Baylor Football Announces the Completion of Its 2023 Signing Class

WACO, Texas -- Baylor football has completed its signing class with the addition of 11 transfer student-athletes, with a total of 21 of its new signees enrolling in the spring semester.

The Bears welcomed 32 new student-athletes via the early signing and Feb. 1 signing period, including 11 transfers and 21 players who have enrolled for the spring semester.

Baylor had previously announced 22 signees on Dec. 21, as part of the early signing period.

The total class includes transfers from Arkansas, BYU, Hutchinson Community College, Liberty, Michigan State, Miami (Fla.), Mississippi State, Northern Arizona, North Texas and Oklahoma State. The class of 32 includes 20 athletes from the state of Texas, in addition to standouts from Washington (two), Louisiana (two) and Oklahoma (two), in addition to Arizona, Georgia, Mississippi and Denmark.

The Bears finished the recruiting season with the 29th-best class in the country and the fifth-best in the Big 12 Conference, according to Rivals.com. The Bears are also ranked as the 34th best class in college football and the sixth-best in the Big 12 Conference, according to 247Sports. ESPN ranked the Bears newcomers No. 35.

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2023 Baylor Football Signee Roster

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2023 Baylor Football Signee Bios

Clark Barrington | OL | 6-6, 305 | Spokane, Wash. (University HS/BYU)

Previous School: All-American offensive lineman started 40 games and played in 46 for BYU from 2019-22 … Started 37 consecutive games for the Cougars … Started all 13 games at left guard in 2022 and was named second-team all-independent by Phil Steele … Was named to the All-Bowl Team by Pro Football Focus at left guard … Entered the year as a preseason All-America selection … Was on the 2022 Outland Trophy, Rotary Lombardi Award, and Senior Bowl Watch Lists in the preseason … Helped lead an offensive line that ranked No. 10 in the nation in fewest sacks allowed and No. 15 in fewest tackles for a loss … Earned All-America honors in 2021, tabbed second team by Action Network and third-team by Pro Football Focus and Pro Football Network … Named first-team all-independent by Phil Steele and Pro Football Network … Helped lead the BYU offensive line in 2021 to the Joe Moore Midseason Watch List and the Cougars offensive line was named the PFN Offensive Line of the Year … Earned the starting left guard role in 2020 and was named second-team all-independent … Allowed only two pressures in 293 pass-blocking, regular-season snaps for an offensive line that ranked No. 8 in the NCAA for fewest sacks … Played in 10 games with four starts in 2019, helping BYU’s offense rank No. 28 in total offense and No. 26 in passing offense.

High School: Team captain at University High School in Spokane, Wash. … Was named all-league first team and all-state, in addition to academic honor roll honors … Had a 3.96 GPA … Was coached by Rob Bartlett and Bill Diedrick … Played basketball.

 

Campbell Barrington | OL | 6-6, 295 | Spokane, Wash. (University HS/BYU)

Previous School: Played in nine games off the bench in 2022 for BYU … Was a Freshman All-America selection in 2021 for the Cougars, starting six of his eight games played … Tabbed Freshman All-America by the Maxwell Football Club, second-team Freshman All-America by The Athletic and was named to the FOX College Football All-Freshman Team by RJ Young … Named second-team offense in Pro Football Network’s All-Independent listing … Member of BYU’s offensive line that was named to the Joe Moore Award Midseason Watch List, given annually to the nation’s best offensive line … Was a candidate for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award … Helped pave the way for a BYU offense that scored 33 points per game and averaged 452 yards of total offense … Offensive line allowed just 15 sacks on the year.

High School: Was a consensus three-star recruit at University High School in Spokane, Wash. … Rated as the 11th best player in the state of Washington by ESPN … Earned Greater Spokane League 4A All-League honors in 2017.

 

Brendan Bett | DL | 6-4, 298 | Killeen, Texas (Ellison HS)

High School: Consensus three-star prospect … Tabbed the No. 27 defensive tackle in the nation and No. 75 player in Texas, according to Rivals … Rated the No. 97 player on the defensive line in the nation and the No. 156 player overall in the state of Texas, according to 247Sports …  Compiled 148 career tackles at EHS, including 112 solo and 42 for loss … Racked up seven career sacks, including career-high four as a senior in 2022 … Returned his only career interception for 51-yard touchdown … Has forced one career fumble and recovered two … Earned District 4-5A Co-Defensive MVP honors after collecting 63 tackles with four sacks as a senior in 2022 … Named to the District 12-6A First Team as a junior in 2021 … Also competed in track & field … Chose Baylor over offers from Colorado, Houston, SMU and Texas Tech, among others.

 

Jerrell Boykins Jr. | DL | 6-3, 341 | Gonzales, La. (East Ascension HS/Louisiana Tech/Hutchinson CC)

Previous School: Played the 2022 season at Hutchinson [Kan.] College after redshirting in 2021 at Louisiana Tech … Ranked as the 32nd best junior college prospect in the nation by 247Sports and as the sixth-best JUCO defensive lineman … Led Hutchinson College to the NJCAA National Championship Game in 2022, setting a program record with an 11-1 record … Had 18 tackles on the year with 1.5 for a loss and one fumble recovery in 10 games … Chose Baylor over Washington State, Colorado, Louisiana-Lafayette and Western Kentucky.

