Baylor Football
2016 record: 2-10; 1-8 Big 12
Postseason results: N/A
Coach: David Beaty (3rd, 2-22 at Kansas)
Texas lost to Kansas.
Okay, that joke is running on its last tank. But the trick will be for something bigger to come along than that for the Jayhawks. Beating a brand name school like the Longhorns will be tough to top (especially if it happens this year over Tom Herman in the 40 Acres.)
What could end that joke is finding the face of the program, someone everyone in the conference can recognize. That has to be third-year head coach David Beaty.
Look back at the program’s history. Who comes to mind as the face of the Jayhawks in the past decade? Mark Mangino if only because of his unique persona or Charlie Weis as his failed replacement that was receiving a payoff through December?
Weis and Mangino left ugly stains on the program that helped the Jayhawks lose every game two seasons ago, Beaty’s first year in Lawrence.
Since then, even with only two wins under his belt (worse than Weis or Mangino’s records before firings), Beaty has been the bleach needed to rid those memories. He has an infectious personality that put the Jayhawks on a proper path to success.
When he first came into the role after a stint as the Texas A&M receivers coach, Beaty pulled star receiver transfer LaQuivionte Gonzalez along who helped propel the Jayhawks to both their wins last season. For 2018, Beaty has two four-star recruits committed, confident in his message that this is a school worth more than the doormat Big 12 used for the better part of the decade.
Most importantly, the athletic department is buying into Beaty’s plan too. In December, he was rewarded a contract extension through 2021 filled with incentives to help both Beaty and his players stay to help the program about face.
Top three players: WR Steven Sims, WR LaQuivionte Gonzalez, DE Dorance Armstrong
If Armstrong’s sophomore campaign leading the conference with 10 sacks is any indication (and there’s no sign it isn’t), then he’ll be leaving Kansas for the NFL in a hurry before his stock drops. This is an era that grabbing quarterbacks is becoming mandatory and that’s thanks to players like Sims and Gonzalez that are helping stretch the field in Air Raids like never before. Gonzalez was the incoming hero last year for the Jayhawks, following Beaty from Texas A&M but it was Sims that made the biggest impact as the team’s leading receiver. The two combined for over 1,500 yards and 10 touchdowns, the first time two Jayhawks surpassed 500 yards in a season since 2009.
Biggest losses: S Fish Smithson, RB Ke’aun Kinner, QB Montell Cozart
Smithson is just one of the many losses in the secondary but he’s surely the biggest loss for the Jayhawks after leading them in tackles and passes defended the past two seasons. Kinner’s impact out of the backfield may be small relative to bigger backs in the conference but he was a spark that was irreplaceable the past couple of seasons. The loss of Cozart may be beneficial considering his inefficiency under center but once again helps perpetuate the Kansas QB carousel that’s had five signal callers in two years.
Strength: Pass Rush
A case could be made the offense’s passing is of equal value with Sims and Gonzalez running loose with a highly anticipated QB but the nod goes to the pass rush thanks to Dorance Armstrong. Beaty has compared his prized defensive end to the likes of top draft picks Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney. Those comparisons may not be hyperbole. As a sophomore, Armstrong led the Big 12 with 10 sacks including a six-game streak. He also has defensive tackle Daniel Wise coming in hot. Losing the situational pressure linebacker Cameron Roster applied hurts but the addition of juice transfer Willie McCaleb opposite Armstrong keeps things looking up.
Weakness: Run game
Ke’aun Kinner was one of the most under-appreciated players in the Big 12 the past couple seasons. Now that he’s gone, that appreciation shouldn’t be lost on Jayhawks fans. In 2015, he was one of the few bright spots on the offense, having some of his biggest days while injured. He came back roaring in 2016, averaging 5.3 yards a carry over his 738 yards, a big factor in Kansas’ two wins. Now the backfield is in repair mode, looking at sophomore Khalil Herbert and juco transfer Octavious Matthews for help. Aside from a big afternoon against Memphis with 74 yards on six carries, he was stuck in neutral all season. He’ll have to switch gears to fight for playing time with Matthews who some expect to have a season up to par with Kinner. There’s just too many unknowns right now to have the most faith.
