Pretty close
Grading out as a top 39 class by each of the four major college football recruiting outlets, Baylor's 2017 recruiting class exceeded expectations across the board when it was finalized last Wednesday afternoon.
From the top to the bottom of the 27-man class, Matt Rhule's first National Signing Day was highlighted by a number of high-profile recruiting victories including over Arizona State, Colorado, Florida State, Michigan State, Minnesota, Oklahoma State, Ole Miss, Oregon, Southern Cal, TCU, Texas and several others.
Those victories on the trail helped restock the shelves that were beginning to become bare after the program's 2016 class was ripped to shreds less than 12 months ago and allowed to transfer anywhere they would like.
Give or take a few spots, Rhule now has Baylor back at 85 scholarship players, the maximum allowed by the NCAA. That in itself is undeniably impressive, but the class was more than just numbers.
Here is a look at the superlatives I handed out to several of the signed 2017 prospects.
Defense - LB/DE DeMarco Artis
Baylor's linebacker position might be the deepest of any position on the current roster, but I don't know that there is a player like Artis that will fit the role that defensive coordinator Phil Snow has for him.
Holmes finished his recruitment with a top seven of Arizona State, Baylor, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Oregon, UCLA and Utah.
Defense - LB/DE DeMarco Artis
Artis ultimately picked the Bears directly over Oregon, but the one-time Florida State pledge was pushed out of his arrangement with the Seminoles when he wanted to take additional visits.
Defense - Line
There's not a lot of needed explanation here for either of these. The Bears needed immediate replenishment in the trenches and they signed a total of 11 high school prospects for both sides including six OL and five DL.
2017 Class MVP
This was a tough pick over one of the two running backs, but after losing KD Cannon and Ishmael Zamora to the draft, Baylor is in need of a consistent pass catcher in the slot to fall in behind Chris Platt and Blake Lynch.
Defense - DL James Lynch
Of Baylor's five signed defensive lineman, Lynch (6-5, 285) is the most physically ready to play on the interior of the line. Baylor returns a number of experienced players inside, but Lynch's motor and length should get him immediate playing time.
This could me calling my shot, but I believe by his senior season at Baylor Brewer will be a starter for the Bears. He might receive playing time as a freshman, but after 3-4 offseasons of development, Brewer should be ready to produce at a high level.
Defense - DE Chidi Ogbonnaya
At 6-foot-6 and 255 pounds currently, Ogbonnaya will only grow heavier with his frame. With his athleticism and length, his versatility will allow him to play inside or outside and be extremely flexible for Phil Snow. His potential has not been tapped just yet.
Offense - WR Trestan Ebner
His SPARQ score from last summer was decent, but his pure speed might be the best of all signings on offense. Last summer, Ebner clocked 4.40 seconds in a laser-timed 40-yard dash at The Opening regional in Dallas, the second-best time of any prospect at least 6-foot-0 tall.
Defense - CB Timarcus Davis
Opposite of Ebner, Davis' natural athletic ability comes in other areas other than pure speed. His 3.95-second shuttle ranked No. 3 in The Opening Regional in Houston last summer while his 45.8-inch vertical was No. 1 at the event by 4.5 inches over the second-best jump. His overall score of 124.08 was also No. 1 at the event.
Keith's size at 6-foot-5 and 280-pounds coupled with his footwork makes him an extremely intriguing prospect. Though he also held an offer from Ole Miss of the SEC, he was extremely overlooked out of his home state of Alabama. Also a basketball player from a small high school, Keith's projection as a D1 lineman is trough the rough. His 5.08 40-yard dash and 28.1-inch vertical show off his athletic ability for a big man as well.
Defense - DB Trevon Lewis
Anytime a prospect wins the Houston Touchdown Club Defensive Player of the Year you expect him to be a heavily recruited prospect. When that prospect comes from Houston Lamar that belief increases exponentially. But that wasn't the case for Lewis who only held an additional offer from Utah.
Highest Potential
The Arkansas prospect blew up in the final months of his recruitment, picking up offers from multiple programs including Florida State and Texas. Why? Because at 6-foot-6, 210-pounds Thompson will create a massive matchup problem especially as he adds on weight. With Baylor likely to use their tight ends as hybrid pass catchers all over the field, Thompson fits in perfectly.
Defense - DE Justin Harris
A basketball player still learning to play football, Harris (6-6, 250) has the athletic ability to play both defensive end and a bit of outside linebacker for Phil Snow. The transition to the football field can be a slow transition, but Harris got a decent head start in high school compared to most former basketball players.
From the top to the bottom of the 27-man class, Matt Rhule's first National Signing Day was highlighted by a number of high-profile recruiting victories including over Arizona State, Colorado, Florida State, Michigan State, Minnesota, Oklahoma State, Ole Miss, Oregon, Southern Cal, TCU, Texas and several others.
Those victories on the trail helped restock the shelves that were beginning to become bare after the program's 2016 class was ripped to shreds less than 12 months ago and allowed to transfer anywhere they would like.
