Top-100 National Prospect, Four-Star Wide Receiver Jordan Clay Commits to Baylor

LETS GOOOOOO

keep em coming

We got this!

BOOM!

Must be the best two days in Baylor football recruiting history, right? Two all time top ten recruits in two days, both at huge premium positions and positions of need, and both in central texas.

Feel like I've seen this movie before. Wide Receiver U, Pt 2.

This is looking more and more like what a lot of us have been hoping if not dreaming about.

I've been on the train that Dave hired some really strong staff the last two off-seasons. His coaching has left a lot to be desired but he made the right changes.

The verdict on his coaching is still in the air but if he can put it together on the field this year (especially on D), sky is the limit.

very well said and totally agree

Quinton said:

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I've been on the train that Dave hired some really strong staff the last two off-seasons. His coaching has left a lot to be desired but he made the right changes.

The verdict on his coaching is still in the air but if he can put it together on the field this year (especially on D), sky is the limit.

---

Aranda's "person over player" approach was seen as endearing in 2021 (winning cures all), then openly mocked as hokey and ineffective in the last few years. I don't think Aranda changed much; only his coordinators, players, and NIL allotment did.

With the financial scales balancing out, it's worth noting that EVERY top recruit we've gotten has referenced the unique family atmosphere and high quality relationships in our program as something that led them to commit to Baylor.

You need money to play the game today, but you can't buy authenticity. These coaches and even admin deserve some credit for weathering the NIL storm and coming out the other side with integrity.

Hokey or not - it is working. And it makes me hopeful to think that we can become a totally winning program: both on the field and off.

Most excellent.

person over player?

but where does payola fit in?

OurOurs said:

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Quinton said:

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I've been on the train that Dave hired some really strong staff the last two off-seasons. His coaching has left a lot to be desired but he made the right changes.

The verdict on his coaching is still in the air but if he can put it together on the field this year (especially on D), sky is the limit.

---

Aranda's "person over player" approach was seen as endearing in 2021 (winning cures all), then openly mocked as hokey and ineffective in the last few years. I don't think Aranda changed much; only his coordinators, players, and NIL allotment did.

With the financial scales balancing out, it's worth noting that EVERY top recruit we've gotten has referenced the unique family atmosphere and high quality relationships in our program as something that led them to commit to Baylor.

You need money to play the game today, but you can't buy authenticity. These coaches and even admin deserve some credit for weathering the NIL storm and coming out the other side with integrity.

Hokey or not - it is working. And it makes me hopeful to think that we can become a totally winning program: both on the field and off.

---

Truth. Good post.

Playmaker

I was one who thought it got a little over the top. I think Dave agreed and adjusted it.

He admitted he started putting football and winning back to the clear top priority after 23' while still retaining the culture of treating players well.

Think he found a balance and I agree since Bu has committed to Nil and now that we're closer to equilibrium, it will pay dividends.

The uptick in recruiting is great, it really is, but I'm still highly skeptical of Dave himself as a head coach. We've lost too many head scratcher type games for me to just think it's a talent issue. Just my two cents

Youre a clown said:

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The uptick in recruiting is great, it really is, but I'm still highly skeptical of Dave himself as a head coach. We've lost too many head scratcher type games for me to just think it's a talent issue. Just my two cents

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Dave admitted his biggest mistake was not embracing Nil sooner and trying to pay everyone the same and also focusing too much on player personal issues rather than ball. Regarding his overall coaching prowess he is regarded in the industry as one of the best.

Ewalker80 said:

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Youre a clown said:

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The uptick in recruiting is great, it really is, but I'm still highly skeptical of Dave himself as a head coach. We've lost too many head scratcher type games for me to just think it's a talent issue. Just my two cents

---

Regarding his overall coaching prowess he is regarded in the industry as one of the best.

---

Umm…do you have a source on that one? Or is this a 'trust me bro situation'?

