'100 percent solid': Speedster Josh Fleeks about building 2018 class

When former Cedar Hill High School head coach Joey McGuire accepted a college coaching position at Baylor, those in the Dallas-Fort Worth area knew he would be an excellent recruiter — especially for athletes at Cedar Hill.

So when Josh Fleeks committed to Baylor on Feb. 18 — with McGuire as his primary recruiter — it made sense. And after Saturday's Green & Gold Game, Fleeks reconfirmed his commitment to the Bears and said he was "100 percent solid" with his pledge.

The spring game allowed Fleeks, an athlete who could play running back and slot receiver in college, an opportunity to reconnect with McGuire, as well as head coach Matt Rhule and the other coaches. The game also allowed Fleeks to see his future team in action.

"This was my first spring game at Baylor," Fleeks said. "I didn't think it would be as good as it was, but they did good out there. They started out slow, but they really picked it up.

"The receivers did good. I know the running backs were hurt, but the walk-ons [Wyatt Schrepfer and Obim Okeke] played a big role and did what they had to do."



Baylor is excited about what Fleeks will bring to the table when it's his turn to showcase his skills in the spring game. At 6 feet and 170 pounds, Fleeks brings speed, elusiveness, explosiveness and a high competitive nature to Cedar Hill. He had a solid junior season where he caught 53 passes for 663 yards and eight touchdowns and also rushed for three scores.

Fleeks was a big-play threat for McGuire last year. He is excited about obtaining more knowledge from the coach next season.

"He is like a dad to me. I'm really close to him," Fleeks said of McGuire, who won three high school state titles in 14 seasons at Cedar Hill before joining the Baylor staff in December.

Look for Fleeks to take advantage of his versatility, as he's a reliable option in the backfield, lined up in the slot or even as a kickoff or punt returner. Look for the Bears to also utilize his sprinter's speed. Fleeks has run the 40-yard dash in 4.48 seconds, and on the track, he's run the 200 meters in 21.8 seconds.

Look for Fleeks to also be a player-recruiter for a growing class. He said he is targeting a few players — including Iowa State's most recent commitment.

"Sterling Galban. That's my dude," Fleeks said of the wide receiver from Burnet, Texas. "I've been telling him how Baylor is and how it's a family. If he comes, big things will happen."

Fleeks added that he's also been in contact with Samuel Clemens High School receiver Tommy Bush, a prominent Baylor target with 40 reported offers. The combination of Bush and Fleeks would give Baylor a dangerous 1-2 punch as two athletes capable of scoring every time they touch the ball.

Baylor's 2018 class currently is five players strong, and Fleeks said he is ready to do his part in building the class. He was the second pledge of the class, hours behind Southlake Carroll offensive lineman Jackson Kimble.

"Seeing I was one of the first to commit, it means a lot," he said. "It means I have to be a leader in this class."

Damon Sayles is a feature columnist for SicEm365. Follow Damon via Twitter: @DamonSayles