With Robert Griffin holding the keys, the turbo-charged engine is back in Baylor’s offense.

Coming back from last season’s knee injury, Griffin’s arm is stronger and more accurate than ever.

Only time will tell if Griffin will run a great deal on his repaired right knee, but just the threat of the explosive quarterback taking off into the secondary makes defensive coordinators cringe.

More than anything, the Bears take their cue from Griffin’s confident demeanor.

“Our offense has a lot of potential,” Griffin said. “We’re deep at running back and we’ve got a lot of speed and athleticism at receiver. Our offensive line is bigger than it’s ever been. (Offensive tackle) Danny Watkins is a tough guy — you don’t want to get into a fight with him.”

Baylor’s offense will need a healthy Griffin to go from pedestrian to powerful.

Receiver Kendall Wright has 1,389 yards and nine TDs receiving in his career.
Rod Aydelotte / Waco Tribune-Herald

After averaging 376.4 yards and 28 points during Griffin’s freshman year in 2008, the Bears averaged just 293 yards and 20.8 points last year. His absence was clearly felt in Big 12 games as the Bears averaged a league-low 13 points.

“When Robert got hurt, we all hurt,” Baylor receiver Kendall Wright said. “So it’s very nice to have him back. He helps both the passing and running game. He really opens things up for the receivers.”

Following rehabilitation for his torn anterior cruciate ligament, Griffin will wear a brace on his right knee. But during preseason drills, he’s shown that he still has a lot of mobility and fearlessness.

“I’m a confident guy, and in the heat of the moment I’m going to trust my knee,” Griffin said. “I’m not going to worry if a 300-pound guy is running at me.”

Though he doesn’t have Griffin’s physical tools, sophomore Nick Florence gained a lot of experience after stepping in at quarterback last season. Florence put up solid numbers as he completed 62 percent of his passes for 1,786 yards and six touchdowns.

Briles expects to redshirt freshman Bryce Petty this season and use Brody Trahan as third-string quarterback.

Running backs

While a healthy Griffin gives the offense a major boost, the Bears also need running back Jay Finley to stay in the lineup. After rushing for 865 yards and seven touchdowns two years ago, Finley dropped to 370 yards and one TD last year due to ankle problems.

After missing spring drills with ankle surgery, Finley has proceeded cautiously during camp but hopes to be ready for the season opener against Sam Houston State.

“I’m doing a lot better, but my ankle still needs to recover a little,” Finley said. “The pain has gone away, but there’s still some soreness. I want to get back to where I was two years ago. We’ve got to run the ball better as a team this year because we didn’t do too well last year.”

Due mostly to injuries, Baylor’s running game took a profound drop last year as it averaged just 100.6 yards after averaging 195.8 yards two years ago. But the Bears should have more depth with Jarred Salubi and Terrance Ganaway returning and Glasco Martin and Isaac Williams providing depth.

Ganaway, who has slimmed down to 235 pounds, could be a bigger all-around threat after being used mostly in short-yardage situations last year. Salubi brings versatility as a runner and receiver after leading Baylor’s backs with 19 catches for 153 yards last year.

Stepping into the mix is Williams, a former Los Angeles schoolboy star who transferred to Baylor in the spring after playing at El Camino (Calif.) College. Redshirt freshman Glasco Martin came back from last fall’s ACL tear earlier than expected, and has the ability to step in quickly.

“One of our goals is to run the ball more effectively because it creates a mentality that you need on the offensive side of the ball,” Briles said. “We know what Jay Finley can do and the passion he plays with. Glasco is only about seven months out of surgery, so he’s ahead of schedule. He’s really doing well and performing well.”

Receivers

Featuring a blend of experience and talented young players, the receiving corps is Baylor’s deepest offensive position.

Wright made the Fred Biletnikoff Award preseason watch list after catching 116 passes for 1,389 yards and nine touchdowns in his first two seasons. Lanear Sampson is coming off a solid freshman year in which he caught 29 passes for 297 yards and two touchdowns, while tight end Brad Taylor made 13 catches for 166 yards last year.

Several young players will play bigger roles this year. Terrance Williams and Josh Gordon both bring tremendous speed to the table, while 6-foot-6 sophomore tight end Willie Jefferson is a huge target. Redshirt freshman Darius Jones, true freshman Tevin Reese and senior Krys Buerck will fit into the mix.

Offensive line

With All-America center J.D. Walton gone to the Denver Broncos, Briles believes senior left tackle Danny Watkins will become the leader of the offensive line. The former Canadian firefighter has bulked up to 310 pounds and has the potential to follow Jason Smith and Walton to the NFL.

“I don’t know if there will be a better offensive tackle in the Big 12 than Danny,” Briles said.

Ivory Wade has switched from guard to right tackle, while Philip Blake has moved from right tackle to center. Briles believes the Bears will have good depth at guard with veterans Cameron Kaufhold and John Jones being joined by redshirt freshman Cyril Richardson and Navarro College transfer Robert T. Griffin.

While the Bears are looking for widespread offensive improvement, they all know where it starts. Robert Griffin holds the keys.

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