[BAYLOR FOOTBALL] Baylor Adds Foster, Lair to 2024 Signing Class

[Ingram, Brent]

BAYLOR ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS – Feb. 7, 2024

Baylor Adds Foster, Lair to 2024 Signing Class
Baylor Welcomes Addition of 24 Student-Athletes for 2024

For more information contact: Brent Ingram; 210-845-8651, brent_ingram at baylor.edu<mailto:brent_ingram at baylor.edu> or Max Calderone; 254-265-1639, max_calderone at baylor.edu<mailto:max_calderone at baylor.edu> or Colin Pirtle; 940-564-0351, colin_pirtle1 at baylor.edu<mailto:colin_pirtle1 at baylor.edu>



WACO, Texas -- Baylor football has added the best high school prospect in Mississippi, four-star defensive lineman Alex Foster, and a three-star safety from Missouri City, Texas, Josh Lair, to its 2024 newcomer class, it was announced on Wednesday.



The Bears bump their newcomer class up to 24 total prospects, inclusive of the early signing period in December, transfer portal additions from the last two months, and the inking of Foster and Lair on Wednesday. In addition, kicker Connor Hawkins, a product of Austin’s Liberty Hill High School, will join the roster in 2024.



Foster, a 6-foot-5, 280-pound defensive lineman is the top-ranked prospect in the state of Mississippi. A product of St. Joseph High School in Greenville, Foster is a four-star prospect and the nation’s No. 152 recruit by On3.



Lair is a 6-1, 185-pound standout safety out of Houston, Texas, and a product of Fort Bend Marshall High School. He is considered one of the top safety prospects in the nation, owning nearly 30 scholarship offers after helping Marshall to the playoffs for three consecutive years.



Since announcing 15 athletes in the early signing period in December, Baylor has added eight future Bears to the class, which features six transfers including Jamaal Bell (WR, Nevada), Kurt Danneker (OL, Ohio), Ashtyn Hawkins (WR, Texas State), Steve Linton (DL, Texas Tech), Kendrick Simpkins (S, Western Kentucky) and Michael Trigg (TE, Ole Miss).



2024 Baylor Football Newcomers

Name
Position
Height
Weight
Hometown (Previous School)
Omar Aigbedion<https://baylorbears.com/sports/football/roster/omar-aigbedion/12901>
OL
6-3
308
Katy, Texas (Katy HS / Montana State)
Kyler Beaty<https://baylorbears.com/sports/football/roster/kyler-beaty/12884>
CB
6-0
170
Comanche, Texas (Comanche HS)
Jamaal Bell<https://baylorbears.com/sports/football/roster/jamaal-bell/12985>
WR
5-10
171
Lancaster, Calif. (Antelope Valley HS / Nevada)
Nate Bennett<https://baylorbears.com/sports/football/roster/nate-bennett/12885>
QB
6-2
180
Malibu, Calif. (Oaks Christian HS)
Kurt Danneker<https://baylorbears.com/sports/football/roster/kurt-danneker/12986>
OL
6-3
334
Linden, Pa. (Williamsport Area HS / Ohio)
Joseph Dodds<https://baylorbears.com/sports/football/roster/joseph-dodds/12886>
RB
6-0
195
Markham, Texas (Tidehaven HS)
Mason Dossett<https://baylorbears.com/sports/football/roster/mason-dossett/12887>
S
6-1
175
Missouri City, Texas (Ridge Point HS)
Dequan Finn<https://baylorbears.com/sports/football/roster/dequan-finn/12898>
QB
6-2
210
Detroit, Mich. (Martin Luther King HS / Toledo)
Alex Foster<https://baylorbears.com/sports/football/roster/alex-foster/12888>
DL
6-5
280
Greenville, Miss. (St. Joseph HS)
Ashtyn Hawkins<https://baylorbears.com/sports/football/roster/ashtyn-hawkins/12989>
WR
5-10
170
DeSoto, Texas
(Desoto HS / Cisco CC / Texas State)
Connor Hawkins<https://baylorbears.com/sports/football/roster/connor-hawkins/12889>
K
6-1
165
Austin, Texas (Liberty Hill HS)
Brock Jackson<https://baylorbears.com/sports/football/roster/brock-jackson/12890>
DL
6-4
240
Lumberton, Texas (Lumberton HS)
Cameren Jenkins<https://baylorbears.com/sports/football/roster/cameren-jenkins/12899>
S
6-1
185
Lewisville, Texas (Lewisville HS / UNLV)
Josh Lair<https://baylorbears.com/sports/football/roster/josh-lair/12983>
S
6-1
185
Houston, Texas (Fort Bend Marshall HS)
Steve Linton<https://baylorbears.com/sports/football/roster/steve-linton/12984>
OLB
6-5
235
Dublin, Ga. (Dublin HS / Syracuse / Texas Tech)
Tonga Lolohea<https://baylorbears.com/sports/football/roster/tonga-lolohea/12900>
DL
6-5
325
Euless, Texas
(Trinity HS / Lamar / North Texas / Tyler JC)
Jadon Porter<https://baylorbears.com/sports/football/roster/jadon-porter/12891>
WR
6-1
180
Lorena, Texas (Lorena HS)
Kyland Reed<https://baylorbears.com/sports/football/roster/kyland-reed/12892>
LB
6-2
210
Shreveport, La. (Mansfield [Texas] Summit HS)
Tristan Santoro<https://baylorbears.com/sports/football/roster/tristan-santoro/12893>
OL
6-6
275
Shreveport, La. (Evangel Christian HS)
Koltin Sieracki<https://baylorbears.com/sports/football/roster/koltin-sieracki/12894>
OL
6-4
300
The Woodlands, Texas (The Woodlands HS)
Kendrick Simpkins<https://baylorbears.com/sports/football/roster/kendrick-simpkins/12987>
S
6-0
196
Montgomery, Ala. (Lee HS / Western Kentucky)
Keaton Thomas<https://baylorbears.com/sports/football/roster/keaton-thomas/12895>
LB
6-2
230
Jacksonville, Fla. (Trinity Christian /
West Virginia / Northeast Miss. CC)
Michael Trigg<https://baylorbears.com/sports/football/roster/michael-trigg/12988>
TE
6-4
245
Tampa, Fla. (Carrollwood Day / USC / Ole Miss)
Kris Wokomah<https://baylorbears.com/sports/football/roster/kris-wokomah/12896>
S
6-0
185
Arlington, Texas (Bowie HS)





