30 for 30: #6 Patrick Lawrence — Steadying Force

OL, Patrick Lawrence (6-5, 300) | Waxahachie (TX) High School

— On an offensive line that lacks starting experience at left tackle, left guard and center, Lawrence is one of two Baylor offensive linemen with 13 career starts under their built heading into the 2017 season. Lawrence started all 13 of Baylor's games at right tackle as a sophomore and played in all 13 as a redshirt freshman in 2016. 

— Teaming up on the right side of the line along with fellow junior Blake Blackmar, the duo returns as the core of an offensive line which led the Big 12 in rushing in 2016 at 241.8 yards per game. Senior lineman Ishmael Wilson was another key part of that piece starting 12 of 13 games for the Bears last fall.

— Lawrence can make his argument as Baylor's top remaining offensive lineman. On 12 occasions in 2016 as a sophomore, Lawrence graded out over 84 percent including 89 percent in a victory over Oklahoma State as well against Oklahoma. His best performance percentage wise came against Northwestern State at 92 percent.

— On a unit that will need to overcome depth issues, Lawrence can prove to be a steadying force for the Bears, especially offensive line newcomer Sam Tecklenburg and true freshman Ryan Miller. If he and Blackmar can provide a consistency in the running game early in the season, it should allow for the remainder of the offensive line to find their footing.

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