The Next Step: Bears who are set to rise in 2019

As the saying goes, the creme rises to the top. This often applies to football and when talented players move into starting positions by hard work and even injuries they either succeed, fail, or remain status quo.

In 2018, there were several players taking the step forward to being on the radar of fans and opposing staffs for their big play ability.  

Defensive Line

Greg Roberts went from a 6-5, 210-pound project and sometimes fan frustrator to a legitimate NFL prospect from 2016 to 2018. Now a robust 6-5, 265, the Nacogdoches resident is impressing his coaches, teammates, and NFL Scouts. 

The Up-and-Comer

Colt Barber

Saulin has flashed potential

For 2019, be on the lookout for the progression of 2017 signee Rob Saulin‍. The New Jersey prospect wasn’t a ballyhooed four-star with accolades from recruiting services. What he was when arriving was a 6-5, 275-pound athlete willing to sacrifice for the team.

Saulin played offensive line and tight end as a true freshman before succumbing to a shoulder injury. Upon clearance, the “other redhead of 2017” moved back to defensive tackle and ran second string as a redshirt freshman before getting dinged up in practice.

Adding a 305 defensive tackle to battle with returning starters Bravvion Roy‍ and James Lynch‍ will push both. The issue with Saulin will be health as he’s battled some nagging injuries his first two years in the program

Defensive Back

Colt Barber

HM-All Conference 

Raleigh Texada surprised many when he shut down several receivers during Big 12 play. Many fans forgot about the Frisco prospect as he was on the track getting faster in the spring. His playing ability didn’t go unnoticed by the opposing coaches as he was named Honorable Mention All-Conference despite only starting in 5 of 9 conference games.

Texada led the team in interceptions and pass breakups. With two years left in his development and should continue to improve and be extremely difficult to take off the field. One aspect for Texada to improve upon is his strength for an upcoming Junior season. 

The Up-and-Comer

For 2019, look for safety JT Woods‍ to take the next step into becoming a stalwart in the back end of Phil Snow’s defense. Woods displayed great flexibility during his freshman season with two pass breakups and a sack. The 6-3, 185-pounder has been a willing special teams player who will get stronger going through a full offseason and likely cross the 200 pound mark for the 2019 season.

Wide Receiver

What can be said about the consumate professional like Jalen Hurd‍. He came to Baylor to become a receiver and he’s been rewarded with that vision by being named Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year.

The Tenneessee transfer has positioned himself into be a top three round pick in the NFL and may have paved the way for other big athletes to move from a perceived position to one they would like to play.

Jim Black

Fleeks has exceptional speed

Josh Fleeks‍ appears the heir apparent to being played at several positions for Baylor in 2019 and beyond. Fleeks is a dangerous weapon with his ability to line up in the slot, out wide, motion into the backfield, or line up in the I.

The Cedar Hill standout flashes great speed and vision while still searching his way through the speed of Division I football.

Look for the Bears to use him in multiple ways to stress defenses and open up plays for the entire team.