Baylor Football Announces Early Signing Class
WACO, Texas -- Baylor football has released its early signing class, featuring 15 athletes, including 11 from Texas, it was announced on Wednesday afternoon by Coach Dave Aranda.
“We are so excited to welcome such a talented group of young men into the Baylor Family,” Aranda said. “I, along with our football staff, am proud to sign a tremendous group of athletes who will make an immediate impact on our team. Each individual in this class has qualities that make them a strong fit for Baylor Football and carry the ability to help contribute as we compete for championships in the seasons ahead.”
Baylor signed 15 total athletes in the class, including five transfers. The Bears welcome 2023 Mid-American Conference MVP Dequan Finn, who has 88 career TDs over 45 career games as the QB at Toledo, UNLV safety Cameren Jenkins, Montana State offensive lineman Omar Aigbedion, junior college interior defensive lineman Tonga Lolohea and junior college linebacker Keaton Thomas.
“As a football staff, we are thankful to welcome these players into our program as it speaks to the faith and commitment these student-athletes and their families are placing in us as a football program,” Aranda said. “Their faith and commitment have us excited for the season ahead. I am extremely grateful to our coaches and support staff who have been working hard to bring in student-athletes that contribute to our success as a football program.”
The Bears signed 11 players who played their high school football in the state of Texas. BU also welcomes players who hail from California, Florida, Louisiana, Michigan and Mississippi.
“As always, recruiting the state of Texas remains a top priority for us and we are proud to have 11 Texas natives in this class,” Aranda said. “The opportunity for these players to showcase their talents in their home state is very important to us and I am appreciative for all that the Texas High School Coaches Association does to help us accomplish this goal.
“Appreciate all the support from the Baylor Family as we go into a new year. We are looking forward to the future of Baylor Football with the addition of the December 2023 Signing Day Class.”
2024 Baylor Football Signee Bios
Omar Aigbedion | OL | 6-3, 308 | Katy, Texas (Katy HS / Montana State)
Previous School: An All-Conference performer at Montana State, logging time primarily at guard ... Helped lead Montana State to a 20-6 record over his two years ... Named First-Team FCS Central All-America in 2023 and Second-Team All-Big Sky Conference ... Played in 26 games over two years ... 2023: Started 12 games and earned second-team all-league honors ... Graded out on PFF as a 90.0 in run blocking ... Montana State ranked as the second-best graded rush-blocking offense (86.9) ... 2022: Was named a Freshman FCS All-America by HERO Sports ... Had an 88.9 run-blocking grade for an offense that ranked second in the FCS in rushing.
High School: Prepped at Katy High School ... After graduating from Katy High School, spent a year at the United State Military Academy Prep School before joining MSU.
Kyler Beaty | CB | 6-0, 170 | Comanche, Texas (Comanche HS)
High School: Three-star cornerback out of Comanche High School … Rated as a three-star by 247Sports, as the 79th-best cornerback in the nation and the 145th-best prospect in Texas … Ranked by Rivals as a three-star prospect … In 2022, had 53 tackles, three interceptions and a forced fumble, also adding 27 catches for 540 yards and eight TDs … As a sophomore in 2021, had 50 tackles, including an interception and a forced fumble, while offensively sporting 31 catches for 570 yards and eight TDs, also rushing it 10 times … Also plays baseball, basketball and track & field … Was a Texas 3A regional qualifier as a junior in the 100 meters, running 100-meter times of 10.70, 10.85 and 10.91 in the spring of 2023.
Nate Bennett | QB | 6-2, 180 | Westlake Village, Calif. (Oaks Christian HS)
High School: Three-star prospect out of Oaks Christian High School in Westlake Village, Calif. … Rated by 247Sports as a three-star recruit, the 101st-best QB in the nation and the 153rd-best prospect in California … Ranked by Rivals as a three-star recruit and as the 97th-best prospect in California … Threw for 6,163 yards with 76 TDs in his four-year career at Oaks Christian … As a senior, was 118-for-163 for 1,822 yards with 19 TDs and three interceptions … In 2022, played in nine games, tossing for 1,228 yards on 92-of-139 attempts with 14 TDs … As a sophomore, threw for 2,946 yards with 41 TDs on 175-for-291 passing … Rushed for 263 yards and four TDs as a sophomore.
