Baylor Football: 5 players to watch in 2017 spring game
By Matt Workman
Baylor football is starting a new era with the hiring of Matt Rhule following the dismissal of Art Briles after sexual assault scandal that rocked the program.
The last time that Baylor had another head coach other than Art Briles was 2007 following the firing of Guy Morriss following yet another losing season. Briles turned around the Baylor program and changed the perception of Baylor around the country.
However, following a sexual assault scandal, that prompted the dismissal of Briles along with Athldetic Director Ian McCaw and university president Ken Starr, Baylor is starting anew with head coach Matt Rhule.
Rhule arrives at Baylor from Temple after back-to back 10 win seasons and a conference championship in 2016. While Briles had a Texas high school football pedigree and was an innovator of spread offense Rhule brings a more pro-style offenseive mindset and focus on defense to Waco.
While there is no doubt that Baylor was able to attract talent to Central Texas the question is who are some players that will be the ones to help Rhule start a new era on the Brazos?
Zach Smith was thrust into duty following the injury of starter Seth Russell and departure of heir apparent Jarrett Stidham. Smith was not expected to get much playing time when he signed his letter of intent in February of 2016.
Russell was the returning starter and Stidham was coming off of impressive Freshman year where he stepped in for injurned Russell. But fate intervened and Smith had to make best of an less that ideal situration.
Smith threw for 1,526 yards and 13 touchdowns in five games as Bears starter. He saved his best for last throwing for 375 yards and three touchdowns in bowl game versus Boise State. However, with any coaching change there is uncertaninty is job security and the QB position is no different at Baylor.