Parker Almanza

Baylor gets set for early signing day on December 3rd. So let's take a look at where things stand as guys get set to make signing day decisions. Also we should have a signing day show next Wednesday so be on the lookout for that. Here we go....- Jamarion Carlton is the headliner going into next weeks signing day following his visit to Texas. The intel I received was that the staff felt great about his commitment following the Dave Aranda news but then he surprisingly took the trip to Texas. This was not expected and change some things a little. But as of this week my sources are still confident they will sign him despite the major Texas smoke over the past week. I still think there is some up in the air here and likely some potential last minute negotiations.- Jordan Clay is getting tons of buzz with Washington and Kansas State along with a couple others but everything I have heard this past week has been positive. I think Baylor will do what it needs to in order to make sure he signs.- JaeLin Battle took a trip to Washington and there was definitely some smoke for the Huskies coming off that trip. As of right now the feeling is that Baylor weathered the storm for him but he was certainly one that was on the fence for a second before the Aranda decision.- Jamarion Vincent and London Smith were both excited about the news of Dave Aranda coming back and both let me know they will be enrolling early. Two of the big time, local prospects are solidified in the class.- The offensive line is kind of up in the air right now with Mason Miller leaving. I haven't gotten clear indication on what is going to happen with Donel Robinson, Marcus Page and Kole Seaton. Because of that I expect them to sign but this is just an area where I wouldn't be surprised if things shifted leading into signing day. The one the staff needs to hold on to is Robinson so hopefully he locks in because you can fill the rest through the portal if need be.- There are still quite a few targets still out there in the 2026 class to keep an eye on such as Josiah Vilmael, Jacob Lopez-Veasey, David Chukwuemeka, Sam Davidson, Nathaniel Salmon, Damonte Tabb and new JUCO offer Jaylen Thomas. We will see who Baylor gets on campus but it will be pretty telling who they go after this final weekend as the spots are limited.- The retention of Dave Aranda certainly helped things with this class and, even though NIL deals were locked in, I do think the attrition would have been much more significant than this will likely end up being.Early Enrollees I am still building this list out with confirmations but this is the list I currently have right now based on recent confirmations and from conversations in the past. I will update when I get things confirmed on others…Liberty Christian QB Quinn MurphySA Madison WR Jordan ClayUniversity WR London SmithLake Belton WR/ATH Davion PetersOrem (UT) TE Kai WesleySouth Oak Cliff LB Jamarion PhillipsConnally CB Jamarion VincentHSAA S Jordan Davis Some Quotes From Commits on Dave Aranda's ReturnUniversity WR London Smith - "It's great to hear coach is coming back!!"Byron Nelson TE Parker Almanza - "I was very excited I know there was a lot of questioning going around on if he was going to stay. Knowing he is brings a lot of relief to me for sure."Sante Fe (OK) DL JaeLin Battle - "I actually love it!"Woodlawn (LA) EDGE Tyrone Morgan - "Happy about it I'm ready to go help Coach Aranda win a natty he is a great coach and gave me a opportunity so i'm forever grateful for him."South Oak Cliff LB Jamarion Phillips - "I feel good about it I get to play and get coached by a linebacker type head coach that can help me get to the next level and become a better player."HSAA S Jordan Davis - "I was super fired up!!! Because now we will be able to keep our great recruiting class!"