Sawyer Robertson's Commitment MUST Mean a Quarterback Battle for Baylor
The addition of Mississippi State four-star quarterback Sawyer Robertson via the transfer portal should create a head-turning competition this spring.
Here's the issue: Dave Aranda won't speak on the topic for months. Even if a quarterback battle is underway, Aranda, if he follows previous patterns, won't make a peep.
So, Baylor faithful are left to speculate the future of the position for weeks on end before reporters can finally probe Aranda for his strategy in handling the addition of Robertson.
It should be obvious, though, that a quarterback competition is necessary. Just three days ago, there was not another scholarship quarterback on the roster to force Blake Shapen's hand. Now everything has changed.
Roberston is a gunslinger. Touted by schools like USC, TCU and Arkansas, he was a top-150 player in the class of 2021 from Lubbock Coronado High School. He comes with too much prowess to sit patiently and wait his turn.
Shapen, on the other hand, is coming off of a dismal 2022 campaign. This time last year, Baylor fans were high on the Big 12 Championship-winning quarterback, but Shapen's season was rocky and only regressed.
The sophomore threw for 2,790 yards, 18 touchdowns and 10 interceptions this fall. His QBR of 57.1 ranked 73rd in the nation. He also rushed 76 times for just 96 yards and two touchdowns.
My final Big 12 Subjective QB Power Ratings (with a foward-looking perspective for those returning built in) for 2022 are something like
— parker fleming (@statsowar) January 11, 2023
Tier 1: Gabriel, Duggan
Tier 2: Shough, Ewers, Jalon Daniels
Tier Three-ish: Dekkers, Howard, Sanders
Tier 3.5/4-ish: JT Daniels, Shapen https://t.co/mkSQOgb2N8
Not to say Shapen won't have a Max Duggan-Esque offseason, but that can only be forced through competition. Even if Shapen is the starter in 2023, Robertson is deserving of a fighter’s chance.
Besides, Baylor fans were already exposed to a quarterback battle last season. What could go wrong?
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