A RARE DAY IN THE SPOTLIGHT

By Jerry Hill
Baylor Bear Insider

FRISCO, Texas – Doing most of their work "in the dark," Baylor guard Omar Aigbedion is fully aware that offensive linemen "don't get much praise for it." But the 6-foot-3, 310-pound senior enjoyed a rare day in the spotlight at Tuesday's Big 12 Football Media Day at The Star.

"I think (the media attention) is cool, but the life of an offensive lineman is done in the dark," said Aigbedion, a returning second-team All-Big 12 pick who started all 13 games last season at right guard. "Most of the dirty work we do, it's done in the dark, and you don't get much praise for it. But that's what I love about being an offensive lineman."

An FCS Freshman All-American in the first of two years at Montana State, Aigbedion is part of a veteran offensive line that returns four starters, joined by center Coleton Price, left guard Ryan Lengyel and South Carolina transfer Sidney Fugar at left tackle.

"Last year was kind of plugging and playing – new people, new schemes," Aigbedion said of a group that seemed to solidify when Fugar was plugged in at left tackle five games into the season. "You were basically constructing a whole new line. Being able to bring back four guys this year, it's a super blessing. I have a year playing alongside these guys under my belt, and I just feel that much more confident."

Through the first half of the day, Aigbedion and Baylor's other five Media Day representatives – quarterback Sawyer Robertson, receiver Josh Cameron, linebacker Keaton Thomas, defensive lineman Jackie Marshall and safety Devyn Bobby – were decked out in full game uniforms as they made their way to various Big 12, FOX and ESPN studios and radio row on the floor of The Star.

"Honestly, they've kept it pretty much in the realm of football – team expectations, pretty much the simple stuff. So, nothing too crazy," Aigbedion said.

During a one-off interview, Omar said he doesn't really pay attention to preseason projections or predictions.

"How else somebody sees you is their problem," he said. "I don't really care too much how everybody else sees us. Because at the end of the day, the games have to be played. Whether they see us finishing first or last in the conference, the games still have to be played."

Along with all the radio interviews, Omar did a photo shoot with the Orange Bowl where he failed miserably on juggling three full-sized oranges. "Is this how you do it?" he asked, as he dropped all three oranges at the same time.

After a lunch break, the players changed to designer suits, with Omar decked out in a blue plaid suit, blue tie and white tennis shoes.

"I just wanted something a little different," he said. "I didn't want to go with a classic green or yellow. I wanted something that stood out a little bit. I think mine and D-Bob's suits are a little similar, just different shades. I've got the light blue, dark blue, a little gray, a little white. And I just think (the white shoes) kinds of puts together the whole outfit. The undershirt was white, and the shoes being white as well just kind of balances it out."

Customary with most media day events, the players also got to show a little of their personalities at a few of the stops. With Big 12 studios, Aigbedion and Marshall had 90 seconds to draw portraits of each other and then only 30 seconds to capture the Bruiser mascot.

While Marshall showed his artistic ability with a reasonably accurate picture of Omar's face, Aigbedion went with a full-body drawing that included Marshall's No. 0 jersey. (Other than that, there was very little resemblance of the Baylor defensive lineman, to be honest.)

After a brief conversation with Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark and what amounted to a fashion photo shoot with Baylor Senior Director of Football Visual Media Jay Crain, Omar wrapped up his day with a breakout session with the television and print media, sharing the stage with Keaton.

Coming off the success of last year's 8-5 finish that included a six-game winning streak at the end of the regular season, Aigbedion said his message to the offensive line and the team in general is "for us to keep taking steps."

"At the beginning of the offseason, we preached to other that we wanted to win the Joe Moore Award (as the nation's top offensive line)," he said. "I feel like each day, we're taking steps to that. What I can say that is, just not getting complacent. Each and every day, I try to tell my group – and also myself – we've got more to work for. That's been the message."

Baylor head coach Dave Aranda said the Bears in general, and specifically the offensive line, has "the most depth of any team I've been a part of."

"I think the ability for guys to have to push themselves to improve and to be focused and detailed, their work every day is the best it's ever been," Aranda said. "And it's because the dudes right behind them that are pushing them, trying to take that job. I think that's true at every position, but I think that's for sure true on the O-line.

"I think their aggressiveness and their ability to communicate are the two things that separate them. . . . I think the tempo, the downhill run, is where the best of them come out. I think it's one thing going into it. I think it's another thing when it's tempo and it's the 10^th or 11^th play of the drive, and they're just pushing the pile forward. Hopefully, we see a whole lot of that this season."

The Bears open the season Aug. 29 at home with a nationally televised matchup on FOX against Auburn, the first of seven home games at McLane Stadium. For season or single-game ticket information, go to 2025 Baylor Football.

A RARE DAY IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Players Mentioned

Omar Aigbedion

Devyn Bobby

Josh Cameron

Sidney Fugar

Ryan Lengyel

Jackie Marshall

Coleton Price

Sawyer Robertson

Keaton Thomas

Footer