High School: Earned three letters at East Ascension High School in Gonzales, La. … Named Louisiana Football Coaches Association first-team All-State, also earning first-team all-metro and was a two-time all-district honoree … Also earned three letters in track & field, winning the state championship in 2021 in discuss and was the runner-up in shot put … Coached by Darnell Lee.

 

DJ Coleman | S | 6-0, 193 | Mesquite, Texas (Horn HS)

High School: Recorded 72 total tackles his senior year at Horn High School, with 10.5 TFLs and 2.5 sacks … Caused one fumble in the 2022 season, recovered two, blocked four punts and one field goal … Tallied 62 tackles in both junior and sophomore seasons … Played running back shortly his junior year, rushing for 61 yards … Recorded one interception his sophomore year … Helped the Jaguars to the first round of the state playoff championships … Named first team All-District defense his senior season … Ranked 19th by DCTF in the safety position.

 

Isaiah Dunson | CB | 6-1, 186 | Tucker, Ga. (Tucker HS/Miami [Fla.])

Previous School: Played three seasons at Miami [Fla.] seeing action in 25 games ... Played in six games in 2022 for the Hurricanes ... Notched three tackles over the course of the 2022 season, including two in a win at Georgia Tech and one vs. Middle Tennessee ... As a second-year freshman in 2021, played in 10 games, excelling on special teams ... Totaled five tackles in 2021 ... Went for four tackles in a road win at N.C. State ... Played in nine games in 2022, totaling six tackles during his COVID-19 season ... Made his collegiate debut at Louisville, notching one tackle ... Had a pair of stops vs. Florida State ... Notched a pass break-up vs. North Carolina ... Saw time in the 2020 Cheez-It Bowl vs. Oklahoma State.

High School: Consensus four-star prospect by 247Sports, ESPN and Rivals ...Rated No. 21 cornerback nationwide in 247Sports Composite Rankings ... Earned No. 26 cornerback ranking and No. 333 overall player ranking nationwide from 247Sports ... Ranked No. 31 cornerback by ESPN and No. 32 cornerback by Rivals ... Scored 10 touchdowns on offense and recorded three interceptions during final season at Tucker ... Named to all-county team by Atlanta Journal-Constitution for DeKalb County in final season.

 

Micah Gifford | WR | 6-3, 196 | Pflugerville, Texas (Weiss HS)

High School: Consensus three-star prospect at Weiss High School in Pflugerville, Texas … Caught 41 balls for 840 yards and nine TDs as a senior in 2022, earning unanimous All-District 12-6A honors. … Rated as a three-star prospect by 247Sports and is tabbed as the 70th best wide receiver in the class and the 76th best prospect in Texas … A three-star prospect by ESPN, rated as the 76th best wide receiver and the 97th best prospect in the state … Rated by Rivals as a three-star prospect, tabbed as the 68th best WR in the nation and the 92nd best prospect in Texas … Three-star rating from Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, ranked as the 75th best prospect and the 15th best WR in the state … Had 44 grabs for 893 yards and 13 TDs as a junior in 2021 … Was a first-team District 11-5A-I selection as a junior in 2021 … Also runs track, qualifying for regionals in the 110m hurdles, running a 14.67 and a 38.71 in the 300m hurdles … Picked Baylor over Oklahoma State, Indiana, Mississippi State and Pittsburgh.

 

Ketron Jackson Jr. | WR | 6-2, 195 | Royse City, Texas (Royse City HS/Arkansas)

Previous School: Played the 2021 and 2022 seasons at Arkansas … Saw action in 25 games with eight starts over two seasons, with 21 catches for 374 yards and four TDs … Played in 12 games with eight starts in 2022 with 16 catches for 277 yards and three TDs … Also had a 19-yard rush … Had a career-long 64 yard catch vs. Missouri State … Had a 32-yard TD grab at Texas A&M … Had a TD grab, to go with four catches for 48 yards vs. Alabama … Had a catch for 21 yards at Mississippi State … Had three catches for 55 yards at BYU … Had two grabs, including a TD, vs. Ole Miss … In 2021, played in all 13 games, with five catches for 97 yards and a TD … Had his first career catch, a 16-yard grab vs. Rice … Had a 29-yard TD grab vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff … Had two catches for 53. Yards, including a 39-yard grab vs. Missouri … Played in 247 offensive snaps and had 38 snaps on special teams as a true freshman according to Pro Football Focus.