"One of the best coaches in the industry" shouldn't be losing games on last second Hail Marys and have his team constantly come out flat to start games such that we get buried with an early lead; nor should they lose to Air Force or Texas State, ever

You started a thread asking about why a TAPPS quarterback isn't super highly ranked, so I'm just gonna go ahead and politely point out that I think you see things through green and gold glasses.

Nor should they have a missed kick return touchdown to lose the game…..I think dave will figure it out

Bearsalwayswin said:

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Nor should they have a missed kick return touchdown to lose the game…..I think dave will figure it out

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I'm hopeful that he can, but I've seen enough of Dave to know that talent alone is not his main/only issue. The 2021 season was a great one, and I'm really hoping we can have something like that this year. Heck, I think 9 wins is a reasonable expectation

Youre a clown said:

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Ewalker80 said:

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Youre a clown said:

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The uptick in recruiting is great, it really is, but I'm still highly skeptical of Dave himself as a head coach. We've lost too many head scratcher type games for me to just think it's a talent issue. Just my two cents

---

Regarding his overall coaching prowess he is regarded in the industry as one of the best.

---

Umm…do you have a source on that one? Or is this a 'trust me bro situation'?

"One of the best coaches in the industry" shouldn't be losing games on last second Hail Marys and have his team constantly come out flat to start games such that we get buried with an early lead; nor should they lose to Air Force or Texas State, ever

You started a thread asking about why a TAPPS quarterback isn't super highly ranked, so I'm just gonna go ahead and politely point out that I think you see things through green and gold glasses.

---

Yes, the industry speaks with its wallet. Dave was the highest paid coordinator in the country in an industry with an incredible amount of information about the quality of the coaches in it. Also if you've ever heard any coaches talk about Dave they will tell you he is considered one of the best defensive minds in the country and universally respected. He also brought Baylor it's best season in history and is about to give it it's best recruiting class in history.

I think he's gaining expierence….its hard being a hc for the first time and have a personality like dave. this season should be a good indicator of how high we can fly….all the pieces are together.

Ewalker80 said:

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Youre a clown said:

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Ewalker80 said:

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Youre a clown said:

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The uptick in recruiting is great, it really is, but I'm still highly skeptical of Dave himself as a head coach. We've lost too many head scratcher type games for me to just think it's a talent issue. Just my two cents

---

Regarding his overall coaching prowess he is regarded in the industry as one of the best.

---

Umm…do you have a source on that one? Or is this a 'trust me bro situation'?

"One of the best coaches in the industry" shouldn't be losing games on last second Hail Marys and have his team constantly come out flat to start games such that we get buried with an early lead; nor should they lose to Air Force or Texas State, ever

You started a thread asking about why a TAPPS quarterback isn't super highly ranked, so I'm just gonna go ahead and politely point out that I think you see things through green and gold glasses.

---

Yes, the industry speaks with its wallet. Dave was the highest paid coordinator in the country in an industry with an incredible amount of information about the quality of the coaches in it. Also if you've ever heard any coaches talk about Dave they will tell you he is considered one of the best defensive minds in the country and universally respected. He also brought Baylor it's best season in history and is about to give it it's best recruiting class in history.

---

That's not a source. You've made this claim that he's one of the most well respected in the business. Who is saying that? Outside of the premium board and members of our own media, I'm not seeing it. And if you think that recruiting is empirical evidence of a coach's ability to win games, you need to go back in time and watch Mack Brown's final years at UT, Charlie Strong, Tom Herman, the list goes on. Yes, he was a highly respected defensive coordinator when we hired him. I don't see what that has to do with his current situation years later as head coach at Baylor University

Youre a clown said:

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Ewalker80 said:

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Youre a clown said:

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Ewalker80 said:

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Youre a clown said:

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The uptick in recruiting is great, it really is, but I'm still highly skeptical of Dave himself as a head coach. We've lost too many head scratcher type games for me to just think it's a talent issue. Just my two cents

---

Regarding his overall coaching prowess he is regarded in the industry as one of the best.

