Wednesday, February 06, 2008
By Jerry Hill / Tribune-Herald assistant sports editor| Signed? | Player info | Analysis |
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ROMIE BLAYLOCK Position: Wide receiver Ht/Wt: 5-10/170 School: Cedar Hill |
Where he fits: After qualifying late and enrolling in January, Blaylock will get a good look this spring. As a senior, he had 34 catches for 629 yards and seven touchdowns for the 2006 state champions. He also had 33 catches for 500 yards when he was named the District 7-5A sophomore of the year in ’04. In track, he was third in the 400 meters at the 2006 state track meet with a 47.39-second time; ran anchor leg on last year’s second-place 4x400-meter relay team that posted a 3:12.96 time in the finals; and also placed third in 400 in the 2005 Junior Olympics. He was named to the Dallas Morning News all-area track and field team in ’06. |
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RODNEY BRISBON Position: Offensive line Ht/Wt: 6-6/330 School: NW Mississippi CC |
Where he fits: The former junior college all-American signed with the University of Houston last year, but didn’t graduate in time to enroll. Even though he won’t be here until this summer, Brisbon will definitely play and could start this year. As a senior at Robert E. Lee High School in Montgomery, Ala., Brisbon earned first-team all-state honors and was recruited by Alabama, Oklahoma State, Kansas State, Miami and Ole Miss. |
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RODNEY CHADWICK Position: Linebacker Ht/Wt: 6-0/205 School: Carthage |
Where he fits: Undersized for a Big 12 linebacker, Chadwick will likely redshirt. The District 20-3A defensive MVP and former Louisiana-Monroe commit piled up 132 tackles this year with three forced fumbles and an interception. He earned district sophomore of the year honors in ’05 and first-team all-district in ’06, when he registered five sacks and over 100 tackles. “They told me they’d like to see me put on about 15 to 18 pounds,” he said. “And then it just depends on how I show up and how I work this summer. Because they said there’s not any secure spots right now.” |
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JARED EDWARDS Position: Defensive end Ht/Wt: 6-4/250 School: Mansfield Timberview |
Where he fits: One year after losing Brownsboro offensive lineman Lonnie Edwards to Texas Tech, the Bears got a late switch from his brother. Jared was a first-team all-district defensive end, second-team offensive tackle and runner-up for 4-5A defensive MVP honors, finishing with 52 tackles, seven stops behind the line, five forced fumbles, two recoveries and two sacks. On offense, he had 54 pancake blocks, 67 knockdowns and one touchdown. Edwards, who picked Baylor over Georgia Tech, said he doesn’t plan on redshirting. “I can’t stand sitting out a year and watching everybody else play,” he said. |
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NICK FLORENCE Position: Quarterback Ht/Wt: 6-2/175 School: South Garland |
Where he fits: Committed since last March, Florence stuck with his decision even after Baylor picked up two transfers and another incoming freshman prospect at quarterback. But until he bulks up, Florence will probably have to wait. The District 10-5A MVP and first-team all-area pick by The Dallas Morning News passed for 3,047 yards and 30 TDs with just four interceptions. For his career, he passed for 8,001 yards and 65 TDs and rushed for 1,130 yards and 22 TDs. In all, Florence holds 10 records for Garland ISD, including single-season and career passing yards, total offense and TDs. He was ranked as one of the top 100 recruits in the state by the Houston Chronicle and San Antonio Express-News. His twin brother, Luke, played safety for the Colonels. |
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KIRBY FREEMAN Position: Quarterback Ht/Wt: School: U. of Miami (Brownwood) |
Where he fits: After getting a waiver on the NCAA transfer rule, Freeman will get every chance to earn the starting quarterback job this spring. Making seven career starts in three seasons with the Hurricanes, he was 92-of-197 for 1,311 yards and 12 touchdowns with 16 interceptions. A SuperPrep all-American at Brownwood, Freeman was rated the No. 6 dual-threat QB in the nation and No. 16 player overall in Texas by rivals.com. In his last two seasons at Brownwood, where he played for his father, he threw for 2,941 yards and 24 Tds and added 2,091 yards and 32 TDs rushing. Before leaving Miami, he earned his undergraduate degree in sports administration. |
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BRANDON GARRETT Position: Offensive line Ht/Wt: 6-7, 290 School: La Marque |
Where he fits: A late pickup on signing-day eve, Garrett was a standout offensive and defensive lineman for the Cougars before having to sit out the 2007 season because of UIL age-limit restrictions. In 2006, he earned first-team All-District 23-4A honors on defense for a 16-0 state championship team coached by former Hillsboro standout Bryan Erwin. Garrett originally committed to Oklahoma State last May after attending a Cowboys camp in Houston. But when he opened up the recruiting process again last month, he came away impressed with a Jan. 18 Baylor visit and ultimately picked the Bears over Nebraska, Kansas State, Houston, Colorado and Southern Miss. Considering he’s already been off for a year, it’s going to be hard for Garrett to sit and watch. But he may not be ready to help out as a true freshman. |