High School: Four-star wide receiver as ranked by 247Sports, Rivals and ESPN out of Royse City High School … Tabbed as the No. 21 wide receiver in the nation and the 21st best prospect in Texas by 247Sports … Was No. 219 in ESPN’s Top 300 recruits … A two-time all-district 8-5A selection … Had 39 catches for 765 yards with 10 TDs as a senior in 2020, also seeing time at defensive back where he had two interceptions … Coached by David Petroff … Made four catches for a career-high 197 yards and registered two TD grabs while also returning a kickoff 90 yards for a score against Forney … Had an interception on the game’s final play, securing a 55-48 win over Greenville … As a junior, hauled in 61 catches for 889 yards and six TDs … Grabbed a career-high 13 receptions for 190 yards against powerhouse Aledo … Led team to a 5-2 record in 2020 and a 9-3 record – with a berth in the playoffs – as a junior … Starred in track & field, competing in the long jump, triple jump and 4x200 relay, leading DFA athletes in the long jump (24-11) and ranking third in the triple jump (47-6).

 

Caden Jenkins | CB | 6-2, 165 | Lewisville, Texas (Lewisville HS)

High School: Consensus three-star prospect … Ranked as the No. 73 player on The Dallas Morning News’ top 100 recruits list … Rated the No. 98 cornerback in the nation and No. 177 overall player in Texas by 247Sports … The No. 77 corner nationally according to Rivals … Helped Lewisville to a 12-2 record and a regional finals appearance in 2022 … Earned District 6-6A first-team honors in 2022 after tallying 25 total tackles, five pass breakups and forcing two fumbles … Recorded 30 tackles and 13 pass breakups as a junior in 2021 … Earned District 6-6A first-team honors in 2021, leading Lewisville to an 11-2 record and an appearance in the third round of the 6A Division I playoffs … Also ran track, serving on the third leg of Lewisville’s bronze medal-winning 4x200-meter relay team at 6A state championship … Chose Baylor over offers from Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas State, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, SMU and Texas Tech, among others.

 

Dike “D.K.” Kalu | DL | 6-4, 278 | Missouri City, Texas (Ridge Point HS)

High School: Consensus three-star prospect … Tabbed as the No. 23 defensive lineman in the nation and No. 69 overall player in Texas by Rivals … Ranked the No. 77 defensive lineman in the nation and No. 114 overall player in the state of Texas by 247Sports … Recorded 93 total tackles during career at RPHS, including 16 TFL’s and three sacks … Also collected one interception, one pass breakup and a QB hurry during prep career … Unanimous All-District 20-6A First Team selection in 2022 … As a senior in 2022, made 45 total tackles, 38 of which were solo, including 10 tackles for loss, two sacks and recovered one fumble … Was limited to just two games in 2021 due to injury … Unanimous All-District 20-6A First Team selection as a sophomore in 2020 … All-District 20-6A Second Team as a freshman in 2019 … Also competes in shot put and discus, throwing a 48-11.5 shot and 129-1 disc as a sophomore … Father, N.D., played 12 seasons in the NFL as a defensive end for Philadelphia, Washington and Houston … Chose Baylor over offers from Georgia Tech, Houston, Iowa State, Kansas State, SMU, TCU and UTSA, among others.

 

Matthew Klopfenstein | TE | 6-5, 226 | Scottsdale, Ariz. (Horizon HS)

High School: Star tight end at Horizon High School in Scottsdale, Ariz. … Totaled 42 catches for 652 yards and six TDs in 12 games in 2022 … A four-star prospect by 247Sports, rated as the 19th best tight end in the nation and the eighth-best prospect in Arizona … Rated as a four-star prospect by ESPN, tabbed as the 12th best TE in the nation and the eighth-best overall prospect in the state … Tabbed by Rivals as a three-star prospect, the 11th best prospect in the state and the 38th best tight end … Had 45 catches for 575 yards and 10 TDs as a junior in 2021 to earn The Arizona Republic All-Arizona honors, leading the Huskies to the 5A State Championship … Grabbed 17 catches for 174 yards as a sophomore … Had three catches for 23 yards as a freshman … Chose Baylor over UCLA, Arizona, Arizona State, Michigan, Tennessee, Oregon State and Cal.

 

Jonathan Nielsen | TE | 6-6, 210 | Slagelse, Denmark

High School: Spent the last two years in Slagelse, Denmark … Previously prepped at Joshua High School in Joshua, Texas.

 

RJ Martinez | QB | 6-0, 190 | Austin, Texas (Westwood HS/Northern Arizona)

