Photo by Jim Black
Baylor Football Recruiting
Midweek Breakfast: Breaking down Baylor's recruiting tactics
When Matt Rhule was announced as Baylor’s new head football coach in December 2016, the Bears had a total of one recruit in the 2017 class. Claims were made that Rhule lacked Texas ties and couldn’t recruit to a scandal-ridden university.
Since Rhule’s first day, the 2017 recruiting class finished with 27 members, earning the 40th overall ranking according to 247Sports Composite. The 2018 class currently has a total of 15 members and is ranked 12th in the nation. While it’s extremely early to look at rankings, how is Rhule having this much success recruiting?
Beyond the blanket statement that players can, will, and have succeeded while performing on Saturdays is the caliber of the university itself. Baylor ranks fourth in the state of Texas, falling only behind Texas, Rice, and SMU, and 71st nationally.
“I knew that everything I wanted in a football program is right here. Number one, I want to educate young people. I want to see them graduate. I want to see them change their lives, not just by getting a diploma, but by getting the education that they want… Nine out of every 10 Baylor graduates either has a job or is in graduate school within three months of graduating. That’s unheard of in this market. So I can help kids get the education that they deserve,” Rhule said on why he came to Baylor.
“Each and every day, I want you to wake up and try to be the man you want to be,” Rhule said on Good Morning Football.
Apart from football, Rhule and his staff are setting up players to be men in life. The expectations set for himself and the coaching staff help players achieve their degree, possibly play at the next level, and succeed in life as a man of substance.
Recruits commonly speak of this family atmosphere in Baylor football. Rhule and individual coaches essentially serve as fathers to three players, mentoring them along their path in college. The relationships formed between player and coach are significant on making the player feel right at home. Beyond that, the respect for certain coaches leads to getting the most out of a player.
“I could tell talking to them, it wasn't just about football at Baylor. When a Baylor coach is coaching up players, they're not just coaching them for football; they're coaching them to be better men. That's what I'm looking for in a program,” three-star safety J.T. Woods said on the staff.
Speaking of the staff, Rhule’s staff is comprised of NFL-seasoned veterans. Combining for 27 years of NFL experience, who wouldn’t want to play for coaches who know what’s required to play at the next level?
The team had 100 percent participation in 21 events around the Waco area. Helping at local soup kitchens and elementary schools, the team bonded and showed that life is bigger than just football by assisting those in need.
The Bears also sent several players to Brazil in May as part of a sports ministry program put on by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). Over 40 Baylor athletes -- Coach David Wetzel, Patrick Lawrence, Taylor Young, Trevor White, Wyatt Schrepfer, Quan Jones, Dalton Justice, Jarrod Koym, and Blake Murphy from Baylor football -- traveled to spread a Christian message and help the local youth of Maceio, teaching them various life skills acquired through sports.
“I went on this trip not knowing what I wanted, not really sure what I was going to do to contribute to the trip. You know, maybe I was here to change lives or leave a huge impact. Instead, I came here and experienced a transformation,” Young said.
McLane Stadium is three seasons in and still brand new. With traditions such as the Baylor line and a capacity of 45,140, McLane is a top-notch stadium that grabs everyone’s attention.
In addition, the practice fields are some of the best. While players often find themselves practicing outside on the Brazos, Allison Indoor Practice Facility offers a state of the art indoor practice field.
The past four seasons at Temple, Rhule’s overall record has improved as most of us know. From going 2-10 one season to 10-3 his last season, Rhule knows how to turn a program around and get it on the right track.
Twitter
Lastly, small gimmicks like #BFAST #BSTRONG #BU, #WacoOver18, and photo edits such as the one below are little things that recruits enjoy.
There are so many reasons backed by Rhule and his staff as to why recruits choose Baylor.
As a Baylor student, there are plenty of reasons to come to this amazing school. I know if I had the opportunity to attend Baylor and play for Rhule, it'd be heaven.
Since Rhule’s first day, the 2017 recruiting class finished with 27 members, earning the 40th overall ranking according to 247Sports Composite. The 2018 class currently has a total of 15 members and is ranked 12th in the nation. While it’s extremely early to look at rankings, how is Rhule having this much success recruiting?
