Feuerbacher ready for any challenge

The high flying, fast paced attack is still the main attraction at McLane Stadium on Saturdays during the fall, but there's something to be said for the side attraction that doesn't always get the attention it deserves.

Baylor fans are quick to recall when Corey Coleman notched 15 receptions for 224 yards against Oklahoma in 2014.

No one forgets the time that Terrance Williams somehow led Baylor with 17 receptions for 314 yards in a loss to West Virginia in 2012.

When LaQuan McGowan hauled in three touchdown receptions as a tight end in 2014 and 2015, Baylor fans were quick to mark them down as their favorite play of the season.

And rightfully so. Those moments were some of the most unforgettable moments in Baylor's history.

At 6-foot-4 and 265 pounds, junior tight end Jordan Feuerbacher checks in three inches shorter and 135 pounds lighter than McGowan did his senior year. He isn't as fast as Coleman and doesn't have build of Williams.

So when he caught a dump pass just behind the linebackers to give the Bears a first down against Oklahoma State on Saturday evening, the fans cheered because he made a big play at a critical time.
 
Unlike Coleman, Williams and McGowan, Baylor fans won't make those plays into a .gif and a large contingent won’t remember his name when they are watching the Bears in their next game on Saturday morning.

But if he keeps up his efficiency, that all might change.

Feuerbacher’s four receptions have each resulted in a touchdown or a first down in 2016, totaling 77 yards and two touchdowns. Those current numbers put him on pace to catch 12 passes for 231 yards and score six times in the regular season. No Baylor tight end has had a better season since Justin Akers caught 27 passes for 249 yards and two touchdowns in 2009.

The only limitations that Feuerbacher could face in the passing game is the direction of Baylor's offense and how defenses choose to adjust. If defensive coordinators don’t account for him off of the line or out of the backfield, he could surpass those projections.

“I think the way we run the football if we can continue to keep doing a good job running the football, that inside run fake with the little dump to the tight end can be more than a five or 10-yard gain, it can turn out to be a better play for us even than we had hoped,” Baylor head coach Jim Grobe said.

The Kingwood (TX) Park High School product knew playing Baylor's system he would be asked to do the dirty work that tight ends in spread offenses are typically asked to do, but if and when needed, there was no doubt he was ready to catch a few passes.

“Catching the ball is awesome, but I really enjoy blocking and helping the team like that as well,” Feuerbacher said.

“I don't think you could put most tight ends blocking pass protection against a Big 12 defensive end, and we're asked to do that and we excel at it. I think that's something we take great pride in. It is tough, but to help the offense that's what we have to do."

Whatever he’s doing, whether it is muscling defensive lineman and linebackers or running past them as the bite on play action, Feuerbacher is more than content.

"It's tough on my body, but I enjoy it,” Feuerbacher said. “I love hitting people. I always have. So, (blocking) doesn't bother me.”

He should have an opportunity to help spring a few long runs and carry his own in the passing game on Saturday against the Cyclones.