Previous School: Played in 19 games at Northern Arizona, where he threw for 4,590 yards with 30 TDs and 10 interceptions … Was 430-for-673 in career, with 241.6 yards per game, rushing for 255 yards and 13 TDs … In 2022, played in 11 games, completing 294-of-453 passes for 2,877 yards with 16 TDs and eight interceptions, also rushing for eight TDs and 68 yards on 70 totes … Opened the year going 18-of-28 for 92 yards and two interceptions at Arizona State … Was 27-for-41 for 214 yards and a rushing TD at Sam Houston … Threw for 324 yards and two scores on 33-of-47 passing, adding 29 rushing yards … Threw for 127 yards and a score vs. Idaho … Was 30-for-43 for 318 yards with two TDs passing and two rushing scores at Portland State … Threw for 359 yards with three passing scores and one rushing score on 31-for-44 passing vs. Cal Poly … Was 25-of-48 for 309 yards and a score at UC Davis … Threw for 172 yards and had a rushing and passing TD at Idaho State … Was 34-for-46 for a season-high 452 yards and three TDs – adding a rushing score – vs. Montana State … Was 27-of-41 for 226 yards at Northern Colorado … Was 31-for-43 with three TDs vs. Weber State … Was named 2022 Phil Steele and The Bluebloods Preseason All-Big Sky Conference … In 2021, played in eight games with seven starts as a true freshman, throwing for 1,713 yards on 136-of-220 passing with 14 TDs and just two interceptions, also rushing for 187 yards and five scores … Was named Big Sky Conference Freshman of the Year, finishing sixth in the Jerry Rice Award voting, given to the nation’s top FCS freshman … His 0.91 interception percentage set a new program standard … Collegiate debut came in NAU’s 21-19 win over Arizona, leading the Lumberjacks to their first win over a Pac-12 foe and their first win over Arizona since 1932 … Threw a nine-yard TD with just under eight minutes left to give NAU the eventual game-winning score at UA … Tossed for 417 yards against Southern Utah … Had five TD passes vs. Southern Utah … Had a 41-yard TD rush vs. Idaho State and was named Big Sky Conference Player of the Week … Rushed for a pair of scores vs. Southern Utah, earning FCS National Performer of the Week honors … Named Big Sky Conference All-Academic Team in 2021.

High School: Starred at Austin’s Westwood High School, serving as a starter for three years and was twice a team captain … Threw for 7,608 yards and 67 TDs in three seasons and rushed for 1,612 yards and 28 scores … In 2020, threw for 2,538 yards and 22 TDs in nine games … Threw for 510 yards and four TDs vs. Round Rock … As a junior, had a 602-yard passing outing with seven TDs vs. Cedar Ridge, adding 186 yards rushing with three TDs … Also tied Kyler Murray’s record with 50 completions in a game … A three-time first-team All-District selection, earning honorable mention all-state honors as a junior and district MVP accolades as a senior … Named first-team all-academic three times and earned second-team academic all-state.

 

Dawson Pendergrass | RB | 6-2, 221 | Alba, Texas (Mineola HS)

High School: Four-year varsity player at Mineola High School … Closed his high school career with 7,414 rushing yards in 45 games played … Averaged 274.4 yard per game in his senior campaign – 3,184 on the ground, 479 passing and 109 receiving in total for the year … Named Offensive Co-MVP for 2022 District 5-3A Football All-District Honors … Led Mineola to the Area round of the Texas 3A Division I playoffs … District first-team selection his junior and sophomore years at running back and defensive back his sophomore year … Offensive Newcomer of the Year for District 8-3A … Qualified to the regional track meet his junior year in three different events: 110-meter hurdles, long jump and triple jump … Owns a DCTF three-star rating … Chose Baylor over Arkansas and Texas Tech, among others. 

 

Hawkins Polley | TE | 6-4, 256 | Houston, Texas (Stratford HS)

High School: A standout tight end for Stratford High School in Houston… Had 22 catches for 393 yards and seven TDs … First-team all-district selection as a junior in 2021 … Offensively in 2021, had 39 catches for 426 yards and five TDs … In 2020, had 26 catches for 437 yards and nine TDs … A three-star prospect from 247Sports, tabbed as the 154th best prospect in Texas … Ranked by Rivals as a three-star prospect and as the 129th best player in the state … Tabbed by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football as a three-star prospect … Chose Baylor over Houston, Vanderbilt, USC, Kansas and SMU.

 

Dominic Richardson | RB | 6-0, 207 | Oklahoma City, Okla. (Bishop McGuinness/Oklahoma State)

Previous School: Played in 30 games over three years (2020-22) at Oklahoma State … Rushed 272 times for 1,139 yards over his OSU career, with 15 TDs, adding 30 catches for 286 yards receiving … In 2022, played in nine games, leading the team with 149 carries for 543 yards and adding eight TDs … Caught 22 balls for 220 yards in 2022 … Rushed nine times for 61 yards and a TD in the season lid-lifter vs. Central Michigan … Had 27 carries for 131 yards and one score vs. Arizona State … Had 24 carries and one TD for 73 yards vs. Baylor … Had 19 carries for 67 yards and a TD vs. Texas Tech … Went for 22 carries and 72 yards and a TD vs. TCU, adding three catches for 79 yards … Had 13 carries for three TDs vs. Texas … Finished with 14 carries for 51 yards vs. Kansas and 14 carries for 41 yards vs. Iowa State … In 2021, played in all 14 games and finished with 79 carries for 373 yards and four TDs, adding seven grabs … Had eight carries for 33 yards vs. Baylor … Had 11 carries for 79 yards and a TD vs. Kansas … Had 20 carries for 84 yards at Texas Tech … Went for a season-long 134 yards vs. TCU, including two TDs … Named OSU’s Offensive Player of the Week after the win over Kansas … Returned four kickoffs for 69 yards … As a freshman in 2020, played in seven games, including the last six games … Had 44 carries for 223 yards and three TDs … Broke out vs. Baylor, rushing for 169. Yards on 23 carries with three TDs, ranking as the second-most rushing yards for an OSU true freshman in school history … Had 114 yards in the second half of the win over Baylor, with long rushes of 53 and 43 yards … Was named Big 12 Newcomer of the Week and was named to the Fresh Four by the FWAA following the win over Baylor.

