THE MORE, THE MERRIER

By Jerry Hill
Baylor Bear Insider

The more, the merrier. That's the attitude in Baylor's outside linebackers room, with head coach Dave Aranda implementing a "peso" package that will incorporate multiple Jack linebackers/edge rushers in the defense.

"This may be biased, but I think the more Jacks that we can get on the field, the better," said 6-2, 252-pound sophomore Kyler Jordan, who made six starts last season. "Especially when it comes to rushing the passer or getting pressure. For Coach (Dave) Aranda just to throw that stuff in, it just opens a whole bunch of doors."

That could be a big area of improvement for a defense that recorded the second-fewest sacks in the Big 12 last year (18) while allowing a conference-worst 33.3 points per game and the third-most total yards per game (421.3).

"We want as many of us on the field as we can," said 6-8, 260-pound sixth-year senior Garmon Randolph, who's had 6 ½ career sacks.

Back in the spring, Aranda said Randolph was "playing the best football that he's played since he's been here."

"Whether it's an intensity thing or a focus thing, whatever had to click for him has clicked," Aranda said. "He's a different dude right now, and we're glad to have him."

Aranda taking on a more hands-on approach with the defense is a big reason why Randolph and inside linebacker Matt Jones both returned for their sixth seasons.

"I believe in everything that guy teaches," Jordan said. "He's the whole reason that I'm here. My respect for him has just grown every single year that I've been here. So, just getting to play for a guy that, there's nobody I want to win for more. . . . Just vey detailed. Your step's here, if it's not here, it's wrong. We're going to redo it. Just little things like that can really make a difference."

That comes from pounding the rock every day, Randolph said, "then everything else falls in place."

While Jordan and Randolph played the majority of the snaps at the outside Jack linebacker last year, the Bears brought in help with transfers Steve Linton from Texas Tech and JaQues "Donut" Evans from Western Kentucky and freshman Brock Jackson from Lumberton, Texas, along with moving redshirt junior Prince Ugoh from defensive end.

"They came here and they came to play," Jordan said of Linton and Evans. "Steve Linton has just been killing it recently. Just the speed that he brings is amazing, really. Donut has been a great addition as well. We call him the technician, but those guys will definitely play a part this fall."

Randolph, who hails from Jefferson, Georgia, was just happy to welcome some fellow Georgians. Linton and Evans are both from Dublin and played at Dublin High School, but they're three years apart. Linton, who played four years at Syracuse before transferring to Tech last year, had three sacks and a forced fumble in the Red Raiders' game last year at Baylor.

Linton brings "electricity, like a lot," Randolph said.

"Steve's a fellow Georgia boy. Donut, he's from Georgia, too. So, it's cool to have other Georgia people," Randolph said. "Steve is a like a bottle of energy. He brings it, and he lifts us all up, so we're going to come with it."

On top of his on-field accomplishments, Jordan was named to the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch list that honors student-athletes who are inspired to serve others and make positive impacts on society."

"It's really just my faith and what I believe," said Jordan, who has volunteered with No Limitations of Waco and serves as a Huddle Leader at a Fellowship of Christian Athletes junior captains' camp. "There is no bigger joy than doing something for somebody else. And I believe that on the field, too. So, it's just a great honor."

Randolph calls Jordan "one of the great people I've ever met."

"He's going to be a do-right guy," Randolph said. "He's not going to let you do something you shouldn't be doing. He's never going to steer you in the wrong direction. He's always looking out for you."

After returning to the practice field Friday afternoon, the Bears will have the first of two closed scrimmages Saturday night at McLane Stadium. Baylor's annual "Meet the Team" event will be held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, at the Allison Indoor Practice Facility.

For football season tickets, mini plans or single-game tickets, go to the link at 2024 Football.

THE MORE, THE MERRIER

Players Mentioned

Brock Jackson

Matt Jones

Kyler Jordan

Steve Linton

Garmon Randolph

Prince Ugoh

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