Joseph Dodds | RB | 6-0, 195 | El Maton, Texas (Tidehaven HS)
High School: Three-star running back out of Tidehaven High School in El Maton, Texas … As a junior, rushed for 1,633 yards and 12 TDs … Ranked by 247Sports as a three-star prospect, the 40th-best running back in the nation and the 76th-best prospect in the state of Texas … Rated by Rivals as a three-star prospect … Dave Campbell’s Texas Football ranks as a three-star prospect, the 92nd-best prospect in the state and the No. 10 running back in the state … ESPN ranks as a three-star prospect, the 97th-best in the state and the 50th-best running back nationally …Named First-Team All-District in 14-3A D-II as a junior and sophomore … Tabbed District 14-3A D-II Newcomer of the Year as a freshman … Also runs track, including a career-best 11.01 in the 100 meter as a junior.
Mason Dossett | S | 6-1, 175 | Missouri City, Texas (Ridge Point HS)
High School: Versatile athlete, who has starred at defensive back, wide receiver and running back at Ridge Point High School in Missouri City, Texas … Rated by 247Sports as a three-star prospect, the 75th-best athlete in the nation and the 114th-best prospect in Texas … Defensively as a senior, had 25 tackles, four interceptions and three pass break-ups … Over 12 games as a senior, had 15 catches for 291 yards and five TDs … As a junior, caught 46 passes for 660 yards and four TDs, also toting the ball three times for 25 yards … Returned one of his 15 kickoff returns for a 100-yard TD … As a sophomore in 2021, was used primarily in the ground game, rushing 66 times for 433 yards and five TDs, also catching seven balls for 127 yards and three TDs … Ranked as a three-star prospect by Rivals and Dave Campbell’s Texas Football … Ranked as the 17th-best wide receiver in Texas by DCTF … Also runs track, qualifying for the Texas 6A Regional in the 110-meter hurdles, owning a career-best time in the spring of 2022 at 13.99, while also running the 300m hurdles with a career-best time of 37.79 … Father, Martin is a former Baylor wide receiver (1997-00), who also ran track, before signing with the Green Bay Packers and playing for the Barcelona Dragons in NFL Europe … Martin also played with the Wichita Stealth, the BC Lions, the Memphis Xplorers and the Corpus Christi Hammerheads.
Dequan Finn | QB | 6-2, 210 | Detroit, Mich. (Martin Luther King HS / Toldeo)
Previous School: Starred at Toledo, playing in 45 games over five seasons, including a redshirt season in 2019 … Threw for 7,074 yards with 63 TDs and 23 interceptions over 539-of-895 passing … Had rushed for 1,840 yards in his career on 389 carries with 25 TDs … Made 32 starts over his career, leading his team to a 23-9 record as a starter … 2023: The 2023 Mid-American Conference MVP, the first at Toledo since 2017 … Threw for 2,657 yards in 13 games, averaging 204.38 yards per game, while tossing 22 TDs and nine interceptions over 201-for-317 passing … Also rushed 123 times for 563 yards and seven TDs … In the NCAA stats, ranked 47th in completion percentage (63.4), 30th in passing efficiency (151.0), 31st in passing TDs (22), 45th in passing yards (2,657), 25th in passing yards per completion (13.22), 21st in points responsible for (180) and 29th in yards per pass attempt (8.38) … Led the MAC in passing efficiency, passing TDs, passing yards, passing yards per game (204.4), passing yards per completion, points responsible for, total offense (247.7), and yards per pass attempt … Led Toledo to an 11-2 record and an 8-0 mark in the Mid-American Conference in 2023, winning 11 straight to end the regular season … In the season opener in 2023 vs. Illinois, was 20-for-36 for 230 yards with two TDs and one interception, adding 75 yards rushing and a score on 20 carries … Was 16-for-17 for 238 yards and three TDs vs. Texas Southern … Was 13-for-23 for 92 yards and rushed for 62 yards and a TD vs. San Jose State … Opened conference play with an 8-for-14 passing effort with two TDs, rushing six times for 36 yards vs. WMU … Was 16-for-20 for 281 yards with two TDs and one rushing score vs. NIU … Rushed 13 times for 172 yards and a TD, while throwing it for 139 yards and two TDs on 15-of-23 passing vs. UMass … Threw for 166 yards on 15-of-27 passing vs. Ball State … Completed 16-of-28 passes for 160 yards and two TDs, rushing it 14 times for 34 yards and a TD vs. Miami (Ohio) … Was 12-for-19 for 176 yards and a score vs. Buffalo … Threw for 407 yards and three TDs on 23-of-27 passing vs. EMU … Had 279 yards passing with two TDs, adding a rushing score, on 20-of-30 passing vs. Bowling Green … Threw for a score vs. CMU … In the MAC Championship Game, was 18-for-36 for 272 yards with a score, adding 13 rushes for 33 yards and a TD … 2022: In 2022, was named second-team All-MAC, leading Toledo to a 9-5 record and the MAC Championship … Ranked fourth in the MAC in passing efficiency (136.4) and fourth in total offense (240.9) ... Completed 59.7 percent of his passes for 2,269 yards and 23 TDs ... Second on Rockets in rushing with 631 yards and team-best nine rushing TDs ... 