Emerging star: S Mike Lee
Without Smithson around to eat up more tackles and batted passes, Lee’s role should increase. Considering he was second on the team with 76 tackles to Smithson’s 93 stops, it’s not too difficult to see Lee turn into the All-Big 12 selection his predecessor was the past two years. Even better, Smithson didn’t come into his own until his junior year. Lee is entering his sophomore year. Beaty has fostered an atmosphere that’s helped freshman like Lee (a three-star recruit from Louisiana) immediately thrive. Keep your eyes peeled for him as he also has experience at cornerback.
Impact newcomer: QB Peyton Bender & WR Daylon Charlot
Both Bender and Charlot are a part of the transfer contingent that believes in Beaty’s ability to flip this program from zero to hero. A transfer from Washington State, Bender looks like a great fit for Beaty’s Air Raid system. Bender had three TDs to four INTs at WASU (right in line with previous KU quarterbacks) but with a talented receiving corps with Sims, Gonzalez, a more experienced offensive line and Alabama transfer Charlot, there’s tremendous upside. Sims has done wonders in the slot while Gonzalez is a speedy speed outside. Charlot looks like the missing puzzle piece as a sure-handed possession receiver Bender or Carter Stanley will lean on under pressure.
Threat to Baylor: Low
Look, the potential Kansas has is easy to talk about. It’s easy to hope they keep beating Texas but until that 2018 class (and beyond) actually comes into play, there needs to be more than the Beaty is a great guy and inventive coach narrative. The individual pieces like Armstrong and Sims are enough to keep games competitive enough to watch but Baylor waxed Kansas 49-7 last year and not enough has changed one either side to bring Kansas closer to a draw.
Big 12 Preview: Kansas looks for more improvement in 2017
Kansas Jayhawks
2016 record: 2-10; 1-8 Big 12
Postseason results: N/A
Coach: David Beaty (3rd, 2-22 at Kansas)
Texas lost to Kansas.
Okay, that joke is running on its last tank. But the trick will be for something bigger to come along than that for the Jayhawks. Beating a brand name school like the Longhorns will be tough to top (especially if it happens this year over Tom Herman in the 40 Acres.)
What could end that joke is finding the face of the program, someone everyone in the conference can recognize. That has to be third-year head coach David Beaty.
Look back at the program’s history. Who comes to mind as the face of the Jayhawks in the past decade? Mark Mangino if only because of his unique persona or Charlie Weis as his failed replacement that was receiving a payoff through December?
Weis and Mangino left ugly stains on the program that helped the Jayhawks lose every game two seasons ago, Beaty’s first year in Lawrence.
Since then, even with only two wins under his belt (worse than Weis or Mangino’s records before firings), Beaty has been the bleach needed to rid those memories. He has an infectious personality that put the Jayhawks on a proper path to success.
When he first came into the role after a stint as the Texas A&M receivers coach, Beaty pulled star receiver transfer LaQuivionte Gonzalez along who helped propel the Jayhawks to both their wins last season. For 2018, Beaty has two four-star recruits committed, confident in his message that this is a school worth more than the doormat Big 12 used for the better part of the decade.
Most importantly, the athletic department is buying into Beaty’s plan too. In December, he was rewarded a contract extension through 2021 filled with incentives to help both Beaty and his players stay to help the program about face.