High School: Starred at McGuinness for Coach Bryan Pierce … As a senior in 2019, rushed 169 times for 1,719 yards and 17 TDs, adding four touchdown grabs over 238 yards … Led team to the state finals and an 11-3 mark as a senior … Named first-team all-state and all-district, adding three all-conference honors … Went for 2,135 rushing yards and 26 TDs, on 189 carries, as a junior … Finished his sophomore season with 115 yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries and 11 yards and a TD on eight receptions … Ranked as a three-star recruit by 247Sports and ESPN … Rated as the No. 31 running back nationally in the 2020 class according to Rivals … Ranked No. 4 on The Oklahoman’s Super 30 rankings of the state’s top 2020 recruits … Also competed in basketball and track & field.

 

Jake Roberts | TE | 6-4, 244 | Norman, Okla. (Norman North HS/North Texas)

Previous School: Three-year tight end for North Texas, playing in all 37 games for the Mean Green over three years (2020-22) … Had 43 catches for 541 yards and three TDs over three seasons … As a junior in 2022, had 28 catches for 394 yards and three TDs ... Opened the year with four catches for 54 yards and a score at UTEP ... Had three grabs for 41 yards vs. SMU ... Had single catches at UNLV, FAU, Louisiana Tech, UTSA, FIU and Rice, with the grab vs. FIU going for a career-long 70 yards ... A 19-yard catch at UTSA in the first meeting with the UNT rival went for a score ... Had three catches for 25 yards at Memphis and five grabs for 47 yards - and a 10-yard rush - at WKU ... Nabbed two catches for 23 yards at UAB ... In the C-USA Championship Game at UTSA, had three catches for 31 yards ... Had two catches for 21 yards and a TD vs. Boise State in the Frisco Bowl ... Was one of two North Texas player representatives at C-USA Preseason Media Days in Arlington ... In 2021, played in 13 games with six starts, catching 11 balls for 98 yards, with a catch in eight games ... After a catch in the season opener vs. Northwestern State, caught three balls for 24 yards at SMU ... Had two catches for 14 yards vs. UAB ... Had a nine-yard grab at LA Tech ... Had single catches vs. UTSA, UTEP and Marshall, also going for a 30-yard catch vs. Miami in the Frisco Bowl ... As a true freshman had four catches for 40 yards, playing in all 10 games with three starts ... Had a catch in his collegiate debut vs. Houston Baptist, a 13-yard grab ... Had two grabs for 17 yards vs. SMU ... Made first career start in a win over Rice ... Had one catch for 19 yards vs. LA Tech.

High School: A three-star TE prospect at Norman North High School in Norman, Okla. ... Tabbed three stars by 247Sports, Rivals and ESPN ... Rated by 247Sports as the No. 20 player in Oklahoma and the No. 63 tight end in the nation ... Rated by ESPN as the No. 36 tight end in the nation ... Earned two letters with 27 catches for 286 yards and two TDs over two seasons ... As a senior in 2019, had 18 catches for 197 yards and two TDs ... Was a two-time district offensive player of the year ... Earned first-team all-conference and all-district in 2019 and was named his high school's most outstanding student-athlete ... National Honor Society member.

 

Sawyer Robertson | QB | 6-4, 210 | Lubbock, Texas (Coronado HS/Mississippi State)

Previous School: Spent two seasons at Mississippi State (2021-22) ... Played in five games as a redshirt freshman in 2022, going 6-for-11 for 23 yards and an interception, while rushing twice ... Made his collegiate debut in a season-opening win over Memphis ... Completed his first career pass at Arizona, a seven-yard gain ... Was 3-of-4 for 18 yards in a win over Bowling Green ... Was 2 of 6 for five yards in a win over East Tennessee State, rushing for a gain of seven yards ... Redshirted the 2021 season.

