Plugging the Gap: How Baylor’s New Nose Tackles Are Reshaping the Defense

Since the 360-pound, All-American Siaki Ika left for the NFL following the 2022 season, there’s been a revolving door for the Bears across the last two years at nose tackle, one of the most critical positions in head coach Dave Aranda’s defense.

This offseason, Aranda and Co. pledged to fill that gap with two massive transfer portal additions: 376-pound Samu Taumanupepe (RSo.) from Texas A&M and 346-pound Adonis Friloux (RSr.) from Tulane.