---

Umm…do you have a source on that one? Or is this a 'trust me bro situation'?

"One of the best coaches in the industry" shouldn't be losing games on last second Hail Marys and have his team constantly come out flat to start games such that we get buried with an early lead; nor should they lose to Air Force or Texas State, ever

You started a thread asking about why a TAPPS quarterback isn't super highly ranked, so I'm just gonna go ahead and politely point out that I think you see things through green and gold glasses.

---

Yes, the industry speaks with its wallet. Dave was the highest paid coordinator in the country in an industry with an incredible amount of information about the quality of the coaches in it. Also if you've ever heard any coaches talk about Dave they will tell you he is considered one of the best defensive minds in the country and universally respected. He also brought Baylor it's best season in history and is about to give it it's best recruiting class in history.

---

That's not a source. You've made this claim that he's one of the most well respected in the business. Who is saying that? Outside of the premium board and members of our own media, I'm not seeing it. And if you think that recruiting is empirical evidence of a coach's ability to win games, you need to go back in time and watch Mack Brown's final years at UT, Charlie Strong, Tom Herman, the list goes on. Yes, he was a highly respected defensive coordinator when we hired him. I don't see what that has to do with his current situation years later as head coach at Baylor University

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Ya you are acting like being the highest paid coordinator in an extremely competitive business means nothing. He also received offers to go to big time schools as head coach before nil problems. I could sit name many coaches I've heard say he is respected in industry from other big 12 coaches and beyond.

Ewalker80 said:

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Youre a clown said:

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Ewalker80 said:

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Youre a clown said:

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Ewalker80 said:

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Youre a clown said:

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The uptick in recruiting is great, it really is, but I'm still highly skeptical of Dave himself as a head coach. We've lost too many head scratcher type games for me to just think it's a talent issue. Just my two cents

---

Regarding his overall coaching prowess he is regarded in the industry as one of the best.

---

Umm…do you have a source on that one? Or is this a 'trust me bro situation'?

"One of the best coaches in the industry" shouldn't be losing games on last second Hail Marys and have his team constantly come out flat to start games such that we get buried with an early lead; nor should they lose to Air Force or Texas State, ever

You started a thread asking about why a TAPPS quarterback isn't super highly ranked, so I'm just gonna go ahead and politely point out that I think you see things through green and gold glasses.

---

Yes, the industry speaks with its wallet. Dave was the highest paid coordinator in the country in an industry with an incredible amount of information about the quality of the coaches in it. Also if you've ever heard any coaches talk about Dave they will tell you he is considered one of the best defensive minds in the country and universally respected. He also brought Baylor it's best season in history and is about to give it it's best recruiting class in history.

---

That's not a source. You've made this claim that he's one of the most well respected in the business. Who is saying that? Outside of the premium board and members of our own media, I'm not seeing it. And if you think that recruiting is empirical evidence of a coach's ability to win games, you need to go back in time and watch Mack Brown's final years at UT, Charlie Strong, Tom Herman, the list goes on. Yes, he was a highly respected defensive coordinator when we hired him. I don't see what that has to do with his current situation years later as head coach at Baylor University

---

Ya you are acting like being the highest paid coordinator in an extremely competitive business means nothing. He also received offers to go to big time schools as head coach before nil problems. I could sit name many coaches I've heard say he is respected in industry from other big 12 coaches and beyond.

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Not shooting any arrows, but in seventy+ years I can't recall ONE coach that ever stated any disrespect for ANY coach when asked the direct question. So…

Ewalker80 said:

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Youre a clown said:

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Ewalker80 said:

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Youre a clown said:

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Ewalker80 said:

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Youre a clown said:

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The uptick in recruiting is great, it really is, but I'm still highly skeptical of Dave himself as a head coach. We've lost too many head scratcher type games for me to just think it's a talent issue. Just my two cents

---

Regarding his overall coaching prowess he is regarded in the industry as one of the best.

