Quick Look At the 2011 Baylor Bears

The Baylor Bears will look to improve upon their historic 2010 campaign, and Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III will be called upon to lead the charge once again. Here is a brief look at the 2011 Baylor Bears.

The Baylor Bears

Last Season: 7-6, 4-4 Big 12

Returning Starters/Returning Letterwinners: 14/52

Key Losses:

Phil Taylor-DT- 1st Round NFL Draft Pick to Cleveland Browns

Danny Watkins-OT- 1st Round NFL Draft Pick to Philadelphia Eagles

Jay Finley-RB- 7th Round NFL Draft Pick to Cincinnati Bengals

Key Returnees:

Robert Griffin III-QB:
There is no question that a large part of Baylor's success will rest on the arm (and legs) of superstar signal caller RG3. Griffin III is a Heisman Trophy candidate in this his junior season.

Kendall Wright-WR:

Senior wide receiver Kendall Wright will shatter all of Baylor's receiving records before he graduates. Wright has a reception in every game he has played in, and he is the clear-cut favorite target for Griffin III. Wright will increase his duties to include returning punts.

Elliot Coffey:LB

Senior linebacker Elliot Coffey not only brings experience onto the field for the Bears' defense, but he also brings the ability to get to the ball carrier as the leading tackler on Baylor's roster.

Best Game:

Vs. TCU, September 2nd, Floyd Casey Stadium, Waco, Texas

Projected Finish:

7-5

While the offense might struggle early to find someone to replace NFL draft pick Jay Finley in the backfield, the Bears' explosiveness at the other skill positions make it likely that plenty of points will be scored through the air. Baylor's offensive line might also be the best it has been in a decade, although sophomore Cyril Richardson will have big shoes to fill in replacing NFL 1st Round Draft Pick Danny Watkins at left tackle.
The Bears will have a new defensive coordinator roaming the sidelines this fall with Phil Bennett taking over the job. Expectations are high with new faces on the defensive side of the ball, but there still might be a few bumps along the way. After losing defensive tackle Phil Taylor to the NFL draft, the Bears will have to find a new anchor on the defensive line.

The Bears must build upon last season's success, and they must use that momentum to surpass last year's achievements.