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Baylor Football Spring Game 2017: 5 things to watch for

By David Rouben

Dec 27, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Baylor Bears quarterback Zach Smith (4) against the Boise State Broncos during the Cactus Bowl at Chase Field. Baylor defeated Boise State 31-12. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Baylor Bears quarterback Zach Smith (4) against the Boise State Broncos during the Cactus Bowl at Chase Field. Baylor defeated Boise State 31-12. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 24, 2016; Waco, TX, USA; The dark skies above McLane Stadium during a lightning delay in the first quarter of a game between the Baylor Bears and the Oklahoma State Cowboys. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports /

3. A new era means new players

Matt Rhule’s efforts on the recruiting trail cannot be overstated. He dealt with a ton of de-commitments while having to sell a program that was embroiled in a sexual assault scandal. After starting from scratch, Rhule ended up with a fairly significant haul.

With the help of newly minted director of player personnel Evan Cooper, the Bears went from one commit to 29 in just over five weeks, and the college football world knew thanks to the hashtag #BaylorLit. That list includes three ESPN 300 standouts, as well as 11 prospects who had previously committed to other Power Five schools. They also scored big transfers in Anu Solomon and James Lockhart.

All of this is very promising, but the downside is that the Baylor roster will be very inexperienced. Last year’s team went 7-6, and there’s little to suggest that the incoming talent can replace the outgoing players. Of course, this is where coaching comes in, but the ceiling for this team can’t be very high.

Regardless, this is a new era of Baylor football, and the fans will have to start getting used to the fresh faces on campus. As they always say, first impressions are key. And for these newcomers, the Spring Game is a very big stage for that.

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