2024 Baylor Football Newcomer Bios


Omar Aigbedion | OL | 6-3, 308 | Katy, Texas (Katy HS / Montana State)
Previous School: An All-Conference performer at Montana State, logging time primarily at guard ... Helped lead Montana State to a 20-6 record over his two years ... Named First-Team FCS Central All-America in 2023 and Second-Team All-Big Sky Conference ... Played in 26 games over two years ... 2023: Started 12 games and earned second-team all-league honors ... Graded out on PFF as a 90.0 in run blocking ... Montana State ranked as the second-best graded rush-blocking offense (86.9) ... 2022: Was named a Freshman FCS All-American by HERO Sports ... Had an 88.9 run-blocking grade for an offense that ranked second in the FCS in rushing.

High School: Prepped at Katy High School ... After graduating from Katy High School, spent a year at the United States Military Academy Prep School before joining MSU.



Kyler Beaty | CB | 6-0, 170 | Comanche, Texas (Comanche HS)

High School: Three-star cornerback out of Comanche High School … Rated as a three-star by 247Sports, as the 79th-best cornerback in the nation and the 145th-best prospect in Texas … Ranked by Rivals as a three-star prospect … In 2022, had 53 tackles, three interceptions and a forced fumble, also adding 27 catches for 540 yards and eight TDs … As a sophomore in 2021, had 50 tackles, including an interception and a forced fumble, while offensively sporting 31 catches for 570 yards and eight TDs, also rushing it 10 times … Also plays baseball, basketball and track & field … Was a Texas 3A regional qualifier as a junior in the 100 meters, running 100-meter times of 10.70, 10.85 and 10.91 in the spring of 2023.



Jamaal Bell | WR | 5-10, 171 | Lancaster, Calif. (Antelope Valley HS / Nevada)