Academics
According to Rhule, Baylor football has players in 25 different majors. This helps in setting the standard that Bear football players can and will succeed in a variety of areas. The proof behind this statement that this past semester, Baylor football earned the highest semester GPA on record.Beyond the blanket statement that players can, will, and have succeeded while performing on Saturdays is the caliber of the university itself. Baylor ranks fourth in the state of Texas, falling only behind Texas, Rice, and SMU, and 71st nationally.
“I knew that everything I wanted in a football program is right here. Number one, I want to educate young people. I want to see them graduate. I want to see them change their lives, not just by getting a diploma, but by getting the education that they want… Nine out of every 10 Baylor graduates either has a job or is in graduate school within three months of graduating. That’s unheard of in this market. So I can help kids get the education that they deserve,” Rhule said on why he came to Baylor.
Coaching Staff
While winning is an important aspect of a head coach, the effect on players may be more valuable. Rhule preaches a bigger than football mentality.“Each and every day, I want you to wake up and try to be the man you want to be,” Rhule said on Good Morning Football.
Apart from football, Rhule and his staff are setting up players to be men in life. The expectations set for himself and the coaching staff help players achieve their degree, possibly play at the next level, and succeed in life as a man of substance.
Recruits commonly speak of this family atmosphere in Baylor football. Rhule and individual coaches essentially serve as fathers to three players, mentoring them along their path in college. The relationships formed between player and coach are significant on making the player feel right at home. Beyond that, the respect for certain coaches leads to getting the most out of a player.
“I could tell talking to them, it wasn't just about football at Baylor. When a Baylor coach is coaching up players, they're not just coaching them for football; they're coaching them to be better men. That's what I'm looking for in a program,” three-star safety J.T. Woods said on the staff.
Speaking of the staff, Rhule’s staff is comprised of NFL-seasoned veterans. Combining for 27 years of NFL experience, who wouldn’t want to play for coaches who know what’s required to play at the next level?
Community Service
Beyond academics and the playing field, the Bears have put together an outstanding amount of community service. In the spring, the team combined for over 700 hours.The team had 100 percent participation in 21 events around the Waco area. Helping at local soup kitchens and elementary schools, the team bonded and showed that life is bigger than just football by assisting those in need.
The Bears also sent several players to Brazil in May as part of a sports ministry program put on by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). Over 40 Baylor athletes -- Coach David Wetzel, Patrick Lawrence, Taylor Young, Trevor White, Wyatt Schrepfer, Quan Jones, Dalton Justice, Jarrod Koym, and Blake Murphy from Baylor football -- traveled to spread a Christian message and help the local youth of Maceio, teaching them various life skills acquired through sports.
“I went on this trip not knowing what I wanted, not really sure what I was going to do to contribute to the trip. You know, maybe I was here to change lives or leave a huge impact. Instead, I came here and experienced a transformation,” Young said.
Facilities
The facilities in Waco are some of the best around and are only going to improve.McLane Stadium is three seasons in and still brand new. With traditions such as the Baylor line and a capacity of 45,140, McLane is a top-notch stadium that grabs everyone’s attention.
In addition, the practice fields are some of the best. While players often find themselves practicing outside on the Brazos, Allison Indoor Practice Facility offers a state of the art indoor practice field.
Proven Track Record
On the field, Rhule has a history of turning players into standout athletes. Most famously is walk-on defensive end Haason Reddick. Reddick went 13th overall to the Arizona Cardinals in the NFL draft this year. Offensive lineman Dion Dawkins was drafted 63rd overall in the second round by the Buffalo Bills as well.The past four seasons at Temple, Rhule’s overall record has improved as most of us know. From going 2-10 one season to 10-3 his last season, Rhule knows how to turn a program around and get it on the right track.
There are so many reasons backed by Rhule and his staff as to why recruits choose Baylor.
As a Baylor student, there are plenty of reasons to come to this amazing school. I know if I had the opportunity to attend Baylor and play for Rhule, it'd be heaven.
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