SicEm365 Baylor Football Preseason Top 35 Countdown: 6-10
In this countdown of the top 35 players on Baylor's roster for the 2019 season, we rank each player according to where they are in relation to other players at their position, how they relate to others on the team, and how they are projected to contribute this fall.
Rankings: 6-10 | 11-15 | 16-20 | 21-25 | 26-30 | 31-35
t-8. Running Back, John Lovett, Junior
Height | Weight | Career Stats |
6-0 | 212 | 207 att, 1,018 yards, 11 TDs |
With the decision to stick at running back after experimenting at safety during bowl prep and the spring, Lovett coul be set to take over a heavy load of short distance carries left behind by Jalen Hurd. Lovett will play close to 220 pounds in 2019 and has added considerable strength. He led Baylor in rushing in 2018 and could possibly do it again, but as has been the case with running backs under Matt Rhule, they will each get plenty of chances.
Projected Role: On the two-deep
Projected Stats: 120 carries, 650 yards, 8 touchdowns
t-8. Running Back, Trestan Ebner, Junior
Height | Weight | Career Stats |
5-11 | 208 | 92 att, 534 yards, 3 TDs 49 rec, 615 yards, 4 TDs |
Ebner is the second piece of the three-headed monster Baylor has at running back for 2019. The true third-down back has shown he has the ability to be Baylor’s best running back, but still needs to improve in detailed areas to earn that label. He is Baylor’s most explosive back and does a terrific job out of catching the ball and making plays out of the backfield.
Projected Role: On the two-deep
Projected Stats: 90 carries, 540 yards, 3 touchdowns; 30 receptions, 300 yards, 3 touchdowns
t-8. Running Back, JaMycal Hasty, Senior
Height | Weight | Career Stats |
5-9 | 205 | 277 att, 1,371 yards, 8 TDs 54 rec, 301 yards, 1 TD |
Hasty has held down the starting role for Baylor in each of the last two seasons specifically because of his willingness to do everything asked of him in all areas as well as his ability at the position. Of all three backs Hasty would likely benefit the most from improve OL play and would also see his stats inflate if he can stay healthy for the entire season, something he could not do each of the last two seasons. He was recently awarded a single digit.
Projected Role: Starter
Projected Stats: 120 carries, 650 yards, 5 touchdowns; 35 receptions, 180 yards, 1 touchdown
7. Linebacker, Blake Lynch, Senior
Height | Weight | Career Stats |
6-3 | 225 | 66 tackles, 4.0 TFL, 1.5 sacks, 1 INT 13 att, 79 yards 51 rec, 673 yards, 4 TDs |
Whatever happens his senior season, Lynch forever will be known in Baylor circles for his team-first attitude and unselfishness. Now that he’s finally settled in at SLB, Lynch is set to build on a junior season where he flashed disruptive plays against the pass and the run and should thrive in a new base scheme meant to help linebacker stats. His upside is high and now it’s his time to go get it.
Projected Role: Starter
Projected Stats: 80 tackles, 7.0 TFL, 3.0 sacks, 2 INT
6. Offensive Lineman, Sam Tecklenburg, Senior
Height | Weight | Career Stats |
6-4 | 310 | 27 starts |
Another player who has played multiple positions the last four years, Tecklenburg looks to be set to start at right guard in 2019 after starting at center as a junior. The former tight end started 25 games combined in 2017 and 2018 as a center but his strenghts as an individual could be better suited as a guard while also benefitting the entire OL according to head coach Matt Rhule.
Projected Role: Starter
Projected Stats: N/A