Aranda Impressed with Defensive Composure: 'There's An Edge to This Team'
When the Bears were bussed to McLane Stadium on Saturday for the second scrimmage of fall camp, it started a bit differently than the first scrimmage the previous week where the defense allowed only one touchdown and smothered most anything Jake Spavital’s offense attempted to execute.
This time around, the offense got off to a hot start. Nonetheless, Baylor’s defense stood firm and performed much better as the scrimmage progressed, enough to leave fifth-year head coach Dave Aranda optimistic afterward.
“[The offense] had the defense on their heels in the first half,” Aranda told the media in attendance after the scrimmage. “I thought the defense was able to adjust and play well in the second half. It was a tale of two halves, which is probably good to see for someone in my position. A lot of work has been done, but a lot of work still to do.”
At this time last fall, Aranda raised concerns about the Bears needing to find an attitude and an edge when “they crossed the bridge” to McLane Stadium. Last year’s defense, in particular, never found that edge, which was a major reason for Baylor’s 3-9 season and 1-7 home record.
This year, Aranda seems a bit more optimistic about the energy of his team, which obviously, will have to prove itself true on the field in the coming weeks.
“We’re a talented team; we’re a hungry team, and the care factor on this team is very strong,” Aranda said. “Defensively, I wish we would have played better in the first half, but I’m proud of how we played in the second half. I’m excited to see what this team could do. There’s an edge to this team, and it’s good to have an edge and not have to talk about having an edge, so that’s a positive.”
When asked what the strength of this year’s defense is, Aranda added, “It’s 11 guys playing as one [unit]. When we’re playing our best, it’s because of that.”
The fifth-year head coach also noted that the speed of Baylor’s offense is constantly testing the defense and forcing them to play together in scrimmages and practices.
“When you have Monaray [Baldwin], Ashtyn [Hawkins] and [Michael] Trigg out there, and then you’re talking about Hal [Presley] and Ketron [Jackson], all of those guys can go,” Aranda said. “When it’s rolling, you can’t double-cover them all.”
However, one key to Baylor’s defensive success during fall camp is to avoid allowing explosive plays.
“Our mindset is to be a one, two, three defense and [Aranda] holds us to a high standard,” safety Carl Williams IV (So.) said after the scrimmage. “[Explosive plays] shouldn’t [occur], and we go to the drawing board to see what happened, but [Aranda’s] not okay with it and lights a fire under our butt.”
One exciting aspect for Baylor’s defense this fall is the growth of underclassmen such as Williams IV, cornerback Caden Jenkins (So.) and defensive lineman Brendan Bett (So.), as well as the addition of impactful newcomers, namely defensive lineman Elinus Noel III (Sr.) and linebacker Keaton Thomas (RSo.).
“I thought that big Elinus [Noel III] played really well [in the scrimmage],” Aranda said. “He commands a double team, and when he’s single [covered], he makes plays consistently. When we move [Noel III], he’s able to make even more plays.”
As for Thomas, Aranda continues to rave about the junior college transfer, “To get on others and motivate them is something that Keaton can bring. When he talks, people listen.”
Elsewhere in the linebacker room, veteran Matt Jones (6Sr.) is currently dealing with a minor injury and did not participate in Saturday’s scrimmage. Without Jones on the field, Jeremy Evans (RSo.) and East Carolina transfer Rara Dillworth (Sr.) are getting more playing opportunities.
“There are all types of reactions to Matt not being there,” Aranda said. “Keaton’s leadership has grown, [Evans’] development has grown and Rara has gotten more reps than he normally would. [Rara] has shown to be a player, and he’s going to play, so there’s been positives off of it.”
Jones's experience is invaluable, however, and will be an important piece if Baylor’s defense wants to get back to playing with an edge this fall.
“Matt’s an integral part,” Aranda noted. “He’s probably the glue and someone who could see things and be an interpreter of things from the staff to the rest of the defense. Not having him is a blow in a couple of different ways, so we’re looking to get Matt back pretty quickly – I expect this week.”
Baylor football will open its season against Tarleton at 6 p.m. on Aug. 31 at McLane Stadium.