Baylor Football: 5 biggest questions facing Bears in spring 2018

DURHAM, NC - SEPTEMBER 16: Jeremy McDuffie #9 of the Duke Blue Devils breaks up a pass in the end zone intended for Chris Platt #14 of the Baylor Bears during the game at Wallace Wade Stadium on September 16, 2017 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

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DURHAM, NC – SEPTEMBER 16: Ira Lewis #9 of the Baylor Bears sacks Daniel Jones #17 of the Duke Blue Devils during the game at Wallace Wade Stadium on September 16, 2017 in Durham, North Carolina. Duke won 34-20. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

3. Can Ira Lewis become a household name?

As mentioned earlier, the defense will need to show some improvement, especially with a good percentage of production returning. One guy who stands out as a potential star on that side of the ball is senior defensive tackle Ira Lewis.

The 6-foot-3, 300-pound tackle didn’t truly break out until his sophomore season recording 36 tackles, 7.5 for loss and 3.0 sacks. As a junior in 2017, he took another step forward with 34 tackles, 11.5 for loss and 5.5 sacks. Although his total tackles dipped, he became more of a force in the backfield and drew more attention from offensive linemen.

Lewis has plenty of strength and his size sets him apart. In 22 games played as a Bear, he has 70 total tackles, 19 for loss and 8.5 sacks.

Can he take that next step and become a household name in college football? He has the potential to be a solid draft prospect in 2019, but he needs to prove he’s taken that next step for 2018.

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