2012 Big 12 preview: Baylor
- Aug. 22, 2012
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BAYLOR
2011 Record:
10-3 (6-3 in Big 12) 13th AP
Key Returners:
WR Terrance Williams, S Ahmad Dixon, S Mike Hicks, OL Cyril Richardson, WR Tevin Reese
Key losses:
QB Robert Griffin III, WR Kendall Wright, RB Terrance Ganaway, OL Philip Blake, LB Elliot Coffey, DT Nicolas Jean-Baptiste, DL Tracy Robertson
Top Newcomers:
In 2012 Baylor welcomes three four-star recruits, all from Texas: wide receiver Corey Coleman, defensive end Javonte Magee and linebacker Brian Nance. Magee comes in as the number seven defensive end in the nation, with a chance to make an impact on the Bear’s defense early in the year, according to Rivals.com. Baylor did the majority of its recruiting in-state with only two of 28 freshman coming from outside of Texas.
Overview:
The Bears are riding high on last season’s success and exposure. Sighting Baylor’s comeback against Kansas as the launching point for his campaign, quarterback Robert Griffin III won the 2012 Heisman Trophy and was selected second overall in the NFL draft. But Griffin wasn’t the only Bear to move on to the next level. Baylor had five players from 2011 taken in draft, and the team will look to rebuild without slowing down the progress made last season.
Story To Watch:
With the losses of their starting quarterback, running back and number one receiver, the Bears will have many spots to fill on offense. Senior quarterback Nick Florence only made 12 pass attempts last season, and running back Jarred Salubi averaged just 5.7 yards on his 58 attempts. How will head coach Art Briles continue the success of the high-powered offense — which ranked fourth in the nation both in passing yards and points scored — without the men that got him there? And how smoothly will the transition be?
They Said It:
“How do you adjust not having the best player football in the United States of America last year at the collegiate level? That’s inspiration, okay? That’s the thing that inspires us. That’s the thing that makes our guys come together and fight for each other and work to prove themselves, because we’re in the proving business.”
— Art Briles on replacing Robert Griffin III
— Edited by Sarah McCabe
