The Roster, The Fit, The Churn, The Bowl
As I outlined in an article two months ago, the 2018 and 2019 classes for Baylor are basically gone from campus. The inherited players from Matt Rhule either didn't fit, were injured, or didn't perform up to the standards of the current staff. A few 2017 Super Seniors were also eligible to play.In the bowl game, those were churned even further with four starters missing the game due to opt out or allegedly stupid out.Players eligible to be on the Class of 2017 Khalil Keith OL - starter, sent homeGavin Holmes WR - starterBryson Jackson LB - specialty pass rusherChidi Ogbonnaya DL - backupCole Maxwell DL - starterClass of 2018Craig Williams RB - backupByron Hanspard S - great for locker roomConnor Galvin OL - starterChristian Morgan S - starterBen Sims TE - starterMark Milton CB - starter that opted outIssac Power P - starter kicking into a 25+ mph windClass of 2019Jaylen Ellis WR - backupMatt Jones LB - starterWill Williams LB - backupQualan Jones RB - backupGarmon Randolph JACK - starterTJ Franklin DE - starterGabe Hall DT - starterElijah Ellis OL - back upNoah Rauschenberg K - starter, kickoff specialist13 starters of the 24 from these three classes and 2 were not available and 2 are kickers. In 2023, at least four of these players return The depth is coming from the 2020/21/22/23 classes instead of the natural 2018/19 progression.Class of 2020 Starters Blake Shapen - QBTaye McWilliams - RBDrake Dabney - TEGavin Byers - OLLorando Johnson, Jr. CB, sent home from bowlAlfahiym Walcott - SClass of 2021 StartersHal Presley - WRMonaray Baldwin - WRSiaki Ika - NT, opted out of bowlClass of 2022 StartersRichard Reese - RBKelsey Johnson - TEClass of 2023 Starters/Transfers InCampbell Barrington - OLClark Barrington - OLKetron Jackson - WRJerrell Boykins - NTPalmer Williams - P15 of the 24 spots are essentially filled with players from 2020 and later. While not all are the same age or experience due to the portal, like the 2023 signees/transfers filling at least five spots of the the 15. The young classes will have to step up in 2023 if more portal transfers are not brought in to fill the gaps of 2018/19.
The FRO: Super Seniors returning, 2023 recruiting momentum, and MBB
In Facts, Rumors & Opinions (aka FRO), the SicEm365 staff compiles their knowledge and speculation from a number of conversations for a piece to cover a variety of interesting topics on Baylor University and Baylor Athletics including football, basketball and recruiting.
Roster: Staying or Going?
I put together an article on all the seniors on the roster as if they were all going to leave last week. Luckily, that isn't the case. We know the Bears invited to post season bowls by the NFL will be gone. I expected a few more to be gone as well.I am hearing to expect much of the OL that can will return. Another year under Mateos is what is being preached from some NFL scouts/agents to the players. That doesn't mean a player won't get a better grade than expected and take the opportunity, but for now, losing a 1-2 starters from the line is the expectation. If Baylor were to get Connor Galvin, Grant Miller, Jacob Gall, and possibly Khalil Keith back, it would allow the classes below time to get even more experience. Baylor would likely be on the market for a tackle in the portal and several names have popped on the scene and will continue to do so if Keith is unable to return. Micah Mazzccua should slide into Newman-Smith's position.Another area of need is obviously CB with Barnes, Milton, and Texada leaving the program after the season. Nothing on new names as of today from my end.There are rumors of 1-2 defensive linemen retiring after the bowl game, but with the rotations Ron Roberts runs on defense, the depth will remain strong.Dillon Doyle looks to remain on campus, but replacing Bernard will be a primary focus for the staff.
Predicting The Depth Chart: One Week Out
Predicting the first string on offense and defense for the season opener against Texas State
The FRO: Realignment gossip, offensive line and quarterbacks
In Facts, Rumors & Opinions (aka FRO), the SicEm365 staff compiles their knowledge and speculation from a number of conversations for a piece to cover a variety of interesting topics on Baylor University and Baylor Athletics including football, basketball and recruiting.