631 rushing yards are school record for a QB …Named Boca Raton Bowl Offensive MVP ... Threw for 133 yards and a TD while adding 23 rushing yards and a TD in the bowl game ... MAC Championship Game Offensive MVP, throwing for 154 yards and a TD and rushed for 86 yards ... Named MAC West Offensive Player of the Week after throwing for school record-tying six touchdowns and rushing for one score vs. Kent State ... Seven touchdowns accounted for against Golden Flashes set new program record ... Completed 21-of-28 passes for 211 yards and two TDs vs. LIU ... Also ran for team-best 64 yards and one TD ... Named MAC West Division Offensive Player of the Week for his performance in 55-10 win over UMass ... Threw for 177 yards and one touchdown while rushing for 74 yards and two TDs against UMass ... Threw for 153 yards and two touchdowns, ran for 70 yards and a TD at Ohio State ... Left San Diego State game due to injury but returned to throw for season-high 240 yards and a TD while rushing for 44 yards and a touchdown ... Threw for 186 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 84 yards vs. Central Michigan ... Threw for 167 yards and three TDs vs. NIU ... Threw for 249 cards on career-high 47 attempts for one TD at Buffalo ... Also rushed for 66 yards and two TDs vs. the Bulls ... Missed Eastern Michigan game due to injury ... Threw for 301 yards and three TDs vs. Ball State, including the game-winner with 1:18 left ... Sat out Bowling Green game due to injury ... Started vs. WMU, completing 5-of-11 passes for 35 yards ... Did not play in second half vs. WMU ... Named to watch lists for the Maxwell Award, Davey O’Brien Award and Unitas Golden Arm Award … Competed and served as a counselor at the Manning Passing Academy in the off-season … 2021: In 2021, ranked fourth in the MAC in passing efficiency (149.3) ... Completed 144-of-250 passes for 2,071 yards, 18 TDs and just two interceptions ... Second on team with 505 yards rushing and nine rushing TDs ... Had five TD runs of at least 24 yards … Was 30-of-45 for 461 yards and three TDs vs. EMU ... The 461-yard total ranks tied for second on Toledo’s all-time list ... Threw for 257 yards and a career-high four touchdowns against Akron ... Was 10-of-14 for 150 yards and one TD vs. Ohio ... Finished 18-of-24 for 270 yards and three TDs vs. Bowling Green ... Also rushed for two TDs vs. the Falcons ... First career start came at CMU on Oct. 16 ... Completed 15-of-32 passes for 208 yards and rushed for 43 yards and two TDs vs. CMU ... Was 8-of-24 for 138 yards and two TDs in win over WMU ... Was 10-of-17 for 186 yards and two TDs off the bench vs. NIU ... 106 yards rushing yards vs. Ball State was the most by a Rocket quarterback since 2019 ... His 70-yard touchdown run vs. the Cardinals was the Rockets’ longest scoring rush since 2019 ... Had 26-yard TD run in fourth quarter vs. Notre Dame that gave Toledo a 29-24 lead ... Was 8-of-10 for 102 yards vs. UMass ... Ran for 34-yard TD vs. UMass … 2020: In 2020, appeared in four games ... 0-of-1 passing ... Rushed for 51 yards on 10 carries ... Rushed for 33 yards against EMU, including a career-long run of 21 yards … 2019: During a redshirt season in 2019, appeared in three games, completing six of his 12 passes for 86 yards … Rushed for 90 yards on 15 carries … Threw for 52 yards and rushed for 43 yards in a reserve role at Central Michigan … Joined team in spring of 2019 and participated in spring practice...Retained freshman eligibility.
High School: Earned Michigan Mr. Football Honors at Martin Luther King High School … Was ranked as a three-star prospect by 247Sports and Scout.com … Led his team to the state title as a senior in 2018, throwing for 24 TDs and 1,960 yards … Named all-city and all-state.
