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The defense played well in the first scrimmage as the season approaches in less than a month. Davion Hall had 6 tackles, an interception and a forced fumble to lead the defense.
A number of players were not available today as they walked during graduation. Those players were: Shock Linwood, Orion Stewart, Kaleb Moore and Miles Johnson.
Johnny Jefferson did not play today. Kevin Lonnquist of SicEm Sports first noted Jefferson was in a car accident yesterday:
#Baylor RB Johnny Jefferson reporting on his instagram account that he was involved in a car accident. Pictures didn't look good. All are OK
— Kevin Lonnquist (@baylorrivals) August 13, 2016
K.D. Cannon also did not play as he recovers from surgery. Cannon should be ready to go at the start of the season.
Below are highlights and Coach Grobe’s comments with John Morris, from Baylor Athletics:
Jerry Hill, Baylor Bear Insider Editor, had this report:
Other than a 72-yard touchdown pass from Seth Russell to Chris Platt on the final play, Baylor's offense lacked its normal explosive plays and looked a "little sluggish" in the Bears' 89-play scrimmage Saturday morning at McLane Stadium.
Hill went on to write:
Right out of the box, the offense started on fire, scoring on a 35-yard touchdown run by JaMycal Hasty and a 35-yard TD freshman-to-freshman strike from Zach Smith to Jared Atkinson. Smith was 12-of-21 for 117 yards and one touchdown with one interception, while Atkinson led all receivers in catches with five for 81 yards.
When Smith tried to hit Trevor White with a deep pass, safety Davion Hall picked it off and returned it 19 yards.
Although some may freak out about the offense’s performance, this is still just the first scrimmage of the season. Baylor has an excellent quarterback, one of the top running back units in the country, and a host of skilled receivers led by K.D. Cannon. But the offensive line remains the big question. The team replaces four starters from last season, but the Bears return all-america candidate Kyle Fuller at center.
It’s encouraging the defense played well today. Davion Hall looks like a guy the team won’t be able to keep off the field, and the unit played this well despite not even having one of its best players, Orion Stewart.