Texas Southern Defensive Lineman Elinus Noel III Commits to Baylor

Texas Southern defensive lineman Elinus Noel III has committed to Baylor following his official visit. He becomes the first post-spring ball commit for the Bears out of the transfer portal.

“I made this decision because Baylor is moving in the right direction and the defensive scheme fits me as well,” he said. “Very family oriented and close to home.”

Noel fits in at nose tackle and will provide stability in the middle of the defense after the Bears lost two nose tackles to medical retirements before the spring (Tre Emory and Jerrell Boykins).

The 6-foot-2, 320-pound prospect posted 52 tackles, 7.5 for loss, 3,5 sacks in 2023.

“A lot of the coaches are good friends with coaches that coached me already so a lot of good words were talked about when it came to me, plus the defensive scheme fits me”, Noel III said.

Out of over 800 players who were graded by PFF, Noel received a defensive grade of 78.4 which ranked 71st in the nation. His run defense graded out at 87.5 which ranked 14th in the nation. This is a true difference-maker at nose tackle and an overall interior run-stopper.

Noel III had offers from NC State, Kentucky, Kansas State, Arkansas, and Maryland so it is clear he is a Power Five level player and was a major priority for the staff. Noel was one the staff targeted early, was a priority and Baylor was the favorite for so it’s good to see the staff seal the deal.  

He has one year of eligibility remaining.