High School: A consensus four-star prospect out of Coronado High School in Lubbock, Texas ... Ranked as a top-200 overall recruit by ESPN (No. 54) and 247Sports (No. 133) ... Judged as a top-35 recruit in the state by ESPN (No. 7), Rivals (No. 31) and 247Sports (No. 22) ... Rated as one of the top-10 pocket passers nationally by ESPN (No. 10), Rivals (No. 9) and 247Sports (No. 10) ... The Gatorade Texas Player of the Year as a senior ... Finished a decorated career - where he was coached by Seth Parr - at Coronado ranked in the top-15 all-time in Texas high school football history in career completions (No. 8; 813), career TD passes (No. 10; 135) and career passing yards (13th; 11,302) ... Threw for 11,302 yards and 135 TDs in his career on 813-of-1,265 passing ... Totaled 147 career TDs, adding 12 rushing scores ... As a senior, helped lead the Mustangs to the Class 5A regional semifinals ... Threw for 4,509 yards and 58 TDs while leading Coronado to a 12-1 record, also rushing for 233 yards and five scores ... Was named the Lone Star Varsity Player of the Year as the Class 5A Built Ford Tough Player of the Year ... As a junior, completed 257-of-405 passes for 3,914 yards and 44 touchdowns ... Piled up 161 yards rushing on 38 carries with three touchdowns ... As a sophomore, passed for 3,564 yards and 43 touchdowns ... Completed 313-of-483 passes ... Ran 27 times for 168 yards and five scores ... As a freshman, connected on 10-of-14 passes for 161 yards and one touchdown ... Also lettered in baseball ... Was a member of the National Honor Society and was named academic all-state … Father, Stan, was a first-round pick of the Expos in the 1990 MLB Draft and cousin Jarrett Stidham played QB at Baylor and Auburn.

 

Isaiah Robinson | OL | 6-6, 296 | Arlington, Texas (Lamar HS)

High School: A three-year starter at Lamar High School … A four-star recruit by Rivals and ESPN … No. 267 on ESPN’s top-300 recruit listing … Allowed a 1.2% career pass protection pressure rate … Graded out at 91% for his career with 39 pancakes … Selected to 2023 Adidas All-American Bowl on NBC … District 8-6A Offensive Newcomer of the Year his sophomore season at Arlington Lamar … Won 2020 MaxPreps Sophomore All-American Team – Second Team Offense honors … Named a four-star recruit by 247 Sports and Dave Campbell’s Texas Football and the No. 1 prospect at the position in Texas … Committed to Baylor over Cal, Arizona, Arkansas and Auburn. 

 

Mike Smith | LB | 6-1, 225 | Flora, Miss. (Ridgeland HS/Mississippi Gulf Coast CC/Liberty)

Previous School: Played the 2022 season at Liberty, where he led the team with 85 tackles while starting all 12 games … Added 10 tackles for a loss, half a sack, one interception, two QB hurries, three forced fumbles and one interception … Helped lead Liberty to an 8-5 record … Had two 10+ tackle games, including a career-best 16 tackles in the Boca Raton Bowl vs. Toledo, where he had two tackles for a loss, half a sack and a forced fumble … Had eight tackles and an interception – returned 22 yards – in his Division I debut at Southern Miss in the season opener … Had five tackles and a forced fumble vs. UAB … Went for 10 tackles, with 2.5 tackles for a loss and one pass break-up at Wake Forest … Had nine tackles vs. Akron … Totaled six tackles, including half a stop for a loss and two pass break-ups at Old Dominion … Went for five stops at UMass … Had seven tackles, including three for a loss with a pass break-up, vs. Gardner-Webb … Had two QB hurries and two tackles vs. BYU … Charted three tackles and a tackle for a loss at Arkansas … Had five stops and a forced fumble vs. Virginia Tech … Had nine tackles, including half a stop for a loss vs. New Mexico State … Played three seasons at Mississippi Gulf Coast (2019-21), where he was named All-MACCC South First Team … Totaled 248 tackles, including 19 tackles for a loss and seven sacks, adding three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and two interceptions over his Mississippi Gulf Coast College career … Was rated as a three-star junior college recruit by 247Sports and a two-star prospect by Rivals.com.

High School: Prepped at Ridgeland High School … Was named Mississippi Association of Coaches Class 6A First-Team All-State … Had 94 tackles, 23 tackles for a loss, six sacks, 11 QB hurries, five forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries as a senior … Named Defensive MVP of the Bernard Blackwell All-Star Game … As a junior, was named Mississippi Association of Coaches 5A Second-Team All-State and was the most outstanding linebacker for Region 2-5A.

 

Jack Stone | PK | 6-0, 190 | Dallas, Texas (Highland Park HS/Michigan State)

Previous School: Played the 2022 season at Michigan State ... Was 2-for-4 in field goal attempts, with a 43 yarder and a 51-yarder made ... Kicked off 53 times for 3,113 yards, with 13 going as touchbacks ... Was 15 of 16 in PATs ... Drilled his first career field goal, from 43 yards vs. Akron, also going 7 for 7 in PATs and kicking off nine times with three touchbacks ... Had an attempt at Maryland blocked ... Two of his four kickoffs went for touchbacks vs. Ohio State ... Drilled a career-long 51-yard field goal at Penn State in the regular-season finale.