Previous School: Spent the 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 seasons as a record-setting kick returner, and speedy receiver, at Nevada … Set Nevada program records for kick returns (80) and kick-return yards (1,712) … Was tabbed honorable mention All-Mountain West as a kick returner in 2021 … Finished his Nevada career with 45 games played, 76 catches for 689 yards and three TDs, also rushing 39 times for 112 yards and a score … Averaged 21.4 yards per kickoff return … 2023: Caught 32 balls for 262 yards and a TD, also rushing 32 times for 114 yards and a score … Averaged 18.2 yards per kick return, totaling 439 yards on 24 attempts … Opened the year with eight catches for 121 yards and a TD at USC … Had eight grabs for 67 yards vs. Idaho … Caught five balls vs. Kansas … Had three catches at Texas State and two grabs at Fresno State … 2022: Appeared in 11 games with eight starts as a junior … Totaled 28 catches for 279 yards and averaging 22.9 yards on 11 kickoff returns … Had five grabs vs. UIW and six catches for 60 yards vs. Texas State … Had three catches for 65 yards at Air Force and three grabs each vs. Colorado State and UNLV … 2021: As a sophomore, had 14 catches for 119 yards and a score … Was named honorable mention all-conference as a kick returner with 27 returns for 628 yards … Had seven catches for 75 yards in the Quick Lane Bowl vs. WMU, his first career start … 2020: Played in all nine games off the bench with three catches for 37 yards … First career catch came vs. Utah State, an 11-yard grab … Had a 21-yard catch vs. Tulane in the Potato Bowl.



High School: Played final two years at Antelope Valley High School after two seasons at Paraclete High School … Had 70 catches for 1,272 yards and 11 TDs at Antelope Valley, adding 34 carries for 302 yards … As a sophomore at Paraclete, rushed for 1,404 yards and 14 TDs, while adding 811 receiving yards and nine TDs.



Nate Bennett | QB | 6-2, 180 | Malibu, Calif. (Oaks Christian HS)

High School: Three-star prospect out of Oaks Christian High School in Westlake Village, Calif. … Rated by 247Sports as a three-star recruit, the 101st-best QB in the nation and the 153rd-best prospect in California … Ranked by Rivals as a three-star recruit and as the 97th-best prospect in California … Threw for 6,163 yards with 76 TDs in his four-year career at Oaks Christian … As a senior, was 118-for-163 for 1,822 yards with 19 TDs and three interceptions … In 2022, played in nine games, tossing for 1,228 yards on 92-of-139 attempts with 14 TDs … As a sophomore, threw for 2,946 yards with 41 TDs on 175-for-291 passing … Rushed for 263 yards and four TDs as a sophomore.



Kurt Danneker | OL | 6-3, 334 | Linden, Pa. (Williamsport Area HS / Ohio)

Previous School: Offensive line force for Ohio the last two seasons …  Played in 36 games with 25 starts … Spent six seasons at Ohio, redshirting in 2018, playing in nine games with one start in 2019, and seeing time in two games in 2020 and one in 2021 … Became a starter with 11 games in 2022 and 13 in 2023 … 2023: Force at left guard for an Ohio team that went 10-3 and 6-2 in the Mid-American Conference … Ohio totaled 4,524 yards and 37 TDs … Team won the Myrtle Beach Bowl with a 41-21 beatdown of Georgia Southern … Ohio won its last four games … Helped the Ohio offensive line rank second among group of five teams in pass block rating from Pro Football Focus … Earned pass-block ratings of 79.7 and run-block ratings of 76.1 from PFF … Ranked as the 19th highest rated guard in the group of five in pass blocking and the 10th best in run-block rating … Among all G5 offensive lineman, ranked 18th best in run-block rating … Overall, ranked No. 38 in run-block rating among the nation’s offensive lineman and 99th in pass-block rating … 2022: Started 11 games, helping spur an offense that averaged 31.8 points and 421.4 yards per game, with 54 TDs … Helped pave the way for a 692-yard game vs. Fordham, the single-game record at Ohio … Named Academic All-MAC … 2021: Played in one game off the bench for Ohio … 2020: Played in two games and earned Academic All-MAC honors … 2019: Played in nine games with one start … 2018: Played in three games and used a redshirt … Named MAC Academic Honor Roll and Spring AD Academic Honor Roll … Made collegiate debut in a 49-14 win over Bowling Green.



High School: Played both lines at Williamsport Area High School, earning 2016 6A All-America honors and Blue-Grey All-America honors … Led his team to a 6A District Championship and a conference championship as a junior with a 12-2 mark … Was a three-time team captain.



