Three Burning Questions for 2022: Baylor Bears

Courtesy of Baylor Football

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The Baylor Bears made program history in a 12-win season that included Big 12 and Sugar Bowl championships. Dave Aranda's squad won 10 more games in 2021 than it did in 2020, marking a meteoric rise from year one to year two. A return to the Big 12 championship game isn't out of the question with  the Bears returning multiple starters along the offensive and defensive lines, but that doesn't mean Baylor doesn't face tough questions entering the summer. 

1. Can Aranda win with his players? 

Most of the major contributors on the 2021 version of the Baylor Bears was inherited by Aranda when he arrived in Waco as the new head coach in 2019. Matt Rhule and his staff didn’t leave the cupboard bare. Players such as Abram Smith and Connor Galvin and Terrel Bernard and Jalen Pitre were already on campus. Aranda’s ability to turn a two-win team into a 12-win champion shouldn’t be overlooked, but neither should the fact that Baylor is facing true turnover for the first time in his tenure. 

The leaders from the 2021 team are preparing for the NFL Draft. Baylor must replace its two best running backs, its most productive wide receivers, and nearly a dozen key contributors on the defensive side of the football. A new crop of stars must emerge. Coaching is only part of the equation. College football success also depends on talent acquisition. Aranda’s new challenge is winning with his own players. 

2. Who replaces the offensive production? 

Sure, the quarterback battle royal between Blake Shapen, Gerry Bohanon, and Kyron Drones is an intriguing storyline, but so are the position battles taking place at wide receiver and running back. Baylor must replace Smit and Trestan Ebner in the backfield. Smith was perfect for offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes’ wide zone scheme. Ebner offered a change of pace, as well as a receiving and returning weapon. Taye McWilliam’s 16 attempts were the most by a returning running back. Other options include Craig Williams, who is more in the Ebner role, and former four-star recruit Jordan Jenkins. 

The wide receiver position experienced even more turnover. Baylor will be without its top three reeivers from 2021 with the losses of Tyquan Thornton, R.J. Sneed, and Drew Estada. Tight end Ben Sims does return. Backup tight end Drake Dabney’s 10 receptions are more than any other returning receiver. The Bears return some upside, but not much experience or production. Names such as Galvin Holmes and Monaray Baldwin are metioned as potential go-to receivers. Lewisville wide receiver Armani Winfield was the highest-rated signee in Baylor’s 2022 recruiting class. He could be an instant contributor out wide. 

3. Can the defense replicate its dominance? 

The Baylor offense might struggle to match its 2021 production due to multiple losses at running back and wide receiver. The onus falls on Baylor’s defense to return the Bears to Big 12 glory. The good news starts with a star-studded defensive line. Nose tackle Siaki Ika, a transfer from LSU, was the Big 12 Newcomer of the Year. The return over Chidi Ogbonnaya and the addition of Tulsa transfer Jaxon Player, a Waco native, provides the Bears with the best interior defensive line in the Big 12, and in the state of Texas. Gabe Hall provides a pass rushing threat. 

Dillon Doyle, who transferred to Baylor from Iowa prior to the 2020 season, takes over the leadership role from Bernard. Doyle was second on the team in 2021 with 89 tackles. Bernard is a massive loss. He led Baylor in tackles with 106 and sacks with 7.5. He was the Defensive MVP of the Sugar Bowl and the general of the Baylor defensive attack. 

The secondary was the hardest hit by departures, starting with Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year Jalen Pitre. The hybrid safety was third on the team in tackles while leading it in fumbles caused and recovered. He also recorded a team-high 18 tackles for loss. J.T. Woods, Raleigh Texada, Al Walcott, and Kalon Barnes are amongst the other defensive backs lost. At least three – Pitre, Barnes, and Woods – should get drafted in April. 

 

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