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Baylor Football

Key storylines as Bears head into spring practice

March 14, 2018
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The Bears had a rough season last year but look to improve at every single position this year and have the talent to do so. Baylor starts spring football practice on Thursday, March 15th and there are many storylines that will be important to follow leading up to the Spring game and the season.

The offensive line will be rebuilt and reloaded

Returners: G/T Patrick Lawrence, G Blake Blackmar, C Sam Tecklenburg, G Xavier Newman, T Josh Malin, C Ryan Miller

Newcomers: T Jake Fruhmorgen, G/T Johncarlo Valentin (summer), G Christian Beard, T/G Khalil Keith

Good News: The starting lineup is expected to have a huge upgrade this season with the additions of Fruhmorgen and Valentin. Even though we won’t see Valentin in the spring, adding two very high-quality prospects to the mix along with the experience that the rest of the starters have is great for the Bears. There is a chance that more guys will step up and that is precisely what the spring is for but these guys listed at the top are going to be expected to play. The fact that 10 guys are listed and there are a few others that could be listed (Eleasah Anderson, Jason Moore, Henry Klinge and even true freshman Connor Galvin) is great news for the Bears heading into spring. Think about the depth last year at this time to where it is at now, that is crucial.

Bad News: The Bears were not consistent at all last year up front. Baylor averaged 3.4 yards per carry and gave up 38 sacks (ranked 121st out of 129 teams). The offensive line set the offense way back a season ago.

What to look for: This spring growth needs to be seen from all of the returning guys because they all can improve. Size needs to be added and kept on by multiple guys especially Sam and Josh since they moved from TE one year ago. Finally it would be big to see Fruhmorgen emerge as a superstar and to see quality play from all the newcomers with Valentin not there. Keep an eye on Christian Beard and Josh Malin as guys that could get a starting spot during the spring.

The Quarterback position is very thin

Returners: Charlie Brewer, Preston Heard

Newcomer: Gerry Bohanon

Good News: Charlie Brewer is back. The Big 12 Co-Offensive Freshman of the Year will be back looking to have an even better year than 2017. At this time last year he was the relative unknown that was probably going to redshirt but he had a good spring, forced competition, and eventually earned the starting job. His ability to create plays with his legs and throw the ball accurately were on display and now we will see what kind of improvements he has made in other areas such as ball protection, decision making and arm strength. He has the potential for a huge season with the type of talent he has at skill positions this year.

Bad News: I listed 3 guys and only 2 of them are on scholarship. Not a great position to be in during spring ball but one that the Bears have to deal with. The depth is concerning and something to keep an eye on as BU moves closer to the season.

What to look for: The bad news comes with some more good news which is that we are going to get to see what Gerry and Preston can do. Of course redshirting Gerry would be ideal but if he can force competition with Charlie this spring that is a great thing for both of them. Preston is a kid that has been talked about a lot and this is his opportunity to show everyone that he belongs in this competition too. He could be the deciding factor in whether or not Baylor gets a Graduate Transfer QB.

Can Baylor elevate back to #WRU?

Returners: Denzel Mims, Chris Platt, Pooh Stricklin, Tony Nicholson, Gavin Holmes, RJ Sneed, (Blake Lynch)

Newcomer: Jalen Hurd

Good News: The talent of this group is sensational and it will be one of the best groups in the Big 12 this year. Adding a guy like Jalen Hurd can’t be overstated. He is already one of the most talented players in the conference without even stepping on the field since he accomplished so much at Tennessee. Then you add in 1,000-yard receiver Denzel Mims and speedster Chris Platt you have quite the trio.

Bad News: Chris Platt, Gavin Holmes and RJ Sneed are still recovering from injury and Jalen Hurd hasn’t played a real game at the WR position in his career.

What to look for: Jalen Hurd is going to be the one to keep an eye on he has been talked about non-stop since the moment he arrived on campus. But there are other very intriguing things to look for such as; RJ Sneed’s recovery, Tony and Pooh’s development, and watching the lone early enroll at WR Tyquan Thornton.

Will BU find a safety?

Returning Contributors: Chris Miller, Henry Black, Rajah Preciado, Verkendric Vaughns

Newcomer: Blake Lynch

Good News: The staff loves Blake Lynch and thinks he can play any position on the field. This makes him one of the best athletes on the team so him being at safety definitely increases the talent at the position. Also, several of these guys received playing time last year so the execution of defensive schemes should be much easier this time around. 

Bad News: This position had bad plays in every single game this season. Whether it was a blown assignment or a missed tackle the end result was the same, big plays were given up. Some games were worse than others but this position has some serious work to do.

What to look for: Last spring and much of the year both Safety positions were completely up for grabs and no one stepped up to take the starting role, that is something the Bears need to happen this spring. All of these guys have a lot to prove before the season starts.

The Redshirt Freshman growth spurt

Redshirts: Tyler Henderson, Abram Smith, Jason Moore, Khalil Keith, Henry Klinge, Eleasah Anderson, Chidi Ogbonnaya, Cole Maxwell, Justin Harris, Bryson Jackson, Ashton Logan, Trevon Lewis

Good News: Half of these guys have an opportunity to play this year after getting a year of adjusting. This spring will be a chance for all of them to prove themselves.

Bad News: The other half of these guys play positions where it is going to be hard to breakthrough this season. Luckily the spring gives an opportunity for competition and growth

What to look for: The guys that really stand out are Henderson, Smith, Maxwell and Logan. All four could be in line for big seasons if they have good springs. Tyler Henderson will most likely be the starting TE which is a position that was not used a lot in the receiving game a season ago. Look for him to change that this spring. Abram was a guy that was probably going to play a lot last year till he tore his ACL, so we will see if he has completely recovered and improved. Last year Elijah Robinson talked a lot about the improvement of Maxwell so he is a guy that could move up the depth chart with a good spring. Finally, Logan has the size and athleticism to show a lot of good things during these practices, he will be one to watch at a pretty strong LB position.

These storylines plus many more will emerge as spring practices get underway starting on Thursday.

Discussion from...

Key storylines as Bears head into spring practice

4,511 Views | 3 Replies | Last: 6 yr ago by Sicemball
Sicemball
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Know Rhule releases two RS Freshman due to the incident and assume both were in scholarship. Will we use those this year or hold till next?
chorne68
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I do not think they were released only suspended. After what has come out, they are probably ok.
Sicemball
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Maybe I misunderstood Rhules comments.
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