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ROBERT GRIFFIN Position: Quarterback Ht/Wt: 6-3/195 School: Copperas Cove |
Where he fits: Since he’ll be competing in the hurdles this spring after enrolling in January, Griffin’s immediate impact will likely come on the track. But since he’ll also go through spring training, the first-team Super Centex pick has a chance to get into the mix at quarterback. A top-50 pick on the Tribune-Herald recruiting list and rated the No. 3 dual-threat QB in the country by rivals.com, Griffin passed for 1,356 yards and 16 touchdowns this season while rushing for 1,285 yards and 24 TDs for the 4A Division I state runners-up. In leading Cove to the state finals the last two years, he passed for 3,357 yards and 41 TDs with just nine interceptions. At last year’s state track meet, he swept the 110- and 300-meter hurdles, finishing one-hundredth of a second off the national record in the 300s (35.33) and breaking the 4A state record in the 110s (13.55). |
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TRENTSON HILL Position: Cornerback Ht/Wt: 6-0/175 School: Mount Pleasant |
Where he fits: Because of the Bears’ biggest need, Hill will get a shot at cornerback and will likely have to play this year. But he has the versatility to play any number of positions. He earned first-team 4A all-state honors by the Texas Sportswriters Association at cornerback, where he had 76 tackles, five interceptions, 11 pass breakups, three fumble recoveries, two blocked kicks and two sacks. Hill also was named to the Texas Football magazine’s postseason All-Texas high school team that includes players from all classes. On offense, he had 23 catches for 506 yards and nine TDs to earn District 11-4A offensive MVP honors. The three-sport standout is considered one of the top basketball players in the district and was a region track qualifier in the triple jump last year. |
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JAKE JACKSON Position: Offensive line Ht/Wt: 6-3/265 School: Southlake Carroll |
Where he fits: Since few offensive linemen play as true freshmen, and Baylor actually has some depth for the first time in a while, Jackson should count on a redshirt year. The second-team 5A all-state pick started for the 2006 state champions and lost just three games in his prep career. He also earned all-district and all-area honors and was on the Fort Worth Star-Telegram Top 100 list of the state’s best recruits. After starting at left guard for the 16-0 state champions in 2006, Jackson had 62 pancake blocks and graded out at 98 percent for the Dragons this year. Before picking up football for the first time in seventh grade, he played hockey while his family lived in Canada. Committing to the Bears last summer, Jackson picked Baylor over offers from Georgia Tech and Louisville. |
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KAERON JOHNSON Position: Defensive line Ht/Wt: 6-2, 260 School: Cuero |
Where he fits: Although he played defensive end and tight end in high school, his future’s at defensive tackle. And he doesn’t have the size or strength yet to play an interior spot in the Big 12. A starter since his freshman year and a second-team all-state pick each of the last two seasons, Johnson had 58 tackles and nine sacks as a senior. He also plays basketball and has been to the state track meet in the discus the last two years, winning a bronze medal last year as a junior. Listed as a two-star recruit by rivals.com, Johnson also had offers from Missouri, Colorado State, Houston, Rice and Texas State. |
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CAMERON KAUFHOLD Position: Offensive line Ht/Wt: 6-5/275 School: Friendswood |
Where he fits: One of three Houston commits that followed Briles to Baylor, Kaufhold has the size to play right away. But with the depth the Bears have in the offensive line, look for him to redshirt and gain some strength. A first-team All-District 23-4A pick, Kaufhold also had scholarship offers from Arizona State, Colorado State, Rice and North Texas. “May not have the arm length to play tackle and may move to guard,” said Orangeblood.com’s Gerry Hamilton. “He’ll be a solid player. He’s a smart kid, very cerebral.” |
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GARY MASON Position: Defensive end Ht/Wt: 6-5/230 School: Waxahachie |
Where he fits: Considered good enough to play Division I football or basketball, Mason could actually get a chance to do both at Baylor. Although he committed to the Bears last summer over offers from Kansas, SMU, New Mexico and Louisiana-Monroe, his final decision seemed in doubt right up until the last minute. Ranked No. 54 on the Austin American-Statesman’s preseason Fab 55 list, he also was listed one of the state’s Top 100 recruits by both the Tribune-Herald and Houston Chronicle. The District 5-4A defensive MVP also earned second-team 4A all-state honors from the Texas Sportswriters Association. A three-sport standout for the Indians, he was an all-region pick in basketball last year when he averaged a double-double; and finished third in the high jump at the Region II-4A meet with a jump of 6 feet, 6 inches. His cousin is Desmond Mason, a former Oklahoma State standout who’s playing in the NBA with the Milwaukee Bucks. |