Joseph Dodds | RB | 6-0, 195 | Markham, Texas (Tidehaven HS)

High School: Star running back out of Tidehaven High School in Markham, Texas … Ranked as a four-star recruit by On3 … As a junior, rushed for 1,633 yards and 12 TDs … Ranked by 247Sports as a three-star prospect, the 40th-best running back in the nation and the 76th-best prospect in the state of Texas … Rated by Rivals as a three-star prospect … Dave Campbell’s Texas Football ranks as a three-star prospect, the 92nd-best prospect in the state and the No. 10 running back in the state … ESPN ranks as a three-star prospect, the 97th-best in the state and the 50th-best running back nationally …Named First-Team All-District in 14-3A D-II as a junior and sophomore … Tabbed District 14-3A D-II Newcomer of the Year as a freshman … Also runs track, including a career-best 11.01 in the 100 meter as a junior.



Mason Dossett | S | 6-1, 175 | Missouri City, Texas (Ridge Point HS)

High School: Versatile athlete, who has starred at defensive back, wide receiver and running back at Ridge Point High School in Missouri City, Texas … Rated by 247Sports as a three-star prospect, the 75th-best athlete in the nation and the 114th-best prospect in Texas … Defensively as a senior, had 25 tackles, four interceptions and three pass break-ups … Over 12 games as a senior, had 15 catches for 291 yards and five TDs …  As a junior, caught 46 passes for 660 yards and four TDs, also toting the ball three times for 25 yards … Returned one of his 15 kickoff returns for a 100-yard TD … As a sophomore in 2021, was used primarily in the ground game, rushing 66 times for 433 yards and five TDs, also catching seven balls for 127 yards and three TDs … Ranked as a three-star prospect by Rivals and Dave Campbell’s Texas Football … Ranked as the 17th-best wide receiver in Texas by DCTF … Also runs track, qualifying for the Texas 6A Regional in the 110-meter hurdles, owning a career-best time in the spring of 2022 at 13.99, while also running the 300m hurdles with a career-best time of 37.79 … Father, Martin is a former Baylor wide receiver (1997-00), who also ran track, before signing with the Green Bay Packers and playing for the Barcelona Dragons in NFL Europe … Martin also played with the Wichita Stealth, the BC Lions, the Memphis Xplorers and the Corpus Christi Hammerheads.



Dequan Finn | QB | 6-2, 210 | Detroit, Mich. (Martin Luther King HS / Toldeo)