Cameren Jenkins | S | 6-1, 185 | Lewisville, Texas (Lewisville HS / UNLV)
Previous School: Totaled 32 tackles as a true freshman at UNLV in 13 games … Broke up a pair of passes … Also returned a punt for 12 yards and blocked a kick … Had a career-high seven tackles in a win over Colorado State … Had five tackles vs. Hawaii, in a 44-20 win … Had six tackles in each of the final two games of the year, a win over Air Force and a 37-31 loss vs. San Jose State.
High School: Was a three-star recruit out of Lewisville, Texas, where he starred with his brother, Baylor freshman All-America cornerback Caden Jenkins … Was a three-star recruit that chose UNLV over offers from Arkansas, Purdue, Louisville, Oregon State, Texas Tech and Iowa … Played at Lewisville for Coach Michael Odle … Was tabbed as the 13th-best corner and the 81st-best prospect in the Dallas-Fort Worth area in 2022 … Helped lead Lewisville to a 13-2 mark and a spot in the regional finals … Also ran track.
Tonga Lolohea | DL | 6-5, 325 | Euless, Texas (Trinity HS / Lamar / North Texas / Tyler JC)
Previous School: Talented interior defensive lineman who played the 2022-23 seasons at Tyler Junior College … Ranked as a three-star prospect by 247Sports, including as the 24th-best junior college prospect available, the ninth-best defensive lineman and the third-best in Texas … 2023: Had 21 tackles, including a sack in 2023 over eight games for Tyler JC … 2022: Began the spring practice season with North Texas in 2022 … 2021: Redshirted the 2021 season at Lamar.
High School: Was a three-star recruit out of Euless Trinity High School in the Dallas-Fort Worth area … Ranked as a three-star prospect by 247Sports and as the No. 79 strong side defensive end in the state … Was named all-district twice, including first-team honors in 2020 … Recorded 60 tackles, including 11 for losses and six sacks as a junior in 2019 … Tacked on 22 total tackles, including 12 solo stops as a senior in 2020 … Two of his tackles went for losses including one sack …Guided Euless Trinity to a 2020 6A Division I Bi-District title.
Brock Jackson | DL | 6-4, 240 | Lumberton, Texas (Lumberton HS)
High School: Three-star standout from Lumberton, Texas … Ranked by 247Sports as a three-star prospect, as the 48th-best edge prospect in the nation and the 113th-best prospect in the state … Rated as a three-star prospect by Rivals, including as the 82nd-best prospect in the state and 34th-best outside linebacker nationally … Earned a three-star rating from Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, including a No. 8 ranking at defensive end in the state and as the 87th-best prospect in Texas … ESPN ranks as a three-star recruit, the 55th-best defensive end nationally and as the 88th-best prospect in Texas … Totaled 64 tackles, 21 tackles for a loss, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries, adding six sacks in 2022, leading Lumberton to an 11-2 record and a third-round Texas 4A D1 third-round playoff berth … Was named District Defensive Player of the Year in 2022 … Tabbed First-Team All-District at defensive end as a sophomore in 2021 … Totaled 74 tackles, including 16 for a loss and five sacks, adding four forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and two pass break-ups in 2021 … Also plays basketball at Lumberton High School.
Jadon Porter | WR | 6-1, 180 | Lorena, Texas (Lorena HS)
High School: Four-star wide receiver out of Lorena High School … Has caught 178 balls for 3,451 yards and 32 TDs over his career, adding 649 yards rushing and eight TDs … Ranked by 247Sports as a four-star prospect, checking in as the No. 24 athlete in the nation and the 49th-best prospect in Texas … Tabbed by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football as a four-star prospect, the 45th-best prospect in Texas and the seventh-best wide receiver … Has a three-star rating by Rivals as the 98th-best wide receiver in the nation … Ranked as a three-star recruit by ESPN, including as the 105th-best receiver in the nation and the 145th-best prospect in Texas … In 2023, played in eight games with 27 catches for 455 yards and four TDs, also rushing for a score on seven carries and 58 yards … Helped lead Lorena to a 7-4 record in 2022 and a spot in the Texas 3A D-1 playoffs … Named All-District Honorable Mention as an all-purpose player in 2022 … Caught 49 balls for 841 yards and eight TDs, rushing 32 times for 239 yards and three scores … In 2021, helped Lorena to a 14-2 mark and the Texas 3A D-1 State Championship, earning First-Team All-District honors at receiver … Had 58 catches for 1,265 yards with 13 TDs, rushing for three TDs on 16 carries and for 198 yards … Tabbed District Offensive Newcomer of the Year as a freshman in 2020 … Caught 44 passes for 890 yards and seven TDs as a freshman, also rushing for a score and 154 yards on 22 carries … Has also competed in track.
