Baylor's Connor Galvin Makes Case For Best OT In Big 12
Should Baylor be one of the more competitive teams in the Big 12 this upcoming season, its offense will have to be on-point. Gone are defensive standouts such as All-American safety Jalen Pitre, rangy defensive back JT Woods and linebacker Terrel Bernard.
The Bears offensive line might be one of the keys to early success in Year 3 of the Dave Aranda era. The good news is seven starters on offense will return — four on the offensive line.
Connor Galvin
Connor Galvin
Connor Galvin
According to Pro Football Focus, both offensive tackles were top pass protectors for former quarterback Gerry Bohanon. Left tackle Connor Galvin played 410 consistent snaps without allowing a sack.
Big 12 OT’s with the most pass blocking snaps played without allowing a sack last season
— PFF College (@PFF_College) May 22, 2022
💪 Connor Galvin: 410
💪 Cooper Beebe: 367 pic.twitter.com/AGCwPZH8M8
Kansas State left tackle Cooper Beebe recorded 367 snaps before allowing a sack, the second most in Big 12 play. As a team, the Bears only allowed 18 sacks on the way to a 12-2 record and Sugar Bowl win over Ole Miss.
One of Baylor's biggest concerns in Aranda's first year was their inability to maintain a block in pass protection. With Charlie Brewer commanding the offense, the Bears allowed 31 sacks, second-most in the Big 12. Baylor finished ninth in the conference at 2-7.
In large part, Baylor's growth in the trenches came due to the addition of offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes. A long-time offensive line guru, Grimes reset the way the Bears pass protect in terms of footwork and hand placement.
Connor Galvin
Connor Galvin
Connor Galvin
Grimes is set to return for a second season in Waco. Galvin wanted to return to build off last season and continue to fight for a shot at the College Football Playoff. There's reason to believe the Bears can contend should the line prevail.
One of the more under-the-radar stats for Baylor was its run offense. Last season, it ranked 10th in country, averaging 219.3 yards per game. Baylor is expecting similar production from Craig Williams and Taye McWilliams following the departures of Abram Smith and Tristan Ebner.
Baylor is set to open the season at home against Albany on Sept. 3.
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Cole Thompson is a sports writer and columnist covering the NFL and college sports for SI's Fan Nation. A 2016 graduate from The University of Alabama, follow him on Twitter @MrColeThompson