Defense
Key returners: Terrel Bernard (LB)
Key losses: James Lynch (DL), Bravvion Roy (DL), Grayland Arnold (DB)
Key additions: None
Star player: Terrel Bernard (LB)
Name to look for: William Bradley-King (OLB)
Analysis: Baylor’s defense is taking a massive hit, only returning 32% of its production. Two anchors on the defensive line, James Lynch and Bravvion Roy are no longer with the program and are in the NFL. As is the Bears’ interception leader from last season, Grayland Arnold. The safety had six interceptions, second in the conference.
Luckily, there is one saving grace. Preseason first-team All-Big 12 linebacker Terrel Bernard is returning. Playing both weakside and middle linebacker, Bernard did it all for the Bears, having 112 tackles, 4.5 sacks, three fumble recoveries, one interception, five quarterback pressures, and two pass breakups.
A name to be wary of is Arkansas State graduate transfer William Bradley-King. As defensive coordinator Ron Roberts comes from the Sun Belt, so does Bradley-King. His redshirt junior season, Bradley-King had 8.5 sacks and 13.5 tackles for loss. Seen as a defensive end/outside linebacker hybrid, Dave Aranda is hoping to use him in a similar fashion to Jaguars’ first-round pick, K’lavon Chaisson.
The Bears allowed the third-fewest yards in the Big 12 in 2019. Despite losing a ton, Aranda being a brilliant defensive-minded coach will not let Baylor miss a beat defensively. Only allowing 10 points against the Longhorns last season, Texas’ offense will be looking to perform better against Baylor in 2020.
[lawrence-auto-related count=3]