Give or take a few spots, Rhule now has Baylor back at 85 scholarship players, the maximum allowed by the NCAA. That in itself is undeniably impressive, but the class was more than just numbers.
Here is a look at the superlatives I handed out to several of the signed 2017 prospects.
Most Needed
Offense - RB John Lovett and RB Abram Smith
DeMarco is a relentless, high-effort, pass-rushing specialist with a tremendous motor. His athleticism and elite, tenacious first step make him a force at the rush position, but he is a also a versatile enough to drop into coverage.
It was too tough to not include both running backs here as the Bears were in needed of at least two to shore up the depth on the current roster. With Smith on campus now, don't be surprised if both receive significant time as freshmen.Defense - LB/DE DeMarco Artis
Baylor's linebacker position might be the deepest of any position on the current roster, but I don't know that there is a player like Artis that will fit the role that defensive coordinator Phil Snow has for him.
Biggest Recruiting Victory
Offense - WR Gavin HolmesHolmes finished his recruitment with a top seven of Arizona State, Baylor, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Oregon, UCLA and Utah.
Defense - LB/DE DeMarco Artis
Artis ultimately picked the Bears directly over Oregon, but the one-time Florida State pledge was pushed out of his arrangement with the Seminoles when he wanted to take additional visits.
Biggest Need Filled for Class
Offense - LineDefense - Line
There's not a lot of needed explanation here for either of these. The Bears needed immediate replenishment in the trenches and they signed a total of 11 high school prospects for both sides including six OL and five DL.
2017 Class MVP
Gavin is a fast wide receiver that did it all during his high school career. He utilizes his speed well and has soft hands. His polished route-running skills, versatile running ability, mature mindset and aggressive mentality will allow him to contribute at an early stage in his career.
Offense - WR Gavin HolmesThis was a tough pick over one of the two running backs, but after losing KD Cannon and Ishmael Zamora to the draft, Baylor is in need of a consistent pass catcher in the slot to fall in behind Chris Platt and Blake Lynch.
Defense - DL James Lynch
Of Baylor's five signed defensive lineman, Lynch (6-5, 285) is the most physically ready to play on the interior of the line. Baylor returns a number of experienced players inside, but Lynch's motor and length should get him immediate playing time.
2020 Class MVP
Offense - QB Charlie BrewerThis could me calling my shot, but I believe by his senior season at Baylor Brewer will be a starter for the Bears. He might receive playing time as a freshman, but after 3-4 offseasons of development, Brewer should be ready to produce at a high level.
Defense - DE Chidi Ogbonnaya
At 6-foot-6 and 255 pounds currently, Ogbonnaya will only grow heavier with his frame. With his athleticism and length, his versatility will allow him to play inside or outside and be extremely flexible for Phil Snow. His potential has not been tapped just yet.
Most Athletic
Trestan is a lifelong Baylor fan who is excited to carry on the WRU torch. He has the speed and athleticism to be a receiver and intelligence to also pay in the slot.
Offense - WR Trestan Ebner
His SPARQ score from last summer was decent, but his pure speed might be the best of all signings on offense. Last summer, Ebner clocked 4.40 seconds in a laser-timed 40-yard dash at The Opening regional in Dallas, the second-best time of any prospect at least 6-foot-0 tall.
Defense - CB Timarcus Davis
Opposite of Ebner, Davis' natural athletic ability comes in other areas other than pure speed. His 3.95-second shuttle ranked No. 3 in The Opening Regional in Houston last summer while his 45.8-inch vertical was No. 1 at the event by 4.5 inches over the second-best jump. His overall score of 124.08 was also No. 1 at the event.
Most Underrated
Offense - OL Khalil KeithKeith's size at 6-foot-5 and 280-pounds coupled with his footwork makes him an extremely intriguing prospect. Though he also held an offer from Ole Miss of the SEC, he was extremely overlooked out of his home state of Alabama. Also a basketball player from a small high school, Keith's projection as a D1 lineman is trough the rough. His 5.08 40-yard dash and 28.1-inch vertical show off his athletic ability for a big man as well.
Defense - DB Trevon Lewis
Anytime a prospect wins the Houston Touchdown Club Defensive Player of the Year you expect him to be a heavily recruited prospect. When that prospect comes from Houston Lamar that belief increases exponentially. But that wasn't the case for Lewis who only held an additional offer from Utah.
Highest Potential
B.J. is freakishly athletic for his size. His length and explosive leaping ability make him a factor in the red zone. His relentless nature gives him the ability to be a great pass rusher.
Offense - TE/WR BJ Thompson The Arkansas prospect blew up in the final months of his recruitment, picking up offers from multiple programs including Florida State and Texas. Why? Because at 6-foot-6, 210-pounds Thompson will create a massive matchup problem especially as he adds on weight. With Baylor likely to use their tight ends as hybrid pass catchers all over the field, Thompson fits in perfectly.
Defense - DE Justin Harris
A basketball player still learning to play football, Harris (6-6, 250) has the athletic ability to play both defensive end and a bit of outside linebacker for Phil Snow. The transition to the football field can be a slow transition, but Harris got a decent head start in high school compared to most former basketball players.
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