Baylor QB Shapen Named to Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Watchlist
Baylor Bears sophomore quarterback Blake Shapen was named to the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Watchlist this week as the first game of the season approaches.
Each year, the award honors the best offensive player in Division 1 football that also has ties to the state of Texas and best exemplifies the characteristics of legendary running back Earl “The Tyler Rose” Campbell.
These characteristics include integrity, performance, teamwork, sportsmanship, drive, community, and tenacity to persist as well as determination to overcome adversity and injury in pursuit of reaching goals.
Players are eligible if they are born in Texas, played high school or JuCo football in Texas, or currently play college football in the lone star state.
While Shapen is a native of Shreveport, LA, his status as a Baylor Bear makes him eligible for the award. Other notable nominees include Texas Longhorns running back Bijan Robinson and Ohio State receiver Jaxon Smith-Njiba.
Last year’s winner WKU quarterback Bailey Zappe, who’s now with the Patriots, put up video game numbers in 2021, racking up 5,987 yards and 62 touchdowns through the air. It’s likely that Shapen would have to put forth a similar performance to win as a sophomore, which unfortunately just isn’t going to happen this season.
To be recognized for the award after only two starts is a good sign for the young gunslinger though. Shapen beat veteran starter Gerry Bohanon outright in spring competition which says a lot about the confidence level that head coach Dave Aranda and his staff have in their new huddle caller.
Individual hardware may be a stretch for Shapen this season, but fans can still expect him to be one of the most dynamic playmakers in the Big 12. Once he gains command of this offense and gets some more big games under his belt (like last year’s Big 12 title game where he exploded for three first half TDs), the future is bright for Shapen and the Bears.
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