 

High School: One of the nation's best kicking prospects out of Dallas, Texas, where he prepped at Highland Park High School ... Rated by Chris Sailer Kicking as the nation's No. 4 prospect, also tabbed No. 11 by 247Sports and No. 20 by Kohl's ... Earned District 7-5A special teams player of the year honors in 2020 and 2021 ... In 2021, served in three roles for Highland Park, including placekicking, kickoffs and punting ... Over 70 percent of his kickoffs went as touchbacks ... Averaged 40 yards per punt ... Had three field goals.

 

Trent Thomas | DL | 6-4, 237 | Missouri City, Texas (Thurgood Marshall HS)

High School: Consensus three-star prospect … Rated the No. 74 edge rusher in the nation and the No. 135 overall player in the state of Texas by 247Sports … Made 47 total tackles, including 18 solo, in eight games before a season-ending injury as a senior in 2022 … Also recorded seven tackles for loss, six of which were sacks, and tallied one pass breakup … Forced a fumble in 2022 campaign … Two-time All-District selection … Helped Marshall to a 10-1 record and Texas 5A Division II first-round playoff appearance as a junior in 2021 … Chose Baylor over offers from Boston College, Colorado, Houston, San Diego State, SMU, Tulane, Tulsa and UTSA, among others.

 

Sean Thompkins | OL | 6-5, 318 | Covington, Ga. (Newton HS)

High School: Three-star recruit out of Georgia … Helped Newton to an appearance in the 2022 GHSA playoffs … First-team member of the Georgia 7A All-Region team his senior season … Experienced at tackle and guard spots on offensive line … Won second-team honors for the 2021 All-Region 7A Team … Chose Baylor over Florida, Auburn and Georgia Tech.

 

LeVar Thornton Jr | CB | 6-3, 168 | Fort Worth, Texas (Timber Creek HS)

High School: A four-star prospect, according to 247Sports … Rated as the No. 47 cornerback in the nation and No. 73 overall player in Texas by 247Sports … Amassed a total of 68 tackles in prep career, with four TFL’s … Recorded six career interceptions, including two returned for touchdowns … Also made eight catches on offense for 108 receiving yards … In 2022, racked up 31 tackles, two for loss, and three interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown … Also made three receptions for 35 yards as a senior … Competed in basketball and track & field as well … State qualifier in the high jump, placing fourth in Texas 6A as a junior with a mark of 6-6 … Chose Baylor over offers from Air Force, Army, Boise State, Navy, Texas State and Vanderbilt, among others.

 

Wes Tucker | OL | 6-5, 268 | Argyle, Texas (Argyle HS)

High School: Standout offensive lineman helped lead Argyle High School to the state semifinals of the 2022 Class 5A Division II playoffs … Named District 3-5A Offensive Lineman of the Year … Graded out at 82% on the season with 30 knockdown blocks … Paved the way for an offensive unit that rushed for 3,532 yards and 45 TDs, an average of 5.9 yards per carry … Did not give up a sack at all throughout the year, playing left tackle and left guard … Three-year member of varsity … Team captain as voted on by his team in 2022 … Three-star prospect by 247Sports, rated as the 52nd best interior offensive lineman in the nation and the 113th best overall prospect in Texas … Ranked by Rivals, ESPN and Dave Campbell’s Texas Football as a three-star prospect …Played left tackle and left guard in 2021 as a junior before suffering a season-ending injury … Helped lead Argyle to a 16-0 record and the Class 4A Division I State Title in 2020 … Also competed in track & field, recording a 41-11.5 in the shot put in March of 2022 as a junior and a 106-3 throw in the discus as a sophomore … Brother, Jack, is an offensive lineman at Texas Tech … Chose Baylor over Kansas, Tulane and Texas Tech.

 

Bryson Washington | RB | 6-0, 205 | Franklin, Texas (Franklin HS)

High School: Star two-way player for powerhouse Franklin High School in Franklin, Texas … A semifinalist for the 2022 Mr. Texas Football Award … Has led Franklin to 32 straight wins and consecutive 3A-DI State Championships … A four-year starter at running back and safety … Has rushed for over 2,000 yards and over 30 TDs as a senior … Rated by 247Sports as a three-star prospect, tabbed as the 55th best athlete in the nation and as the 104th best prospect in Texas … Rivals rated as a three-star prospect … Ranked by ESPN as a three-star prospect, No. 49th best running back in the class and as the 130th-best prospect in Texas … Tabbed by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football as a three-star prospect and was rated as the third-best athlete and the 59th best prospect in the state … As a junior in 2021, was named Texas District 13-3A D-II Overall Co-MVP, helping lead Franklin to a 16-0 record and a Class 3A-Division II State Title … Rushed for 1,480 yards with 20 TDs on 104 carries as a junior, adding five catches for 212 yards and four scores … Defensively as a junior, had 119 tackles, eight pass break-ups, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and returned a fumble and an interception for a TD … As a sophomore, carried it 111 times for 1,376 yards and 19 TDs, while adding 120 tackles, 11 pass break-ups, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and three interceptions … Named district Overall MVP as a sophomore, leading Franklin to the state championship game … Tabbed first-team all-state at defensive back by the Texas Sports Writers Association in 2020 … Tabbed district Defensive Newcomer of the Year as a freshman … Standout on the basketball court and in track & field … Helped lead Franklin’s basketball squad to a 20-4 record and a Texas 3A fourth-round playoff appearance as a junior … Chose Baylor over Arkansas, Houston, SMU and Boston College.

