By JD

                Baylor has made great strides in Waco Texas since Art Briles has arrived on the Brazos, and Tuesday was another big step in becoming a national power.  Baylor received the news that local 4 star recruit Andrew Billings was staying in Waco to play his college ball at Baylor.  Billings is a defensive tackle that could make an immediate impact on the bear’s defense.  What makes this signing extra special, they beat out TCU and UT for his services.  Now, Baylor and TCU often battle for the same recruits, so that news isn’t too big.  But beating out UT, especially for a defensive player is HUGE.  Baylor has been lighting up scoreboards since Briles arrived, but the defense has been nonexistent.  Landing a stud recruit on that side of the ball is a step in the right direction, but beating UT head to head means Baylor has truly arrived.  Baylor also landed a 4 star wide receiver from TCU’s back yard in Fort Worth, Robbie Rhodes.  Rhodes is ranked as one of the top 10 recruits in the state, and yes UT wanted him as well.  Baylor’s 3^rd 4 star recruit was junior college linebacker Brian Nance out of Chatham Virginia, so the Baylor brand does indeed extend out of Texas.  All in all Baylor will sign 23 kids on National Signing Day, in what might be the best recruiting class in Bear’s history.   

                Baylor has the #25 ranked class per rivals.com, and that is with an unusually weak crop of Texas kids this season.  Baylor has clearly cashed in on their recent success, building off of recent Bowl victories and of course RG3.  Last season’s class was ranked #45,   year before #46, and in 2010 Baylor’s class was ranked #39.  Art Briles has just signed an extension at Baylor, meaning he’s here for the long haul.  He clearly sees something big in Baylor, and now 18 year old kids see it as well.