---

Umm…do you have a source on that one? Or is this a 'trust me bro situation'?

"One of the best coaches in the industry" shouldn't be losing games on last second Hail Marys and have his team constantly come out flat to start games such that we get buried with an early lead; nor should they lose to Air Force or Texas State, ever

You started a thread asking about why a TAPPS quarterback isn't super highly ranked, so I'm just gonna go ahead and politely point out that I think you see things through green and gold glasses.

---

Yes, the industry speaks with its wallet. Dave was the highest paid coordinator in the country in an industry with an incredible amount of information about the quality of the coaches in it. Also if you've ever heard any coaches talk about Dave they will tell you he is considered one of the best defensive minds in the country and universally respected. He also brought Baylor it's best season in history and is about to give it it's best recruiting class in history.

---

That's not a source. You've made this claim that he's one of the most well respected in the business. Who is saying that? Outside of the premium board and members of our own media, I'm not seeing it. And if you think that recruiting is empirical evidence of a coach's ability to win games, you need to go back in time and watch Mack Brown's final years at UT, Charlie Strong, Tom Herman, the list goes on. Yes, he was a highly respected defensive coordinator when we hired him. I don't see what that has to do with his current situation years later as head coach at Baylor University

---

Ya you are acting like being the highest paid coordinator in an extremely competitive business means nothing. He also received offers to go to big time schools as head coach before nil problems. I could sit name many coaches I've heard say he is respected in industry from other big 12 coaches and beyond.

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Again, name these sources my friend, because it seems like you're trying to dance around the question. Any one that you want, I'll let you choose. As you said, since he is highly respected as a head coach, there should be many to choose from.

I'll hang up and wait, cause I think that we're going in circles here, and I'm not trying to derail the thread too much. It's a very good commit

BBWCBear said:

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Ewalker80 said:

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Youre a clown said:

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Ewalker80 said:

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Youre a clown said:

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Ewalker80 said:

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Youre a clown said:

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The uptick in recruiting is great, it really is, but I'm still highly skeptical of Dave himself as a head coach. We've lost too many head scratcher type games for me to just think it's a talent issue. Just my two cents

---

Regarding his overall coaching prowess he is regarded in the industry as one of the best.

---

Umm…do you have a source on that one? Or is this a 'trust me bro situation'?

"One of the best coaches in the industry" shouldn't be losing games on last second Hail Marys and have his team constantly come out flat to start games such that we get buried with an early lead; nor should they lose to Air Force or Texas State, ever

You started a thread asking about why a TAPPS quarterback isn't super highly ranked, so I'm just gonna go ahead and politely point out that I think you see things through green and gold glasses.

---

Yes, the industry speaks with its wallet. Dave was the highest paid coordinator in the country in an industry with an incredible amount of information about the quality of the coaches in it. Also if you've ever heard any coaches talk about Dave they will tell you he is considered one of the best defensive minds in the country and universally respected. He also brought Baylor it's best season in history and is about to give it it's best recruiting class in history.

---

That's not a source. You've made this claim that he's one of the most well respected in the business. Who is saying that? Outside of the premium board and members of our own media, I'm not seeing it. And if you think that recruiting is empirical evidence of a coach's ability to win games, you need to go back in time and watch Mack Brown's final years at UT, Charlie Strong, Tom Herman, the list goes on. Yes, he was a highly respected defensive coordinator when we hired him. I don't see what that has to do with his current situation years later as head coach at Baylor University

---

Ya you are acting like being the highest paid coordinator in an extremely competitive business means nothing. He also received offers to go to big time schools as head coach before nil problems. I could sit name many coaches I've heard say he is respected in industry from other big 12 coaches and beyond.

---

Not shooting any arrows, but in seventy+ years I can't recall ONE coach that ever stated any disrespect for ANY coach when asked the direct question. So…

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To your point, didn't one of our former coaches openly cry on Mack Brown's shoulder after a devastating loss? I'm sure Mack Brown spoke the world of that gentleman

The saga of dave is still to be written. Other than winning with matt Rhules guys and then finally having some big money donors shaking off the art briles f u to the university and pony up some money and bringing in a dynamic OC and some NIL, dave hasnt been much to write home about with Dave

Hopefully he grows into it now. Not many are afforded such massive latitude ever in any industry.

