, but hasn't declared as of this moment. Landing two freshmen willing to work up through the depth chart would be a great addition to the team for 2017.    

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Tight End (3)  

Sr. Jordan Feuerbacher
Jr. Josh Malin    
So. Sam Tecklenburg

Tight end has depth ready to compete and help any offense, but adding another to the roster will be needed with the loss of Feuerbacher after 2017.

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Offensive Line (9)

Sr. Dom Desouza
Sr. Tanner Thrift
Sr. Tyrae Simmons
Sr. Ishmael Wilson
Sr. Mo Porter
Sr. Sean Muir
Jr. Blake Blackmar
Jr. Josh Pelzel
Jr. Patrick Lawrence

Here is the concern for beyond 2017. Six of the nine players will be gone from the roster and there is no depth in any class to replace them. Junior college, high school, transfers, and janitors will be needed to rebuild the offensive line. Adding players with more than two years of eligibility will be a way to build the 2019 stable and high school for 2019 and beyond.

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Defensive End (5)

Sr. K.J. Smith   
Sr. Brian Nance
Jr. Xavier Jones
Jr. Greg Roberts
Jr. Jamie Jacobs

Everyone returns with more experience and Brian Nance comes back to the team ready to wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks. This is a position where depth will be needed immediately. High school prospects and a possible grad transfer should be brought in to give starters and reserves snaps to recover. Smith, Roberts, Jacobs, and Jones have been effective in 2016, but could use help against bruising running teams.

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Defensive Tackle (7)

Sr. Byron Bonds
Jr. Ira Lewis
Jr. Andrew Morris
So. Tyrone Hunt
So. Micheal Johnson
So. Bravvion Roy
Fr. Will Jones

Defensive tackle is a position where adding a dominant junior college or grad transfer would be welcomed, but not necessary. The addition of a healthy Byron Bonds should pay dividends in 2017. Experience gained from every member of the position except Will Jones should allow them to elevate their games for the next two to three years. Bringing in at least two high school tackles for future depth will also be necessary.

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Linebacker (7)

Sr. Raaquan Davis
Sr. Taylor Young
Jr. Thomas Cletcher
So. Jordan Williams   
So. Lenoy Jones, Jr.
So. Clay Johnston
Fr. Deonte Williams    

Depending on the scheme, the young talent at linebacker should have the new staff excited. All the linebackers in the group can start at any time and push their teammates to be better. Johnston and Williams have started games and also been effective on special teams with Cletcher and Jones, Jr. Upperclassmen Young and Davis also should elevate their games with the youthful players attempting to take their jobs.

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Nickelback (3)   

Sr. Travon Blanchard
Sr. Tyler Jaynes
Fr. Jalen Pitre 

Like linebacker, the scheme is the issue on whether nickelback will be a position going forward. In the pass happy Big 12, expect talented defenders who can cover and defend the run like Blanchard to be used. Jaynes may not have a scholarship in 2017 and Pitre could grow into a linebacker once on campus which would mean the Bears need talent soon.

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Cornerback (4)

Jr. Verkedric Vaughns
So. Jameson Houston
So. Grayland Arnold
Fr. Raleigh Texada Redshirt

With the transfer of Jordan Tolbert, the position is a rash of hamstring tweaks away from being in trouble. Baylor will need to bring in at least three prospects for the 2017 class and likely at least one junior college player. The talent is there, but the depth is alarming.

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Safety (7)   

Sr. Taion Sells    
Sr. Chance Waz
Sr. Davion Hall
Jr. Jourdan Blake
So. Henry Black
So. Rajah Preciado
So. Chris Miller

Talent, depth, and experience are an easy way to describe the safety position. Three former starters will be seniors and youthful players Black, Miller, and Preciado will be there to push them. Miller and Preciado will return from injury in the spring, while Black continues to progress on the field of play.

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Special Teams (2) 

Sr. Cole Edmiston
Jr. Drew Galitz

Galitz has been a solid performer and with Callahan graduating the door is open for a kicker to take his spot. Edmiston is a holder and on scholarship and this could change for the former walk-on at any moment under a new staff.