Reflecting on the careers of Baylor's 2019 seniors

Baylor football has gone from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows during the careers of many seniors in Waco. They’ve stood firm, they’ve played hard, they’ve kept their heads high and pushed  Baylor forward and back to being championship contenders.

As Baylor fans see them play their last game at McLane Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 23, you should remember all of this and more. Here are some of my favorite memories of the signing classes of 2014, 2015, 2016, and the transfers which have Baylor poised to play for another Big 12 Championship in Arlington on December 7.

Class of 2014

Chris Platt‍ received a sixth season following his injury against Oklahoma in 2017. Platt has been a consumate teammate during his time on the field and even spent time with the track team. During his recruitment, Chris was one of the all-time great 400 meter runners and missed a four-peat by finishing second his Senior season. He gave it all for Willis and then Baylor.

Career Stats: 117 receptions, 1,843 yards, 12 touchdowns

Class of 2015

JaMycal Hasty‍ will always be one of my favorite players to interview. He was courteous and open with his answers. He was an exceptional athlete at Longview and nagging injuries hampered him early in his career. As a senior, he has continued to earn his single digit with toughness and teamwork. He will have a chance to fling his green and gold afar in an NFL camp next season.

Careers Stats: 359 carries, 1,874 yards, 12 touchdowns; 72 receptions, 457 yards

Sam Tecklenburg‍ arrived as a tight end, moved to defensive end, moved back to tight end, and took one for the team in 2017 as a 278 pound offensive lineman. His move to center has likely paved a path to the next level with his versatility to also play guard. Sam was another willing to spend time with our staff doing interviews.

Career Stats: 37 career starts entering Saturday 

Blake Lynch‍ was a do everything starter at Troup and Gilmer. He then transitioned to starting at five positions for the Bears. The move to a hybrid linebacker position under Phil Snow will pay benefits for him as he moves toward the next level following his Baylor career. Blake earned his single digit on and off the field and is having a great Senior season.

Career Stats: 51 receptions, 673 yards, 4 touchdowns; 13 carries, 79 yards; 118 tackles, 13.5 TFL, 6.0 sacks, 2 interceptions, 11 passes defended, 1 forced fumble, 2 fumble recoveries, 1 blocked kick

Clay Johnston‍ is a warrior, plain and simple. The linebacker from Abilene Wylie was on his way to becoming First-Team All-Big 12 prior to tearing his ACL on an interception return against Texas Tech. He finished his career with 237 tackles, 26.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, and 2 interceptions. I’ll always remember his smile while he was on the field and his love of the game. He deserves a shot at the next level once he heals.

Career Stats:  237 tackles, 26.5 TFL, 4.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, 6 passes defended, 1 forced fumble

Jordan Williams‍ was a late signee in the 2015 class and the stories of him butting heads with Matt Rhule in the beginning are well documented. Now, Williams is a team captain and second on the team in tackles in 2019.

Career Stats: 177 tackles, 17.0 TFL, 3.0 sacks, 2 interceptions, 12 passes defended, 4 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery

Henry Black arrived from Shreveport as a cornerback. He has played safety and linebacker during his career and now holds a single digit for being one of the toughest players on the team. Henry has settled into his role in the 3-3-5 as an enforcer in run support while being able to cover the flat.

Career Stats: 102 tackles, 4.0 TFL, 2.0 sacks, 1 interception, 5 passes defended, 2 forced fumbles

Jameson Houston may possibly be the most improved player in 2019 and getting the attention from NFL scouts. Houston came from a private school without a position, just pure athleticism. Jameson has bought into The Process and is one of Baylor’s best cover corners.

Career Stats: 74 tackles, 1.5 TFL, 1 interception, 14 passes defended, 1 forced fumble, 2 fumble recoveries

Class of 2016

Denzel Mims‍ is climbing the Baylor receiving record books each week. I still remember Denzel as a 160 pound kid from the Marshall High School satellite camp in East Texas where he essentially made Art Briles offer him with his size, speed, and ability. He is now a 215-pound true senior and headed to the NFL in 2020.

Career Stats: 170 receptions, 2,672 yards, 26 touchdowns

Bravvion Roy‍ was always a promising talent coming from Spring. He was used sparingingly as a true freshman and was injured in his first start of 2016 against Iowa State. In 2019, everyone is seeing a future NFL player as a nose tackle able to two gap in Phil Snow’s defense.

Career Stats: 117 tackles, 14.5 TFL, 5.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 2 blocks

Chris Miller‍ will always be @StunnaChris to me as we traded messages on Twitter during his recruitment. One of my favorite memories was when he and Raleigh Texada squared off against each other. Neither were tested in coverage, but Texada got loose on a punt return and Miller got a solid shot on him. After the game, both laughed about the hit and how much they couldn’t wait to get on campus to play together. 

Career Stats: 151 tackles, 3.0 TFL, 1.0 sacks, 5 passes defended, 3 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries

Transfers

Jake Fruhmorgen arrived from Clemson and was injured early in his career at Baylor. One wonders what would have happened at tackle if he was not injured in 2018 before the season began. Jake has settled in at center, starting the first ten games of 2019. 

Career Stats: 22 career starts entering Saturday

James Lockhart‍ should have been a Bear from the start, but he chose Texas A&M out of high school. He soon transferred to Baylor and has shown his last two eligible seasons. The single digit defensive end has blossomed in the 3-3-5 alignment in 2019.

Career Stats: 35 tackles, 9.0 TFL, 3.5 sacks, 2 passes defended, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery

Walk-Ons To Scholarship

Marques Jones may be the smartest Baylor player in history, which is saying something over the 100+ years and JT Woods‍ now on campus. Jones has shown great athleticism during his career and every Baylor fan will remember his touchdown in the Texas Bowl to seal the victory. 

Career Stats: 24 receptions, 277 yards, 2 touchdowns

Ross Matiscik began his career as a walk-on and was placed on scholarship for his ability to deep snap. He has also filled in at middle linebacker the past three seasons due to injury and his abiiity to make tackles. 

Career Stats: 20 tackles, 1 forced fumble, 2 fumble recoveries

Walk-Ons

Owen Rogers arrived at Baylor after his mother, Dawn, joined Mack Rhoades staff. He has played the majority of his snaps on special teams. On and off the field, Owen has been part of the Baylor Elite offseason team members.

Career Stats: 3 tackles

Cody George has played all over the field for the Bears. Special teams, tight end, defensive end, and defensive tackle during his career. The Lorena native continues a long line of Bears in his family.

Career Stats: 1 tackle, 1.0 TFL