When the Big 12 was on the verge of breaking up last summer, doom and panic pervaded the Baylor campus.
While long-time rivals Texas, Texas A&M and Texas Tech seemed bound for other major conferences, Baylor appeared headed toward a more obscure non-BCS league.
After the conference was saved at the last hour, Baylor coach Art Briles made a vow to make the most of it. He had just guided the Bears to their first bowl game since 1994 and produced their first winning season since the Big 12’s inception in 1996.
“We haven’t forgotten what happened last summer,” Briles said. “Things can happen when you get too comfortable, so you better get off your tail and go to work. We have to be as proactive as we’ve ever been.”
Though Briles felt good about producing a 7-6 record in just his third year at Baylor, his goals are clearly higher. Two weeks after Baylor’s 38-14 loss to Illinois in the Texas Bowl, Briles brought in veteran defensive coordinator Phil Bennett, who had just ended a three-year tenure at Pittsburgh.
While Baylor’s offense was among the most explosive in the country, the defense ranked near the bottom of the Big 12 as it allowed 435.4 yards and 30.5 points per game. Bennett has produced outstanding defenses at seven other Division I schools, and Briles was impressed by how his players soaked in Bennett’s defensive philosophy during spring drills.
“We’ve got a bunch of guys on the field that are eager and listening, and they want to be coached hard,” Briles said.
If the defense can improve significantly, the Bears have a lot of reasons for optimism.
Led by junior quarterback Robert Griffin, Baylor’s offense has a chance to be one of the best in school history. The Bears lost All-Big 12 offensive tackle Danny Watkins and running back Jay Finley, who set a school record with 1,218 yards rushing, but Griffin is urrounded by talent.
“We think we can be one of the best offenses in the nation, if not the best,” Griffin said. “We can put up some great numbers. All those receivers can be stars somewhere else, but we’re lucky to have them on our campus.”
OFFENSE
Nobody quite knew how Robert Griffin would react after undergoing surgery for a torn ACL that ended his 2009 season. Would he still possess the same burning speed? Would he still play with tremendous confidence that would inspire teammates?
Griffin came back better than ever as he completed 67 percent of his passes for a school-record 3,501 yards and 22 touchdowns. He still showed he still had a great deal of mobility by rushing for 635 yards and eight scores. With more experience in Briles’ offense, he played with more confidence and savvy.
“Robert had an outstanding year, and he just needs to continue from where he was,” Briles said. “We don’t have to push any buttons because he’s pushing them himself.”
Griffin also has learned to rely more on the players around him. He knows he’s surrounded by a deep, talented receiving corps that gives him a lot of options.
With a combination of speed and fearlessness, Kendall Wright is primed for a big senior year. He’s been Griffin’s biggest target since 2008, and he made a career-high 78 catches for 952 yards and seven touchdowns last season.
“Kendall will have a great opportunity to be the best receiver in America,” Briles said. “You don’t have to wonder what you’re going to get from Kendall. He gives you everything he’s got in practice and is a great example for the young players.”
Baylor’s most dangerous receiver might be 6-4 junior Josh Gordon, who emerged as a deep threat last year by catching 42 passes for 714 yards and seven scores, while leading the Bears with a 17 yards-per-catch average.
Wright and Gordon will be joined by three possession-type receivers. Tevin Reese caught 45 passes for 401 yards last season. Terrance Williams made 43 catches for 484 yards and four scores. Lanear Sampson made 42 catches for 390 yards.
Briles also likes the catching and blocking skills of tight ends Jordan Najvar and Jerod Monk.
Briles expects Baylor’s offensive line to be his best and most experienced; all five started at some point last year. Cyril Richardson and Ivory Wade are big, athletic tackles, while 6-6, 335-pound Robert T. Griffin brings tremendous size at guard. Philip Blake is coming off a good season at center, while guard Cameron Kaufhold rounds out the starting line.
The biggest question is who will replace running back Jay Finley following his 1,218-yard season. Briles hopes someone will emerge from a group that includes junior Jarred Salubi, seniors Terrance Ganaway and Isaac Williams, and sophomore Glasco Martin.
The elusive Salubi and the power-running Ganaway appeared to have the edge in the spring, but the competition is still wide open.
“We’d like for one or two to take charge, and I think that will happen as things progress,” Briles said. “They’re all good football players, so it’s going to be great competition to the end.”
DEFENSE
Phil Bennett has a history of building great defenses, but he’s got his work cut out for him at Baylor.
The Bears ranked near the bottom of most defensive categories in the Big 12, and lost their top two performers in All-Big 12 safety Byron Landor and second-team all-league defensive tackle Phil Taylor.
Bennett has switched several players to different positions to get the most talent and speed in the lineup. Though the Bears are clearly a work in progress, Bennett likes the enthusiasm his players have shown in learning his multiple 4-3 defense.
Led by sophomore Tevin Elliott, Baylor’s rotation of defensive ends could be a strength. Elliott was the Bears’ top pass rusher last season with five sacks, and he also led the team with nine tackles for loss.
“Tevin’s potential is unlimited because that’s a natural position for him,” Briles said. “When you add instincts with his talent and quickness, you’ve got a good football player.”
Gary Mason is back after picking up three sacks and seven quarterback hurries last year, while Terrance Lloyd and Zac Scotton will also be in the mix. Sophomore Chris McAllister moved from middle linebacker to end to give the Bears another pass rusher.
Heading the interior line are returning starters Tracy Robertson and Nicolas Jean-Baptiste. The Bears also switched two players from offense to the interior defensive line. Kaeron Johnson moved from fullback and Navarro College transfer Nick Johnson switched from offensive line. Dominique Jones should make an impact after seeing considerable time as a true freshman.
After starting at outside linebacker last season, senior Elliot Coffey will bring his instincts and experience to middle linebacker.
“Elliot is exactly what you look for in a middle linebacker,” Briles said. “He’s intelligent, passionate, hungry and talented. He can run and is really a great leader.”
No one made a more dramatic move during the spring than sophomore Brody Trahan, who switched from backup quarterback to outside linebacker and impressed coaches with his tenacious play.
After playing backup safety as a true freshman, Ahmad Dixon ended the spring by playing nickel back, which is a hybrid between linebacker and safety.
“Ahmad plays hard and we want to put him in a position where we can take advantage of his ability,” Bennett said. “We’re trying to get the best 11 players on the field, and he’s one of them.”
Chance Casey brings valuable experience at cornerback, while Tyler Stephenson should improve after he was thrown in as a true freshman last season. Briles likes the aggressive attitude of free safety Mike Hicks and strong safety Sam Holl, who will be key defenders after playing backup roles last year.