Presser: Dave Aranda Announces 2023 Starting Quarterback

The Baylor Football Head Coach met with the media to answer questions before his summer tour.

Here is a recap of what Aranda said:

Dave Aranda's press conference began with him expressing his pride in the team's academic success, highlighting their team GPA of 3.02, the second highest in Baylor football history. He emphasized the importance of discipline and attention to detail, which he believes contributed to their academic achievements. Aranda also mentioned the upcoming arrival of 15 new players and expressed excitement about integrating them into the team.

Regarding the starting quarterback position, Aranda announced that Blake Shapen had been named the starter, while Sawyer Robertson had shown significant improvement during the spring. Aranda praised Shapen's consistency, leadership, and overall improvement, stating that he had earned the starting position. He acknowledged that Robertson's growth would continue and expressed confidence in his future development.

Aranda revealed that Garmon Randolph was currently suspended from the team due to an off-field issue and expressed hope that it would be resolved soon. He mentioned the arrival of transfer players, freshmen, and walk-ons, stating that the team would be at its allotted number for the upcoming season. Aranda expressed pride in the players who chose to come to Baylor because of the program's values, including Christian faith, education, and a commitment to winning championships.

When asked about the success of the transfer players, Aranda acknowledged that they had performed well academically and on the field, with some even achieving a 4.0 GPA. He mentioned the importance of finding players who fit the program's values and praised the recruiting process that had brought them to Baylor.

Aranda discussed the addition of Byron Vaughns to the team, highlighting his pass-rushing abilities and explaining how the three-four defensive scheme utilizes specific positions to create pressure on the opposing offense. He described Vaughns as a valuable addition who would bring energy and an edge to the team.

In response to a question about his expectations for the upcoming season, Aranda expressed his desire for continuous growth and improvement. He acknowledged the learning experiences from previous years and stated that he aimed to maintain humility while remaining hungry for further progress.

Lastly, Aranda addressed the possibility of players pushing the envelope during the spring, similar to what happened in the previous season. He said no one had done so this spring and emphasized the importance of players understanding and adhering to the program's values and expectations.