The Good, The Bad & The Ugly from Baylor's Week of Sports
Spring football closes down, Scott Drew's roster keeps turning over, softball gets a reality check, and several postseason appearances now loom.
Here's a look at The Good, The Bad & The Ugly from the past week in Baylor Athletics.
THE GOOD
Spring Game — It was nice to see the team back out in public and for longer than our media windows allow. It was the first time laying eyes on the offense vs. defense structure, contact, and a game-like setting. From the quarterbacks' duel to Powledge's defense and a boatload of newcomers, we got a good glimpse into this team's progress. As with any spring contest, there were likes and dislikes, and so much remains to be seen before next season. But based on what we have seen. Bowl team? Yes, absolutely. Beyond that? I'm cautiously optimistic at the moment. This team is much more aligned chemistry-wise, which is essential, and that's with quite a few new faces. Aranda acknowledged they have some missing pieces, but there are encouraging signs and solid building blocks at work on various levels. Aranda maintained he was confident in their approach. Only time will tell. Oh yeah, the offense won 38-27.
RB Room — Amongst the positives, the Bears appear to have a room filled with incredible potential at running back, with veteran Dominic Richardson and newcomer Bryson Washington both impressing along with the likes of Richard Reese and Qualan Jones under new coach AJ Steward. I feel good about the group's direction. Of course, off-season hype is a dangerous drug, but for a true freshman, it's hard not to be excited about Washington's future.
Offensive Line & Tight Ends — The line looked good, especially considering the massive amount of experience they're replacing. The tight ends
Monaray Baldwin — A legitimate difference maker and talent on a team in desperate need of them. Baldwin's availability will go a long way to ensuring he and the team can reach their full potential. They've worked on his body, strength, and durability this offseason, and that will be a significant storyline next fall.
Transfer Pickup — Texas native and edge rusher Byron Vaughns is returning to the Lone Star State via Utah State and the transfer portal. Too late for spring ball acclimation, but hopefully, he's a quick learner over the offseason. Vaughns is fired up to be a Bear.
Jayden Nunn — Several MBB names have announced their potential or official departure this offseason, so it was a refreshing change of pace to see a new face joining the ranks with VCU guard Jayden Nunn committing to the Bears over the likes of OU, Texas, and LSU. A seasoned guard? Yes, please. And just the tip of the transfer portal iceberg, it would appear.
MJ Invitational — It was a successful and fun Senior Day weekend for the Track & Field program, with the legend Michael Johnson himself and plenty of other program luminaries and alumni in attendance. As for the action, Noah Monroy won gold in the 5,000 meters on day one. In addition, Sophia Leidner took second in the women's 5K, as did Ryan Day in the men's 1500m.
On day two, it was fitting the men's 4x400 relay team struck gold, as did Chinecherem Prosper Nnamdi in the men's javelin. Senior men's pole vaulter Ben Conacher earned a silver medal.
Imaobong Uko won the women's lone gold in the 400-meter dash. The women's 4X400 relay team finished in second place. Koi Johnson won silver in the women's triple jump, and freshman Makayla Long finished third in the hammer throw. The Bears wrap up the regular season next weekend at the LSU Invitational.
WGolf Big 12 Runner-Up — Speaking of silver medal finishes, Jay Goble and No. 13 Women's Golf finished second at the Big 12 Championships in Dallas, falling to eventual winner Oklahoma State. Hannah Karg and Silje Ohma earned all-tournament selections. The team now looks forward to regional postseason announcements on Wednesday.
Road Ws — Baseball collected their first and second road wins of the season by defeating Sam Houston midweek and taking the series finale from No. 13 Texas Tech on Sunday in Lubbock. The latter result avoided a sweep and salvaged an otherwise tough trip after surrendering 24 runs in the first two contests. The Bears will host Tarleton on Tuesday and West Virginia starting on Friday.
New PWO — San Antonio Reagan Linebacker Trey Laurence committed to Baylor Sunday. A new preferred walk-on addition and a Baylor legacy. Look no further if you want people fired up to wear green and gold.
No. 1 A&T — The defending Natty Champs earned the No. 1 overall seed in the NCATA National Championships, beginning on Thursday in West Virginia against Fairmont State.
Women's Tennis — The Bears took down Kansas State in the opening round of the Big 12 Championships before falling to Oklahoma 4-2 in the quarterfinals. Up next, NCAA Tourney announcements.
THE BAD
Naming a QB1? — The spring game isn't always the greatest indicator of upcoming results, but as a player and team, there was nothing earth-shattering from either candidate. However, Aranda's post-spring game comments made it sound like a starting quarterback decision could be forthcoming. Based solely on Saturday, neither Blake Shapen's nor Sawyer Robertson's lights shined so bright to cast either as a surefire star or the clear-cut winner. But that was only one of fifteen practices and numerous meetings beyond the public eye. I believe a decision anytime soon would leave the incumbent in Shapen as the likely choice, despite the allure of Robertson's personality and energy, as he continues learning the offense. If they announce Shapen within the next few days, I'm not sure that'll charge the fanbase up positively, but it seems like the most logical outcome. I don't see the great benefit in naming a winner right now, but let's see it happen first. And if it does occur, you know it's not a decision taken lightly.
Defensive Questions — The secondary showed some promise, but the defense seems rife with question marks overall. They added another new piece in Byron Vaughns, but there's a lot of work remaining, from front to back, as Matt Powledge guides them forward. The good news is, they have some great minds, but is the experience and talent there? Is there enough disruption and playmaking ability?
Offensive Questions — QB is the most central question, and regardless of who they name, neither is winning the Heisman this season. RB, TE, and OL seem to be in a solid place. Wide receivers remain an overall question mark outside of Monaray Baldwin.
Jerrell Boykins — Hopefully, the defensive line newcomer is okay after needing help off the field on Saturday. He's had ups and downs adjusting from a JUCO to a D1 program this offseason, and they'll need all the help they can get up front next season.
More MBB Departures? — Adam Flagler started the week by announcing he's testing the NBA Draft waters, and Jalen Bridges closed the week by announcing the same. The last one in the room, turn off the lights. Okay, it's not that dire for Scott Drew and the staff, but more roster turnover and uncertainty are officially underway. Regardless of expectations or design, seeing the amount of guaranteed or potential changes is still startling.
Men's Tennis — Unfortunately, the Bears were one and done at the Big 12 Tournament after falling to OU in a tight 4-3 battle, despite an early 2-0 lead. Now, only word on a potential postseason awaits,
THE UGLY
Boomer Sooner'd — OU Softball was always going to arrive in Waco with a nasty chip on their shoulder. After all, the Bears represented the one loss in the Sooners' 39-1 record before this weekend. The Bears were also speaking confidently in the media. But Oklahoma sent a clear message and showed why they're currently the premier program in college softball, not just sweeping the Bears but holding them scoreless across their three games at Getterman Stadium. The Top 20 Bears got a harsh reality check, but that could be good in the long run if appropriately handled. Up next is a midweek home game against Texas State before a weekend conference series in Ames as the regular season slate dwindles.
