Player Spotlight: Josh Fleeks

If Baylor is going to make a bowl game in 2021 the wide-receiver group will have to play a big role. While RJ Snead and Tyquan Thornton will understandably receive the most attention from fans, I want to focus on senior WR Josh Fleeks. He was one of the highest rated recruits of the 2018 class and is now entering his last year.

In his first three years, Fleeks has accounted for 60 catches and 3 receiving TDs. I think it’s fair to say that some Baylor fans expected those totals to be consistent single season stats rather than career. He showed promise as a freshman. Against Kansas, Fleeks made a diving TD grab and ended the game with five catches. And I still remember him essentially taking over the game against Oklahoma State as a sophomore. Down three points on both possessions, Fleeks made two key grabs on skinny posts, one resulting in a TD and another one setting up score to put the Bears in the lead. Of course, he was also clutch in sending the WVU game into overtime this past year.

It’s been a while since Baylor has had a player as versatile as Fleeks. This is a slot receiver that has carried the ball over twenty times and tallied two rushing TDs. And as a kick returner on special teams has also had some nice moments. Like most offensive players, besides a couple of exceptions, Fleeks did not have the same production in 2020. In virtually every category (receiving, rushing, KR) the numbers were down in some aspect. The offensive was atrocious and he was also battling for playing time with other Baylor players.

In 2021, Fleeks has a chance to be a major contributor. In an offense where the line struggles to hold a pass rush and a QB is still learning, sometimes the best idea is to get the ball out of your hands as quick as possible and into a playmaker’s hands—this is where Josh Fleeks comes in. He has the versatility and experience to make plays in the open field and put together a strong senior year.