After ending spring football on Saturday with an intense workout at the Allison Indoor Practice Facility, Baylor coach Dave Aranda didn't hesitate when asked what the biggest difference was in his team from this same time a year ago.
"The edge, the competition, the fight. That is very strong," Aranda said. "There's been times we've had to tone it down a fair amount. And I think all of it has been just the competitive nature of just trying to win the thing. There's a lot of fire out there in those practice. So, it's good to see. You'd rather deal with that than the other."
Not even the 15 spring practices could decide everything. Specifically at the quarterback position, Aranda expects "that competition to continue" between redshirt junior Sawyer Robertson, Toledo transfer Dequan Finn and former Northern Arizona transfer RJ Martinez.
"We'll study the tape and go through all of it and have our individual meetings with those guys here coming up," Aranda said. "We'll look at it and do a whole review of the good, the bad and the ugly, and be real honest about where everything is.
"The honest part of it is reviewing the wins and losses of the day or the throw or the play, and the film don't lie. I think going about it that way is the best option. . . . After that honest talk, if guys want to stay and fight it out, or after that talk guys want to leave, then it is what it is."
The ultimate deciding factors, Aranda said, will be the ability to make the right decisions, "feel comfortable when the pressure's in your face," being able to redirect protections and the ability to "handle the ball when you're in space and not put it in an uncompromising position. I think all those things will be addressed."
One group that made a significant jump during the spring was the offensive line, which includes returning starters Alvin Ebosole, Coleton Price, Gavin Byers and Campbell Barrington. Also competing for spots up front are transfers Omar Aigbedion from Montana State and Kurt Danneker from Ohio, who missed the bulk of the spring with an injury.
"His recovery has been surprising to me," Aranda said of Danneker, who started all 13 games last season at left guard for a 10-3 Ohio team. "I'm impressed with just the work that he's put in and what our people have been able to do with hum to get him back as soon as he's back. . . . I think the confidence in him contributing is high."
The Bears could also look for some help in the offensive and defensive lines in the transfer portal, with the spring window ending April 30.
"I think the line of scrimmage is the biggest pressing need right now," Aranda said. "I would say pass rush would be one that'd be up there, too. So, we're working hard to get those addressed with fits for us."
While the running back room is talented with Richard Reese, Dominic Richardson, Dawson Pendergrass and Bryson Washington, the Bears have an "overabundance" at the receiver position. In addition to the top five returning receivers, Division I transfers Ashtyn Hawkins from Texas State and Jamaal Bell from Nevada were added this spring.
"There are some tough conversations of, 'Hey, we're in the top whatever that's playing or getting reps,' and then, 'Hey, this group, you're on the outside looking in, struggling to get reps.' And there are going to be consequences to all of that."
Defensively, Aranda said the line made a big improvement in "their ability to play the run," while the linebacker room "could be really special if we stay healthy."
"I think Keaton Thomas and Matt Jones and JJ (Jeremy Evans) and Mello (Carmello Jones), and all of them, it's been fun to work with them. It's been fun to coach again," said Aranda, who took over defensive play calling this spring while also helping with the linebackers.
Aranda also added longtime TCU head coach Gary Patterson in a role as a senior consultant, working specifically with the defense. Patterson led the Horned Frogs to six conference championships, 11 bowl-game victories and a record of 181-79 in 22 seasons.
"There's a tendency to kind of lean into what you've always done and what you always do," said Aranda, who had success as a defensive coordinator at multiple stops, including being part of a national championship team at LSU in 2019.
"So, the opportunity to kind of grow into and to try new things can be a scary, scary thing. Gray helps in that. Where Gary's coming from is probably the exact opposite of the things that defensively we've done. So, it's a mix and match that can be way cool as long as you're open to it, and you listen more than talk. And I think that's happening."
Baylor opens the 2024 season with a home game against Tarleton on Aug. 31 and will host five other games at McLane Stadium.
"Honestly, the biggest thing is just carrying this momentum and taking it into summer workouts and then fall camp as well," junior receiver Josh Cameron said. "That's what (offensive coordinator Jake Spavital) has been saying to us, too. It was a good start, but we still have a long way to go. We'll just keep on trucking at it. And then, once we get into the flow of it, we'll be unstoppable."
