Sanchez Expands On Baylor Commitment

Keller Central athlete Zack Sanchez goes in-depth on his recent commitment to the Baylor Bears. Read this FREE story from BearsIllustrated.com.

Zack Sanchez had been a player I was closely watching for several months. Following Baylor's February 20 junior day, Sanchez had a profound interest in Baylor. However, that interest had not been accompanied by an offer.

Since then, Sanchez has claimed offers from Boise State, Houston, Kansas, Kansas State, New Mexico, San Diego State, ULM and UTEP. Although his stock continued to rise and his options became plenty, Zack continued to hold out for an offer from the Bears.

Sanchez would go on to have outstanding performances at Baylor's DFW Area Mini Camp on June 9 and Skill Position Mini Camp in Waco on July 22. It was during the July 22 camp that Sanchez would finally get the offer he was waiting for.

"At first it felt like it was all a dream. Coach (Phil) Bennett pulled me over out of a drill and asked me if he gave me a scholarship, would I be a Bear and I said yes without any hesitation," says Sanchez. "Then he said, 'Alright its a done deal,' and when I got back with the safeties I kinda stood and took it all in. I shed a couple tears and just thanked God for blessing me. I don't know if it's all really hit me yet, but I'm too excited for words."

In that moment, Sanchez became Baylor's 14th member of the 2012 class (later to be followed by #15; Zorrell Ezell). The 6-0, 175-pound athlete informs BearsIllustrated.com that Baylor likes him at the safety position, whereas most other schools recruited him for cornerback. Zack has played safety before, but played at corner when on defense for the Keller Central Chargers last season. Sanchez is also the fourth overall defensive back for the Bears' 2012 class; joining safeties Aiavion Edwards and Kiante Griffin and cornerback Terrell Burt.

If you have followed Zack's recruitment, you may know there's another Big 12 program who has had their eye on the Central standout. Although they have not offered, the Oklahoma Sooners are very familiar with Sanchez and what he brings to the field. Should Oklahoma reach out to Sanchez in the future, would it be enough for him to waver from his commitment?

"I mean, OU was always dream school, but when I went on my visit, I didn't feel as welcomed as I did at Baylor. If they came calling it would be tough but I would have to say no," he explained. "I gave my commitment to Baylor and only Baylor."

It has been a pleasure to follow a player who wanted something so much and worked hard to get it. I personally have followed several stories for this recruiting class, especially as they pertain to Baylor. No recruitment has been a "feel good story" in this recruiting class as much as Zack Sanchez's has been. The final question is, does that now make Baylor his dream school?

"It never was until I came down during the winter and spring. That's when I fell in love with the school and the program!"

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