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BEN PARKS Position: Kicker Ht/Wt: 6-2/195 School: Argyle |
Where he fits: The fact is, you don’t give a kicker a scholarship unless you plan on him coming in and at least competing for the starting job. The two-time all-state kicker was 11-of-17 on field goals and 57-of-60 on extra points as a senior while also punting and starting at linebacker for the 10-3 Eagles. After working with kicking coach Rocky Willingham, Parks also earned second-team all-state honors as a punter, averaging 37.8 yards per kick and nailing 16 of 31 punts inside the 20-yard line. As a junior, he made 34 extra points and was 6-of-8 on field goals with a long of 49 yards. After picking the Bears over Wyoming and Air Force, Parks should at least handle kickoff duties and will compete with senior Caleb Allen and sophomore Shea Brewster for field goals and extra points. |
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FREDERIC PLESIUS Position: Linebacker Ht/Wt: 6-2/247 School: Champlain Prep (Lennox, Quebec) |
Where he fits: Believed to be Baylor's first Canadian recruit, Plesius could make an immediate impact, especially if the Bears switch to a 4-3 or 3-4 alignment. He had 77 tackles, five sacks and two interceptions in 2007. He was Champlain's team MVP and a 3A all-star at the school, where he was coached by Jean Francois Joncas. |
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TRACY ROBERTSON Position: Defensive end Ht/Wt: 6-4/230 School: Houston Lamar |
Where he fits: Considering the Bears' need in the defensive front, Robertson will get every chance to step in and play. A first-team all-district 20-5A pick as a senior, he had 83 tackles, 11 sacks and two fumble recoveries for the 10-2 Redskins. As a junior, he had eight sacks and was tabbed as a second-team all-district pick. Robertson kept the signing-day suspense alive until signing with the Bears over Minnesota and Houston. |
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JARRED SALUBI Position: Running back Ht/Wt: 5-10/195 School: Waco High |
Where he fits: With only two scholarship running backs returning, Salubi could definitely end up in the mix with senior Jacoby Jones and sophomore Jay Finley. Especially after the Bears lost Brenham recruit Lester Ward to Nebraska. Despite being slowed by injuries this year, he rushed for 1,306 yards and 15 touchdowns to earn honorable mention all-state and second-team Super Centex honors. He was selected first-team Super Centex and District 16-4A MVP as a junior, when he rushed for 1,544 yards and 17 TDs for a Waco High team that lost in the 4A Division II state championship game. Salubi also ran a leg on the Lions’ 4x100-meter relay team that won gold at last year’s state meet with a 40.84-second time. |
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LANEAR SAMPSON Position: Wide receiver Ht/Wt: 6-0/190 School: North Mesquite |
Where he fits: A consensus top-100 state recruit, Sampson will have to catch up with the other receivers this summer. But don’t be surprised if he’s in the rotation as a true freshman. As a senior, he hauled in 49 passes for 882 yards and six touchdowns to earn honorable mention all-state honors. The three-star recruit is rated the 50th-best receiver in the nation and No. 56 player overall by rivals.com. One of the early commits that stuck after Art Briles replaced Guy Morriss, Sampson picked the Bears over offers from Nebraska, Oklahoma State, Arizona, Virginia, Wisconsin, Duke, North Texas and Rice. In track, he ran the third leg on North Mesquite’s 4x200-meter relay team that won district and finished fifth at last year’s Region II-5A meet in Waco. |
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JEREMY SANDERS Position: Quarterback Ht/Wt: 6-2/210 School: Navarro JC (Marlin) |
Where he fits: Because he won’t be here until this summer, Sanders fights an uphill battle to get into the mix at quarterback. But the former Super Centex pick from Marlin has the talent and ability to play quarterback, running back, receiver or even safety. He originally signed with Baylor in 2006, but played the last two years just up the road at Navarro College. As a sophomore, he was 123-of-224 for 1,624 yards and 10 touchdowns with eight interceptions and added 483 yards and five TDs on 95 carries. He had four 200-yard passing days for the 9-3 Bulldogs and earned MVP honors in a 24-21 win over Georgia Military in the Pilgrim’s Pride Bowl. At Marlin, he was a two-time Super Centex pick, throwing for 4,494 yards and 41 touchdowns and adding 2,273 yards and 37 TDs over his last two seasons for the Bulldogs. As a senior, he was 148-of-217 for 2,540 yards and 27 TDs with just one interception. After two years at Navarro, Sanders had offers from Missouri, Oklahoma State, Arkansas, Tulsa and Utah State. |
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T.J. SCRANTON Position: Wide receiver Ht/Wt: 5-11/180 School: Kilgore JC |
