BAYLOR OFFENSE

Obviously losing Bryce Petty and Antwan Goodley is significant but the Bears return 8 starters and a ton of production from a team that led the nation with 48.2 points per game and 581 yards per game.

Corey Coleman and KD Cannon headline the returnees as the only returning WR duo in college football that each had 1,000 yards receiving in 2014. Jay Lee will start the year as the third WR but the Bears have a number of young wideouts who could all be difference makers at various points this season. Freshman have had impact seasons in the past under Art Briles at #WRU so don’t be surprised if you already know the names Ishmael Zamora or Chris Platt by the time the latter half of the season rolls around. 

Shock Linwood will look to build off of a strong 2014 season in which he piled up over 1,200 yards and 16 touchdowns, the fifth consecutive season that Baylor has had a 1,000+ yard rusher. Despite Linwood’s stats, the Bears’ running game struggled at times last season and really lacked the home run threat that Lache Seastrunk provided in 2012-13. Johnny Jefferson could step into that role this season as he battled nagging injuries throughout his freshman campaign. Devin Chafin will factor in as a 3rd down and goal line back. Chafin was extremely effective in limited action last season but battled the injury bug as well.

If Jefferson and Chafin can both stay healthy, Baylor has the potential to have a lethal three-headed monster in the backfield.

The offensive line returns 4 starters including senior All-American Spencer Drango at left tackle. Drango is quick off the line against opposing defensive ends and is sound in both run and pass blocking. He provides an anchor for the rest of the experienced front.

Pat Colbert is the slated starter across the line at right tackle, a road grader who showed big improvements in pass protection when pressed into duty in 2014. Kyle Fuller returns after a breakout campaign at center. Jarell Broxton and Blake Muir are listed as starting guards but I wouldn’t be surprised to see both Desmine Hilliard and Rami Hammad see significant snaps on the interior as well.

I should also point out that 410 pound manbeast Laquan McGowan, known for his touchdown in the Cotton Bowl against Michigan State, has moved to tight end on a permanent basis and was listed as a co-starter with Tre’Von Armstead on the post-spring depth chart.

This should all help new quarterback Seth Russell settle into his role as the guy handed the keys to the sports car that is the high-powered Art Briles offense. Russell has the most raw talent of any Baylor quarterback since Robert Griffin and can make spectacular plays at times, both with his arm and his legs. His ability to take care of the football and not commit needless turnovers may be the difference between a nice season and a national championship caliber one for Baylor.

 

BAYLOR DEFENSE

The Bears are also fortunate to bring back 9 starters on the defensive side of the ball, including the entirety of a defensive line that has the potential to be simply unblockable. This group is led by two future first round draft picks in Shawn Oakman and Andrew Billings.

You’ve likely seen the Oakman memes floating around by now but the 6’9 hulking defensive end also led the Big 12 in sacks (11.0) to go with 19.5 tackles for loss in 2014. Oakman still has trouble getting engaged in the game and can disappear at times, but he is one of the top talents in all of college football when he is locked in.

On the other hand, Billings has an excellent motor in the middle of the Baylor defensive front and constantly holds his own against double teams that are necessary to combat his incredible strength. The attention placed on Billings and Oakman open the door for guys like Beau Blackshear, Jamal Palmer and K.J. Smith to make plays.

The Baylor secondary also returns its entire starting cast from a year ago but will be looking to improve from a subpar finish to the season in which the Bears allowed several opponents to carve them up through the air.

Cornerback Xavien Howard is the biggest impact player in this unit as he led the team with 13 pass breakups. Ryan Reid was the starter at the opposite corner last season but he was pushed by Tion Wright in the spring and I’d expect both to see significant playing time.

Orion Stewart and Terrell Burt will be the two safeties. Stewart comes off of a very nice season and could be an all-conference performer in 2015. Baylor hired former Pro Bowl CB Cris Dishman in the offseason to help with the secondary and if that unit can show improvement, it would be a big boost to the Bears’ championship aspirations.

Linebacker is where Baylor finally shows some attrition. Taylor Young is the leading returning tackler after he rose to the occasion during his freshman season, culminating in him being named Cotton Bowl Defensive MVP despite the Bears’ loss. Young is only listed at 5’8 but flies around to the football and seems to have a knack for the impact play.

Junior college transfer Grant Campbell steps into Bryce Hager’s shoes at middle linebacker and thus will be asked to play quarterback of the defense. Travon Blanchard takes over at the Bear linebacker, which operates as a quasi-linebacker/safety position. Aiavion Edwards and Raaquan Davis could also be breakout players at linebacker as defensive coordinator Phil Bennett looks to solidify the middle of his defense in fall camp.

 

BUY OR SELL?

I certainly buy that this team will be right in the hunt for another Big 12 championship. The offense has proven in the last five years that it will keep humming along despite any major personnel changes and if Seth Russell can live up to the hype as the new signal caller, the Bears could put up some truly historic numbers offensively.

I think Russell’s play along with the linebackers and secondary in pass defense will make or break Baylor’s chance at competing for a Big 12 championship and a potential College Football Playoff bid.

The Bears again don’t do themselves any favors with a non-conference schedule of SMU, Lamar and Rice, but will be tested considerably in November. The biggest test will come in late November as Baylor goes to Oklahoma State and TCU on back-to-back weekends.

Until I see more of Russell against Big 12 competition, I think this is a 9-3 or 10-2 type of team. However, I would not at all be shocked to see the Bears hoist a third consecutive Big 12 championship trophy and earn their way into the College Football Playoff.

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David Fankhauser of Our Daily Bears provided the information for our Baylor Football 2015 Spring recap.  For more Baylor Bears football information, commentary and analysis, you can follow David on Twitter @dfank_BU and @OurDailyBears.

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