The Baylor Bears are looking for a return to former glory after a disappointing 3-9 season in 2023. The program didn’t have a single All-Big 12 player and struggled greatly, specifically on offense.
The Bears made one major move in the transfer portal, bringing in the top player on this list, but the rest of the roster remains largely unchanged. The defense is experienced, and success in 2024 will depend on the improvement of last year’s roster.
Here are the top 10 returning players for Baylor in 2024.
Baylor Bears’ Top 10 Returners in 2024
10) Gavin Byers, OT
Gavin Byers started last season at guard but switched out to right tackle midway through the year. Once he did so, the Baylor offensive lineman was dominant as a pass blocker, allowing just four pressures across the last six games of the year.
This year, it looks like he’s slated to start at tackle, and if he can repeat his performance there, the Baylor offense will be an improved unit.
9) Dawson Pendergrass, RB
Dawson Pendergrass saw limited snaps last season, but he still made the most of his opportunities. He led the team in rushing touchdowns and finished third in receiving touchdowns as well.
Pendergrass is 6’2″, 220 pounds, so he’s excellent in short-yardage situations. Yet, he’s versatile enough to also thrive as a pass catcher.
8) Garmon Randolph, JACK
Randolph plays Baylor’s hybrid edge-linebacker role (JACK) and played well last season as a junior. He didn’t have as many snaps as some of the other edge rushers last year, but made the most of his opportunities, racking up 23 tackles.
He didn’t record any sacks, but he pressured the quarterback a lot. If he can become a more consistent finisher in 2024, he’ll have a big year for the Bears defense.
7) Matt Jones, LB
Matt Jones was Baylor’s leading tackler last season, making 80 stops on the year. He’s a senior this season and with anchor the middle of a talented and experienced defense.`Jones is a good blitzer and finished second on the team with three sacks last season.
He’ll look to improve his coverage skills, but he’s a sure tackle who missed very few tackles despite having plenty of opportunities.
6) Monaray Baldwin, WR
Baylor’s leading receiver last year, Monaray Baldwin hauled in 38 catches for 623 yards. He also finished second on the team with four touchdowns. A big play threat, Baldwin is only 5’9″, 170 pounds, but has gone for over 500 yards on less than 40 catches in each of the last two seasons.
Primarily a slot receiver, Baldwin provides Baylor with a big play threat across the middle and will be looking for a third-straight 500-yard season with the Bears.
5) Dominic Richardson, RB
The Baylor offense wasn’t super effective last season, but Dominic Richardson had a good year at running back. His touchdown production wasn’t great, but he averaged 4.2 yards a carry and 7.2 yards a catch. If he’s given more opportunities this year, the senior could have a great season.
4) Carl Williams IV, CB
Just a freshman last year, Carl Williams IV had an excellent season, even if the production looks modest. He didn’t allow a touchdown in coverage despite starting for most of the season, and he had an interception and three pass breakups. He’ll look to take the next step as a sophomore as part of one of the best second-year corner tandems in college football.
3) Caden Jenkins, CB
The other half of Baylor’s superstar corner tandem, Caden Jenkins had the bigger year last year and just edges Williams out for the third spot on this list. Last season, as a freshman, Jenkins had three interceptions and two fumble recoveries for the Bears.
He’s also a sure tackler and finished fourth on the team in 2023 with 37 tackles.
2) Campbell Barrington, OG
Campbell Barrington returns as Baylor’s most experienced offensive lineman, and he was pretty good last season for the Bears. After allowing three sacks at tackle against Texas Tech, he shifted inside to guard and was elite the rest of the season, allowing just three pressures over the last six games of the year.
He returns to anchor the offensive line in 2024 and is a candidate for several preseason All-Conference teams.
1) Dequan Finn, QB
While Baylor didn’t make many meaningful moves in the portal, the top transfer is a splash. Dequan Finn threw for over 7,000 yards and ran over 1,800 at Toledo before transferring to the Bears for his final year of eligibility.
Finn was one of the top transfer quarterbacks in the country, so it was a huge win for Dave Aranda and company to land the 2023 MAC Most Valuable Player, who could single-handedly elevate the Baylor offense.
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