Where he fits: Scranton has history with Briles, originally signing with the University of Houston out of Class 2A Hitchcock High School in 2005. He enrolled that fall but was eventually declared academically ineligible. This is his fourth stop in as many years after spending one season each at Ranger and Kilgore Junior College, making 57 catches for 796 yars and 13 touchdowns for the Rangers. At Hitchcock, he earned 2A all-state honors in 2004 and was a two-time All-Greater Houston pick by the Houston Chronicle. The versatile athlete also played basketball and was a region track meet qualifier in the 400 meters and triple jump. Scranton, who plans to report in May, picked the Bears over offers from Syracuse, South Carolina, Illinois and Houston. |
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MIKE WILLIAMS Position: Cornerback Ht/Wt: 6-0/170 School: Beaumont West Brook |
Where he fits: With the Bears losing out on some other prospects at corner, Williams may have to step in and play as a true freshman. Ranked as the 66th-best player overall in the state by scout.com, Williams is rated the No. 54 cornerback by scout and No. 55 by rivals.com. As a senior, when he earned Super Gold team honors by the Port Arthur News, Williams had 55 tackles, one interception, 13 pass breakups and two fumble recoveries for an 11-1 team coached by former Texas A&M quarterback Craig Stump. His junior year, he had 65 tackles, four picks, 13 breakups and two blocked kicks for a 9-4 team. His on-again, off-again recruiting relationship with Baylor started last March when he was the first 2008 commit for former coach Guy Morriss. Williams decommitted when Morriss was fired and eventually switched to Boise State. But after a January visit, he was back on board with the Bears. |
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TERRANCE WILLIAMS Position: Wide receiver Ht/Wt: 6-3/185 School: Dallas W.T. White |
Where he fits: Based on his size and production, Williams seems to be a player that’s underrated by the recruiting services. As a senior, he was a first-team All-District 11-5A pick at receiver and defensive back, catching 59 passes for 972 yards and eight touchdowns. He also earned honorable mention all-state honors by the Texas Sportswriters Association. The year before, he caught 30 passes for 615 yards and five TDs, garnering first-team all-district honors. Over the last two seasons, he piled up 89 receptions for 1,587 yards (17.8-yard average) and 13 TDs. A two-sport standout in football and basketball, Williams picked the Bears over recruiting interest from Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Colorado State, Kansas and Kansas State. |
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KENDALL WRIGHT Position: Athlete Ht/Wt: 5-11/165 School: Pittsburg |
Where he fits: One of three signing-day surprises, Wright picked Baylor over offers from Texas, Florida, OU, Nebraska, Arkansas and Clemson. Named to the Trib's Top 50 list and No. 48 on the Austin American-Statesman's Fab 55, he was a second-team 3A all-state pick at corner. As a senior, he had 33 tackles, five interceptions, four fumble recoveries and a pair of defensive touchdowns. Switching to QB, he passed for 1,170 yards and nine touchdowns and rushed for 1,069 yards and 15 TDs. An all-state pick in basketball as a junior, Wright has had a quadruple-double and averages 24 points per game. He also shined on the track, sweeping the long jump (24-0 3/4) and triple jump (48-5 1/4) at last year's state meet. |





Comments
By big bear
Feb 13, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this
Recruits dont mean a thing if they do not win
By Wild Thing
Feb 8, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this
It is my understanding that Morriss's recruiting classes never ranked better than 71. I believe Briles' first class is ranked something like 55. It certainly seems to have more talent than previous classes.
By Trey Willis
Feb 8, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this
Put the W's on paper coach. Put the W's on the paper. We're tired of promising recruiting classes. We need some wins on the field of play.
By Fair and Balanced
Feb 8, 2008 12:44 AM | Link to this
I asked a friend who helps Baylor recruit football players how this year's class compares with those of Morriss, and he said, "about the same". Except with Morriss' buyout, and Briles bigger salary, it cost a lot more.
By Brad
Feb 7, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this
Looks like a good class, but with Coach Briles ability to recruit the state of Texas and his ability to coach'em up I can't wait to see what the class of 2010 will be like. By then we should be able to see exactly what this class will bring and also be able to see how Coach Briles was accepted by future college players. Sic'em and can't wait for football season.
By C.E.Johnson
Feb 7, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this
Seems like a great recruiting class of outstanding football players,however,like the once perfect record of the New England Patriots and the underdog New York Giants the game is won on the field not what is said or written.Thanks.
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