 

Palmer Williams | P/PK | 6-1, 179 | Advance, N.C. (Davie HS)

High School: A three-star prospect according to 247Sports and ESPN … A 4.5-star prospect according to Chris Sailer Kicking ratings … Ranked as the No. 3 punter in the nation and No. 42 overall player in the state of North Carolina by 247Sports … The No. 14 punter in the country and No. 37 player in the state, according to ESPN … Selected to 2023 Adidas All-American Bowl on NBC Punter … A “great-looking athlete with excellent college potential whose punting is a major strength,” according to Chris Sailer Kicking, averaging over 40 yards per punt with 4.6+ hang time … Also has 50+-yard field goal range … Averaged 43.6 yards per punt as a senior in 2022 … In 2021, averaged 36.8 yards per punt and downed four inside-the-20 … Also served as kicker for DHS, connecting on 54 of 56 PAT attempts … Made seven of 10 career field goal attempts, with long of 47 yards … Also competed in track and field, as well as lacrosse … Regional qualifier in the discus throw as a junior with a personal best 136-8 in the event … Chose Baylor over offers from Connecticut and interest from North Carolina, NC State, Virginia Tech and Wake Forest.

 

Carl Williams IV | CB | 6-0, 173 | Baton Rouge, La. (Southern Lab HS)

High School: Consensus three-star prospect … Ranked as the No. 56 cornerback nationally and No. 22 overall player in Louisiana by 247Sports … Tabbed as the No. 61 corner in the nation according to Rivals …  Helped Southern Lab to a 12-2 record and the Louisiana Division IV state championship as a junior in 2021 … Also plays baseball and runs track … Ran a 10.49 in the 100 meters as a junior in spring 2022 … Ran the third leg of SLHS’ 1A state champion 4x100-meter relay team and the third leg of bronze medal-winning 4x200-meter relay … Hit .333 as a sophomore in 2021 for SLHS baseball team, drove in 16 and stole 20 bases on 29 attempts … Chose Baylor over offers from Kentucky, Louisiana Tech, Missouri, Tennessee, Tulane and Vanderbilt, among others.

 

Trey Wilson | DL | 6-3, 250 | Garland, Texas (Lakeview Centennial HS)

High School: Star defensive lineman in Garland, Texas, for Lakeview Centennial High School … A four-star prospect according to ESPN, ranked as the 58th best prospect in the state and the 49th best defense end … Ranked by 247Sports as a three-star prospect, the 111th best defensive lineman in the nation and the 176th best prospect in the state … Tabbed by Rivals as a three-star prospect and the 41st best weakside defensive end in the class … A three-star prospect according to Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, where he is ranked as the 80th best prospect in the state and the 13th best defensive end … A first-team pick at defensive end as a junior in 2021 … Tabbed defensive newcomer of the year in the district in 2020 as a sophomore … Chose Baylor over Arkansas, Florida State, Michigan, Houston, Nebraska, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Oklahoma State, SMU, Stanford, Texas Tech, Miami, USC, Utah, Washington and Arizona State, among others.

 

Tay’Shawn Wilson | CB | 6-0, 175 | Cypress, Texas (Mayde Creek HS)

High School: Consensus four-star prospect according to Rivals … Rated the No. 31 cornerback nationally and No. 39 overall player in the state of Texas by Rivals … Tabbed as the No. 32 corner in the country and the No. 59 overall player in Texas by ESPN … Ranked as the No. 41 cornerback in the nation and No. 69 overall player in Texas by 247Sports … Made 19 tackles, including 12 solo, forced a fumble, broke up a pass, and collected an interception as a senior in 2022 … Blocked four field goals and scored two defensive TDs as a junior in 2021 … Also ran track, recording a 10.62 100-meter dash and a 21.86 200-meter time … Chose Baylor over offers from Colorado, Georgia Tech, Houston, Kansas, Nebraska, SMU, Texas, Tulane and UTSA, among others.

 

Jaren Woods | DL | 6-4, 265 | La Grange, Texas (La Grange HS)

High School: Recorded 61 tackles, 22 solo and six for loss, with one sack in his junior campaign with the Leopards …  Helped La Grange advance to the second round of the 2021 UIL State Championships … Suffered a season-ending injury to his leg in the first game of his senior season … 2022 Regional champion in the discus, recording a throw of 148-8 … Rated the 88th best player in Texas by 247Sports … Tabbed as the seventh-best defensive tackle and a three-star recruit by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football … Chose Baylor over Vanderbilt, Auburn, Cal, Texas, TCU and Houston, among others.