Spring Football Roundup: Baylor Quarterback Bryce Petty A ‘Freak of Nature’

Nov 26, 2011; Arlington, TX, USA; Baylor Bears quarterback Bryce Petty (14) during the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Cowboys Stadium. Baylor won 66-42. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Baylor Bears

Baylor head coach Art Briles faced the unenviable proposition of replacing Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Robert Griffin III. Nick Florence had invaluable game experience, which manifested in one of the highest total yardage outputs in all of college football.

To succeed two of the game’s most prolific play makers requires a transcendent quality. Running back Lache Seastrunk believes Bryce Petty has just that.

“Bryce is a freak of nature,” he told The San Antonio News-Express at the Bears’ spring football practice. “His frame, his build and how he throws the ball looks just like Tebow. And when he gets the ball (and runs), he’s not going to try to surprise you. He’s going to go right at you like a true running back.”

Petty has seen very limited game repetitions in the past two seasons, completing 10 of 14 passes for 140 yards and a touchdown. He’s also rushed for a touchdown in his handful of carries.

At 6-foot-3, 235 pounds, Petty has a frame like a traditional, pocket passing quarterback and was recruited as such as a three-star prospect out of Midlothian, Texas. However, BU has excelled with dual-threat players. How Petty’s role evolves will be an intriguing spring football story line.

Missouri Tigers

Year Two of Missouri’s SEC tenure won’t begin until March 12, when the Tigers officially open spring football. But Columbia hosted its Pro Day on Thursday, giving highly coveted NFL draft prospect and defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson an opportunity to make up on lost ground.

After running a 5.02-second 40-yard dash at the scouting combine, Richardson wowed with times of 4.71 and 4.82 seconds on Pro Day.

“I had to (wipe) that five off the record,” Richardson told The Kansas City Star.

Richardson’s athleticism and speed at 6-foot-2 and a couple servings below 300 pounds has sent him flying up draft boards. MU’s Pro Day won’t dispel the hype — mock drafts have Richardson as the second defensive tackle taken, landing with the Carolina Panthers.

Miami Hurricanes

The U. joined in the Harlem Shake craze, recording a spin on the viral sensation while taking a timeout from spring football workouts. Yeah, yeah, I’m as sick of it as you. But the Miami version of the internet fad resulted in quarterback Stephen Morris speaking with media while sporting a flamingo costume.

Stephen Morris speaks with media after Miami Hurricanes players performed in a Harlem Shake video.