Top three players: WR Steven Sims, WR LaQuivionte Gonzalez, DE Dorance Armstrong
If Armstrong’s sophomore campaign leading the conference with 10 sacks is any indication (and there’s no sign it isn’t), then he’ll be leaving Kansas for the NFL in a hurry before his stock drops. This is an era that grabbing quarterbacks is becoming mandatory and that’s thanks to players like Sims and Gonzalez that are helping stretch the field in Air Raids like never before. Gonzalez was the incoming hero last year for the Jayhawks, following Beaty from Texas A&M but it was Sims that made the biggest impact as the team’s leading receiver. The two combined for over 1,500 yards and 10 touchdowns, the first time two Jayhawks surpassed 500 yards in a season since 2009.
Biggest losses: S Fish Smithson, RB Ke’aun Kinner, QB Montell Cozart
Smithson is just one of the many losses in the secondary but he’s surely the biggest loss for the Jayhawks after leading them in tackles and passes defended the past two seasons. Kinner’s impact out of the backfield may be small relative to bigger backs in the conference but he was a spark that was irreplaceable the past couple of seasons. The loss of Cozart may be beneficial considering his inefficiency under center but once again helps perpetuate the Kansas QB carousel that’s had five signal callers in two years.
Strength: Pass Rush
A case could be made the offense’s passing is of equal value with Sims and Gonzalez running loose with a highly anticipated QB but the nod goes to the pass rush thanks to Dorance Armstrong. Beaty has compared his prized defensive end to the likes of top draft picks Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney. Those comparisons may not be hyperbole. As a sophomore, Armstrong led the Big 12 with 10 sacks including a six-game streak. He also has defensive tackle Daniel Wise coming in hot. Losing the situational pressure linebacker Cameron Roster applied hurts but the addition of juice transfer Willie McCaleb opposite Armstrong keeps things looking up.
Weakness: Run game
Ke’aun Kinner was one of the most under-appreciated players in the Big 12 the past couple seasons. Now that he’s gone, that appreciation shouldn’t be lost on Jayhawks fans. In 2015, he was one of the few bright spots on the offense, having some of his biggest days while injured. He came back roaring in 2016, averaging 5.3 yards a carry over his 738 yards, a big factor in Kansas’ two wins. Now the backfield is in repair mode, looking at sophomore Khalil Herbert and juco transfer Octavious Matthews for help. Aside from a big afternoon against Memphis with 74 yards on six carries, he was stuck in neutral all season. He’ll have to switch gears to fight for playing time with Matthews who some expect to have a season up to par with Kinner. There’s just too many unknowns right now to have the most faith.
Emerging star: S Mike Lee
Without Smithson around to eat up more tackles and batted passes, Lee’s role should increase. Considering he was second on the team with 76 tackles to Smithson’s 93 stops, it’s not too difficult to see Lee turn into the All-Big 12 selection his predecessor was the past two years. Even better, Smithson didn’t come into his own until his junior year. Lee is entering his sophomore year. Beaty has fostered an atmosphere that’s helped freshman like Lee (a three-star recruit from Louisiana) immediately thrive. Keep your eyes peeled for him as he also has experience at cornerback.
Impact newcomer: QB Peyton Bender & WR Daylon Charlot
Both Bender and Charlot are a part of the transfer contingent that believes in Beaty’s ability to flip this program from zero to hero. A transfer from Washington State, Bender looks like a great fit for Beaty’s Air Raid system. Bender had three TDs to four INTs at WASU (right in line with previous KU quarterbacks) but with a talented receiving corps with Sims, Gonzalez, a more experienced offensive line and Alabama transfer Charlot, there’s tremendous upside. Sims has done wonders in the slot while Gonzalez is a speedy speed outside. Charlot looks like the missing puzzle piece as a sure-handed possession receiver Bender or Carter Stanley will lean on under pressure.
Threat to Baylor: Low
Look, the potential Kansas has is easy to talk about. It’s easy to hope they keep beating Texas but until that 2018 class (and beyond) actually comes into play, there needs to be more than the Beaty is a great guy and inventive coach narrative. The individual pieces like Armstrong and Sims are enough to keep games competitive enough to watch but Baylor waxed Kansas 49-7 last year and not enough has changed one either side to bring Kansas closer to a draw.
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