Texas Tech EDGE Steve Linton Commits to Baylor Via Transfer Portal

Former Texas Tech and Syracuse EDGE Steve Linton has committed to Baylor following his official visit. He becomes the ninth commit for the Bears out of the transfer portal.

The 6-foot-5, 235-pound prospect has posted 44 tackles, 10.5 for loss, 6.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles over the past two seasons at Syracuse and Texas Tech.

Linton had a career day in front of the Baylor staff this past season for the Red Raiders as he posted three sacks and two forced fumbles in McLane Stadium.

He did not post massive production this past season in large part due to injury but he took some major steps forward during his time in Lubbock compared to Syracuse. Per PFF, his overall defensive grade improved from 68.4 to 73.1, pass rushing grade went from 77.4 to 87.1, his QB hurries improved from 10 to 15, and his defensive stops went up from 14 to 15 despite only playing in eight games at Texas Tech compared to 13 at Syracuse.

Linton is expected to provide an immediate impact alongside returning veteran Garmon Randolph at the JACK position in Baylor’s defense. His pass rushing ability will be needed as the Bears finished with just 18 sacks in 12 games in 2023 which ranked 113^th out of 130 teams in the nation.

Linton joins Western Kentucky safety Kendrick Simpkins and UNLV safety Cameren Jenkins as the Bears defensive additions via the trasnfer portal so far this offseason. The staff also added two JUCO prospects in Tyler J.C. nose tackle Tonga Lolohea‍ and Northeast Mississippi C.C. linebacker Keaton Thomas‍.

The graduate transfer has just one year of eligibility remaining.