Have to give credit for last seasons turnaround. How much was him who knows but he gets some or most of that credit just by default

Whats been most disappointing and perplexing is were constantly told hes the yoda of D. A generational talent.

Hadnt seen that at all other than 2021 and that D could basically coach itself.

Lastly his often perplexing and disastrous in game decisions have been a staple of his time here. Hopefully thats just inexperience and will someday get better. Its been half a decade though so…

I appreciate the question and hope theres enough around Dave now that it doesnt matter near as much and we have an amazing season with a Briles-esque offense

Youre a clown said:

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Ewalker80 said:

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Youre a clown said:

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Ewalker80 said:

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Youre a clown said:

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Ewalker80 said:

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Youre a clown said:

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The uptick in recruiting is great, it really is, but I'm still highly skeptical of Dave himself as a head coach. We've lost too many head scratcher type games for me to just think it's a talent issue. Just my two cents

---

Regarding his overall coaching prowess he is regarded in the industry as one of the best.

---

Umm…do you have a source on that one? Or is this a 'trust me bro situation'?

"One of the best coaches in the industry" shouldn't be losing games on last second Hail Marys and have his team constantly come out flat to start games such that we get buried with an early lead; nor should they lose to Air Force or Texas State, ever

You started a thread asking about why a TAPPS quarterback isn't super highly ranked, so I'm just gonna go ahead and politely point out that I think you see things through green and gold glasses.

---

Yes, the industry speaks with its wallet. Dave was the highest paid coordinator in the country in an industry with an incredible amount of information about the quality of the coaches in it. Also if you've ever heard any coaches talk about Dave they will tell you he is considered one of the best defensive minds in the country and universally respected. He also brought Baylor it's best season in history and is about to give it it's best recruiting class in history.

---

That's not a source. You've made this claim that he's one of the most well respected in the business. Who is saying that? Outside of the premium board and members of our own media, I'm not seeing it. And if you think that recruiting is empirical evidence of a coach's ability to win games, you need to go back in time and watch Mack Brown's final years at UT, Charlie Strong, Tom Herman, the list goes on. Yes, he was a highly respected defensive coordinator when we hired him. I don't see what that has to do with his current situation years later as head coach at Baylor University

---

Ya you are acting like being the highest paid coordinator in an extremely competitive business means nothing. He also received offers to go to big time schools as head coach before nil problems. I could sit name many coaches I've heard say he is respected in industry from other big 12 coaches and beyond.

---

Again, name these sources my friend, because it seems like you're trying to dance around the question. Any one that you want, I'll let you choose. As you said, since he is highly respected as a head coach, there should be many to choose from.

I'll hang up and wait, cause I think that we're going in circles here, and I'm not trying to derail the thread too much. It's a very good commit

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Exhibit a is the well documented fact that he was highest coordinator in the country in a marketplace with a lot of knowledge about coach quality. It makes no sense to me (or to Mack Rhoades) to say that doesn't matter. Here's the first quote from another coach chat gpt found if that makes you happy. Here's the exact citation you requested:

Karl Scottwho worked alongside Dave Aranda as defensive coordinator at Delta State in 2007 and later coached in the NFLcalled him:

"the smartest coach I've been around."

This comes directly from Sports Illustrated (Ross Dellenger), with the phrase appearing both in a December 2021 article and a January 2020 profile .

Ewalker80 said:

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Youre a clown said:

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Ewalker80 said:

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Youre a clown said:

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Ewalker80 said:

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Youre a clown said:

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Ewalker80 said:

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Youre a clown said:

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The uptick in recruiting is great, it really is, but I'm still highly skeptical of Dave himself as a head coach. We've lost too many head scratcher type games for me to just think it's a talent issue. Just my two cents

---

Regarding his overall coaching prowess he is regarded in the industry as one of the best.

