Aug. 1, 2001
With a successful spring training in the books and the spring semester now history, the Baylor football team is turning its focus to the off-season program leading up to the 2001 season.
Before they head into a long, hot summer of preparations for the Sept. 8 season-opener against Arkansas State, Baylor Bear Insider contributor Maxey Parrish sat down with several key Bears to ask them a set of questions and garner their thoughts about the 2001 campaign.
Watch for interviews with various Bears all summer leading up to the 2001 football season. For an archive of other interviews, click here.
Jon Erickson, OL, 6-5, 299, Sr-1L, Richardson -- Erickson walked on to the Baylor program in 1997 and worked his way into the starting lineup last year, taking the nod in all 11 BU games. A versatile performer, he saw action at four different positions and proved to be one of the Bears' most consistent offensive linemen.
1. Will the team be better or significantly better next year and why?
"I feel that we'll be significantly better, based on the maturity and mental state of the players. Everyone realizes what it takes. We're working hard in the off-season and expect it to pay off in the fall."
2. Who will be the team to beat in the Big 12 South this year and where do you see Baylor fitting into the conference race?
"Everybody says Oklahoma is the team to beat since they're the national champions, but for me, personally, it's more in-state. I'd like to beat Texas and Texas A&M. I know most view Oklahoma as the team to beat, but the teams in the state mean a lot to me. It's tough to say where Baylor will fit in. That's why we play the games rather than just ranking us all. We'll play and see where we finish. I feel our chances are good. If we work hard and stay healthy, anything can happen."
3. What do you believe will be the greatest areas of improvement in the Baylor team next year and what do you believe will be the greatest areas of concern?
"I think the greatest areas of improvement will be depth and competition. We had a lot of younger players step up and play last year and we have some junior college players coming in. That will create depth and depth creates competition. Everybody works a little harder if their job is at stake. If you don't, somebody will take your place and that atmosphere increases your level of play.
"(The area of concern) would be ourselves. We simply cannot beat ourselves. We have the talent to win and we have to have faith in what we're doing. All the Big 12 schools are pretty equal. After playing last year and watching the tapes, it's obvious we shot ourselves in the foot. The key is to prevent ourselves from doing that again."
4. What player or players at Baylor will be the most pleasant surprises next year?
"Off the top of my head, I'd say Melvin Barnett. He had an incredible spring. He was a pleasure to block for. He just did an incredible job of running the ball. I look forward to watching him play next year, hopefully running past me."
5. What Baylor players are on the verge of becoming Big 12 standouts?
"It's obvious I can't answer your question without saying John Garrett. I think he was a standout in the Big 12 last year, but he just didn't get the recognition he deserved. He didn't even start every game, but I had friends on other teams asking me, `Who is No. 5?' I think he'll be one of the best defenders in the Big 12 next year.
"Reggie Newhouse did real well last year, too. He and John didn't get the recognition they deserve due to our record, but they'll stand out and get what they deserve this year."
6. What will you do this summer?
"I will be here for summer school and work out as much as possible. I also plan to do a little traveling. London, Stockholm and St. Petersburg. Just a vacation."
7. What are your goals for next season?
"Personally, I'd like to be a consistent starter, but even if I'm not a starter, I want to contribute any way I can. I'd be more thrilled to sit the bench and go to a bowl, if that's what it takes. If that happens, that means somebody better is playing the team is better.
"I'd like for the team to go to and win a bowl game. I think that's feasible."
8. Which early-season game do you view as a key next year?
"When you're trying to make it to a bowl game, every game is key. Every win counts toward the six you need. I think one of the key games in non-conference will be Minnesota. They've been to bowl games and it's on the road. It will be a difficult environment. I'm not taking anything away from New Mexico or Arkansas State. They are good opponents. But road games are important because good teams win on the road."
