80 Days till Kickoff: Baylor’s #80 Monaray Baldwin

As always, keep track of both the stats and roster countdowns in the Offseason Hub!

Monaray Baldwin is a sophomore receiver from Killeen, Texas. The speedster is primed to have a big season in his second year at Baylor. He will have two years of eligibility remaining past this year.

Baldwin is famously known for his go-ahead touchdown in the Sugar Bowl victory over No. 8 Ole Miss. But Travis Roeder wrote an in-depth article detailing how Baldwin may take on an even more significant role in the Baylor offense in 2022. Especially after the departure of TyQuan Thorton, Rj Sneed, and Drew Estrada from the wideout room.

Although Baldwin sits at 5-foot-9 and 165 pounds, his speed, route running, and reliable hands make him a complete receiver. While at Baylor, he will be majoring in health, kinesiology, and leisure studies. 

In 2021, Baldwin appeared in eight games. He recorded his first career touch in the season opener against Texas State. He notched one carry for 22 yards against Texas Southern, and he had two carries against Kansas for 16 yards and one carry for one yard against Kansas State.

The play that made Baldwin a household name in the living rooms of Baylor fans across the country came on New Year’s Day in the Sugar Bowl against No. 8 Ole Miss. When the Bears struggled to get anything going all night on offense, Jeff Grimes called a play that he had gone to many times throughout the season to Drew Estrada. The play never quite found the hit rate that Grimes wanted, but when he called it in the Sugar Bowl with Baldwin, it worked to perfection. The play was executed so flawlessly that even the cameramen were fooled. Baldwin’s touchdown put the Bears up 14-7, which ultimately led them to secure a victory over the Rebels. 

At Shoemaker High in Killeen, Baldwin had 42 receptions, 795 yards, 33 rushes, 399 yards, and 14 touchdowns his senior year. He finished high school with 1,306 all-purpose yards while also returning kicks and punts. Baldwin was a two-time all-district selection and was the No. 157 player in Texas according to 247. While in high school, Baldwin owned a 10.66 personal record in the 100 meters in track. He also competed in the long jump, triple jump, and relays. The three-star recruit chose to stay close to home, committing to Baylor over Incarnate Word, Abilene Christian, and Texas Southern.