---

Umm…do you have a source on that one? Or is this a 'trust me bro situation'?

"One of the best coaches in the industry" shouldn't be losing games on last second Hail Marys and have his team constantly come out flat to start games such that we get buried with an early lead; nor should they lose to Air Force or Texas State, ever

You started a thread asking about why a TAPPS quarterback isn't super highly ranked, so I'm just gonna go ahead and politely point out that I think you see things through green and gold glasses.

---

Yes, the industry speaks with its wallet. Dave was the highest paid coordinator in the country in an industry with an incredible amount of information about the quality of the coaches in it. Also if you've ever heard any coaches talk about Dave they will tell you he is considered one of the best defensive minds in the country and universally respected. He also brought Baylor it's best season in history and is about to give it it's best recruiting class in history.

---

That's not a source. You've made this claim that he's one of the most well respected in the business. Who is saying that? Outside of the premium board and members of our own media, I'm not seeing it. And if you think that recruiting is empirical evidence of a coach's ability to win games, you need to go back in time and watch Mack Brown's final years at UT, Charlie Strong, Tom Herman, the list goes on. Yes, he was a highly respected defensive coordinator when we hired him. I don't see what that has to do with his current situation years later as head coach at Baylor University

---

Ya you are acting like being the highest paid coordinator in an extremely competitive business means nothing. He also received offers to go to big time schools as head coach before nil problems. I could sit name many coaches I've heard say he is respected in industry from other big 12 coaches and beyond.

---

Again, name these sources my friend, because it seems like you're trying to dance around the question. Any one that you want, I'll let you choose. As you said, since he is highly respected as a head coach, there should be many to choose from.

I'll hang up and wait, cause I think that we're going in circles here, and I'm not trying to derail the thread too much. It's a very good commit

---

Exhibit a is the well documented fact that he was highest coordinator in the country in a marketplace with a lot of knowledge about coach quality. It makes no sense to me (or to Mack Rhoades) to say that doesn't matter. Here's the first quote from another coach chat gpt found if that makes you happy. Here's the exact citation you requested:

Karl Scottwho worked alongside Dave Aranda as defensive coordinator at Delta State in 2007 and later coached in the NFLcalled him:

"the smartest coach I've been around."

This comes directly from Sports Illustrated (Ross Dellenger), with the phrase appearing both in a December 2021 article and a January 2020 profile .

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Fwiw when he was most vulnerable nobody came and took him. Now some will argue buyout yadda but buyouts dont matter for the smartest of all time especially when 18 year olds are getting $5m a year

Thats probably the best metric though. Smart doesnt always equal successful. I know a lot if broke smart people. Money doesn't equal success though always either. So….its complicated. Especially in the era here of Atlas Shrugged

I hope Dave is our most successful coach of all time because of his smarts and ability or despite him. Dont care.

Just win baby

Fre3dombear said:

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The saga of dave is still to be written. Other than winning with matt Rhules guys...

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It's been pretty well settled that the "Rhule's guys" argument doesn't work.

Not Rhules guys:
Ika
Abram Smith (as a RB)
Shapen
Gall
Miller
Estrada
Baldwin

2021 doesn't even remotely go that well without these guys. Especially those top 4, maybe 5 guys.

Rhules guys:

Galvin

Phillips

Fleeks

Thornton

JT Woods

Barnes

Henle

And of Course a Briles guy that was most important.

Other than that yearYoda's D has been A

Maybe he just needed 5 or 6 years as the best in the game to get it all figured out

I hope this is the year!

btw, here's an ESPN article from today that ranks the top coaches versus expectations over the past 20 years. A certain former coach that shall not be named is at number two. Dave Aranda was not mentioned which was surprising for a coach that's one of the most respected in the industry

https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/45739570/ranking-best-college-football-coaches-last-20-years