Kyland Reed | LB | 6-2, 210 | Arlington, Texas (Mansfield Summit HS)
High School: Standout linebacker at Mansfield Summit High School in Arlington … A three-star prospect, who missed his 2022 season due to injury … Ranked by Rivals as a three-star prospect, tabbed as the 35th-best linebacker in the nation and the 85th-best prospect in the state … Rated by 247sports as a three-star recruit, as the 123rd-best linebacker in the nation and the 194th-best prospect in the state … ESPN ranks as a three-star recruit, No. 73 linebacker and the 169th-best player in the state … A three-star prospect by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football and the No. 10 linebacker in the state … In 2023, had 51 tackles in nine games with 4.5 stops for a loss, adding three interceptions and two fumble recoveries … In 2021 as a sophomore, had 48 tackles, 12 for a loss with seven sacks and 11 pass break-ups, with four forced fumbles and two recoveries … Helped lead Summit to the Class 5A Division I state semifinals.
Tristan Santoro | OL | 6-6, 275 | Shreveport, La. (Evangel Christian HS)
High School: Three-star offensive lineman out of Shreveport, La. … Rated as a three-star recruit by 247Sports, as the 72nd-best offensive tackle in the nation and the 35th-best prospect in Louisiana … Ranked by Rivals as a three-star prospect … ESPN ranks as a three-star recruit, the 2109th best offensive tackle and the 32nd-best prospect in Louisiana … Is ranked as the fourth-best recruit on the Shreveport Times Elite 11, a list of the top senior football recruits in Northwest Louisiana … Also competes in the 285-pound weight class in wrestling.
Koltin Sieracki | OL | 6-4, 300 | The Woodlands, Texas (The Woodlands HS)
High School: Star at The Woodlands High School, who has played throughout the offensive line in his career … Ranked as a three-star recruit by Rivals, ESPN, 247Sports and Dave Campbell’s Texas Football… Tabbed by 247 as a three-star prospect, the 132nd-best interior offensive lineman in the class and the 267th-best prospect in Texas … Named First-Team All-District as a junior … Also competes in shot put and discus … Brother of BU sophomore offensive lineman Kaden Sieracki.
Keaton Thomas | LB | 6-2, 230 | Jacksonville, Fla.
(Trinity Christian Academy / West Virginia / Northeast Mississippi CC)
Previous School: Star linebacker for Northeast Mississippi CC in Booneville, Miss. … First-Team NJCAA All-America selection … Totaled 107 tackles, 10 for a loss, and 1.5 sacks during the 2023 season, adding two interceptions and two pass break-ups … Averaged 11.9 tackles per game as a sophomore … Ranked second in the NJCAA in tackles … Ranked as a three-star prospect by 247Sports and as the third-ranked junior college linebacker … Redshirted the 2022 season while playing defensive back at West Virginia … While at WVU, was named Scout Team Defensive Champion for games vs. Oklahoma and Oklahoma State and Special Teams Scout Team Champion for the week vs. Towson.
High School: Prepped for Coach Verlon Dorminey at Trinity Christian Academy in Jacksonville, Fla. … Was named All-First Coast First-Team … As a senior, led Trinity Christian to a 10-4 mark and the 2A State Championship … Had 60 tackles, two sacks, four pass break-ups and seven interceptions as a senior … Over his last three years, while also playing wide receiver, had 49 catches for 620 yards and six TDs … Was a three-star wide receiver prospect by Rivals out of high school.
Kris Wokomah | S | 6-0, 185 | Arlington, Texas (Bowie HS)
High School: Standout defensive back at Arlington Bowie High School … A three-star recruit by 247Sports, ranked as the 121st-best safety in the nation and the 167th-best prospect in Texas … Rated by Rivals as a three-star prospect, the 86th-best player in the state and the 51st-best safety in the nation … ESPN ranks as a three-star prospect, No. 81 in the nation at safety and No. 150 overall in the state of Texas … Dallas Morning News ranks as the No. 35 prospect in the DFW area … Has totaled 119 tackles over the last three seasons in 24 games … As a senior, had 27 tackles and an interception … In 2022, had 67 tackles and a pick, defending 10 passes … Named First-Team All-District as a junior … In 2021, had 25 tackles with two pass break-ups.