The Underrated Performer for Baylor against Texas State
While some of you might not be in the mood for today’s article after Saturday’s disastrous performance — and rightfully so — I would like to shine a light on one Bear whose contributions were crucial in keeping the game as close as it was.
When I was initially thinking about players who would be ideal candidates for week one’s “underrated performer” the first player that came to mind was redshirt sophomore wide receiver Jonah Burton. Burton had the opportunity to see heavy contributions against Texas State while filling in for Jordan Nabors, and he took full advantage of it.
Burton finished the night as the third-leading receiver on the team with five receptions for 88 yards only behind Drake Dabney and Ketron Jackson. While these are all deserving factors for the honor, I’m classifying this as an unexpected honorable mention.
After further evaluation, the underrated performer award for week one goes to sophomore kicker Isaiah Hankins. The Little Rock native had a career performance against Texas State, while contributing nine much-needed points for Baylor.
Hankins showed off his range by nailing a 53-yard field goal late in the first quarter to put the Bears within one point of the Bobcats 7-6. His first kick of the game in hindsight was the beginning of a long day for Baylor. The Bears marched their opening drive of the game 55 yards to the goal line, but false starts along the offensive line forced the Bears to settle for a Hankins chipshot from 23 yards out to give them their only lead of the night 3-0.
Hankins would connect on one final field goal from 24 yards out, before missing his lone attempt of the night on a questionable 57-yard attempt late in the second half while trailing.
After finishing the night 3-of-4, it was a career-high number of field goals made for Hankins. During his tenure at Baylor, he has accounted for 118 points for the Bears. His 53-yard field goal in the first quarter was the longest field goal made by a Baylor kicker since Jon Mayers’ 51-yarder against TCU in 2019.
Baylor is going to have to figure something out with their offensive line in order to actually get some consistency flowing on offense — and keep their quarterbacks healthy — or they will be relying heavily on Hankins to get them on the scoreboard all season long.