Baylor Bears 2023 Early Signing Day Wrap: Who Makes Early Impact on Defense?
With National Signing Day officially in the books for 2023 early signing commitments, it’s time to take a look at how Baylor head coach Dave Aranda and the Bears football team fared defensively heading into next season.
Yes, the program took a nose dive in terms of offense when Austin Novosad flipped from Baylor to Oregon, but the main focus of this story is defense.
Overall, the Bears snagged a pretty good haul for a defensive unit in the retooling process after losing defensive linemen Jaxon Player and Cole Maxwell to graduation and with nose tackle Siaki Ika likely entering the 2023 NFL Draft.
In addition, Baylor is still waiting on word to see if Gabe Hall will be returning to the Bears for his senior season.
With all that in mind, let’s take a quick glance at a handful of players who could make an immediate impact on defense.
Cornerback Tay’Shawn Wilson
Baylor's likely biggest haul in terms of 2023 defensive commitments, cornerback Tay'Shawn Wilson could make an immediate impact for the Bears.
He's a highly-rated recruit and was a major signing day win for the Bears, with high hopes Wilson will be fighting for a starting spot in the secondary next season.
Wilson joins a deep signing class of new cornerbacks to join the program, including Caden Jenkins, Carl Williams IV, and LaVar Thornton.
Defensive Lineman Jaren Woods
With the signing of Jaren Woods, the Bears likely solidified a 2023 starter on the defensive line after losing a handful of players to graduation as the defense begins to retool for next season.
A three-star prospect from LaGrange, Woods joins two additional defensive lineman signings in Brendan Bett and DK Kalu.
Defensive End Trent Thomas
Trent Thomas, a local three-star product out of Ford Bend Marshall, should plug into Aranda's program on defense almost immediately.
Thomas can also play linebacker on offense if the Bears see a need to play him on both sides of the ball.
Nose Tackle Jerrell Boykins
Jerrell Boykins, a JUCO nose tackle who spent last season at Hutchinson Community College, is a major signing in the transfer portal for Aranda and the Bears.
With Ika likely bolting Baylor for the NFL, Boykins could and should make a major splash for the Bears almost immediately.
Safety DJ Coleman
DJ Coleman, an in-state three-star prospect out of Mesquite Horn, adds depth to a safety room that recently lost Devin Neal to Louisville via the transfer portal.
The speedy and talented Coleman should plug in perfectly as a true deep safety as Aranda and company aim to bounce back after a disappointing 6-6 season.
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Denton Ramsey has been a journalist for over 20 years with a decade of experience as a sports writer and editor for a plethora of newspapers throughout Texas and Alabama. Growing up in Houston and attending Baylor University, Ramsey is a die-hard sports fan with a true passion for writing. He may be reached via email at denton.itb@gmail.com