Previous School: Starred at Toledo, playing in 45 games over five seasons, including a redshirt season in 2019 … Threw for 7,074 yards with 63 TDs and 23 interceptions over 539-of-895 passing … Had rushed for 1,840 yards in his career on 389 carries with 25 TDs … Made 32 starts over his career, leading his team to a 23-9 record as a starter … 2023: The 2023 Mid-American Conference MVP, the first at Toledo since 2017 … Threw for 2,657 yards in 13 games, averaging 204.38 yards per game, while tossing 22 TDs and nine interceptions over 201-for-317 passing … Also rushed 123 times for 563 yards and seven TDs … In the NCAA stats, ranked 47th in completion percentage (63.4), 30th in passing efficiency (151.0), 31st in passing TDs (22), 45th in passing yards (2,657), 25th in passing yards per completion (13.22), 21st in points responsible for (180) and 29th in yards per pass attempt (8.38) … Led the MAC in passing efficiency, passing TDs, passing yards, passing yards per game (204.4), passing yards per completion, points responsible for, total offense (247.7), and yards per pass attempt … Led Toledo to an 11-2 record and an 8-0 mark in the Mid-American Conference in 2023, winning 11 straight to end the regular season … In the season opener in 2023 vs. Illinois, was 20-for-36 for 230 yards with two TDs and one interception, adding 75 yards rushing and a score on 20 carries … Was 16-for-17 for 238 yards and three TDs vs. Texas Southern … Was 13-for-23 for 92 yards and rushed for 62 yards and a TD vs. San Jose State … Opened conference play with an 8-for-14 passing effort with two TDs, rushing six times for 36 yards vs. WMU … Was 16-for-20 for 281 yards with two TDs and one rushing score vs. NIU … Rushed 13 times for 172 yards and a TD, while throwing it for 139 yards and two TDs on 15-of-23 passing vs. UMass … Threw for 166 yards on 15-of-27 passing vs. Ball State … Completed 16-of-28 passes for 160 yards and two TDs, rushing it 14 times for 34 yards and a TD vs. Miami (Ohio) … Was 12-for-19 for 176 yards and a score vs. Buffalo … Threw for 407 yards and three TDs on 23-of-27 passing vs. EMU … Had 279 yards passing with two TDs, adding a rushing score, on 20-of-30 passing vs. Bowling Green … Threw for a score vs. CMU … In the MAC Championship Game, was 18-for-36 for 272 yards with a score, adding 13 rushes for 33 yards and a TD … 2022: In 2022, was named second-team All-MAC, leading Toledo to a 9-5 record and the MAC Championship … Ranked fourth in the MAC in passing efficiency (136.4) and fourth in total offense (240.9) ... Completed 59.7 percent of his passes for 2,269 yards and 23 TDs ... Second on Rockets in rushing with 631 yards and team-best nine rushing TDs ... 631 rushing yards are school record for a QB …Named Boca Raton Bowl Offensive MVP ... Threw for 133 yards and a TD while adding 23 rushing yards and a TD in the bowl game ... MAC Championship Game Offensive MVP, throwing for 154 yards and a TD and rushed for 86 yards ... Named MAC West Offensive Player of the Week after throwing for school record-tying six touchdowns and rushing for one score vs. Kent State ... Seven touchdowns accounted for against Golden Flashes set new program record ... Completed 21-of-28 passes for 211 yards and two TDs vs. LIU ... Also ran for team-best 64 yards and one TD ... Named MAC West Division Offensive Player of the Week for his performance in 55-10 win over UMass ... Threw for 177 yards and one touchdown while rushing for 74 yards and two TDs against UMass ... Threw for 153 yards and two touchdowns, ran for 70 yards and a TD at Ohio State ... Left San Diego State game due to injury but returned to throw for season-high 240 yards and a TD while rushing for 44 yards and a touchdown ... Threw for 186 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 84 yards vs. Central Michigan ... Threw for 167 yards and three TDs vs. NIU ... Threw for 249 cards on career-high 47 attempts for one TD at Buffalo ... Also rushed for 66 yards and two TDs vs. the Bulls ... Missed Eastern Michigan game due to injury ... Threw for 301 yards and three TDs vs. Ball State, including the game-winner with 1:18 left ... Sat out Bowling Green game due to injury ... Started vs. WMU, completing 5-of-11 passes for 35 yards ... Did not play in second half vs. WMU ... Named to watch lists for the Maxwell Award, Davey O’Brien Award and Unitas Golden Arm Award … Competed and served as a counselor at the Manning Passing Academy in the off-season … 2021: In 2021, ranked fourth in the MAC in passing efficiency (149.3) ... Completed 144-of-250 passes for 2,071 yards, 18 TDs and just two interceptions ... Second on team with 505 yards rushing and nine rushing TDs ... Had five TD runs of at least 24 yards … Was 30-of-45 for 461 yards and three TDs vs. EMU ... The 461-yard total ranks tied for second on Toledo’s all-time list ... Threw for 257 yards and a career-high four touchdowns against Akron ... Was 10-of-14 for 150 yards and one TD vs. Ohio ... Finished 18-of-24 for 270 yards and three TDs vs. Bowling Green ... Also rushed for two TDs vs. the Falcons ... First career start came at CMU on Oct. 16 ... Completed 15-of-32 passes for 208 yards and rushed for 43 yards and two TDs vs. CMU ... Was 8-of-24 for 138 yards and two TDs in win over WMU ... Was 10-of-17 for 186 yards and two TDs off the bench vs. NIU ... 106 yards rushing yards vs. Ball State was the most by a Rocket quarterback since 2019 ... His 70-yard touchdown run vs. the Cardinals was the Rockets’ longest scoring rush since 2019 ... Had 26-yard TD run in fourth quarter vs. Notre Dame that gave Toledo a 29-24 lead ... Was 8-of-10 for 102 yards vs. UMass ... Ran for 34-yard TD vs. UMass … 2020: In 2020, appeared in four games ... 0-of-1 passing ... Rushed for 51 yards on 10 carries ... Rushed for 33 yards against EMU, including a career-long run of 21 yards … 2019: During a redshirt season in 2019, appeared in three games, completing six of his 12 passes for 86 yards … Rushed for 90 yards on 15 carries … Threw for 52 yards and rushed for 43 yards in a reserve role at Central Michigan … Joined team in spring of 2019 and participated in spring practice...Retained freshman eligibility.



High School: Earned Michigan Mr. Football Honors at Martin Luther King High School … Was ranked as a three-star prospect by 247Sports and Scout.com … Led his team to the state title as a senior in 2018, throwing for 24 TDs and 1,960 yards … Named all-city and all-state.



Alex Foster | DL | 6-5, 280 | Greenville, Miss. (St. Joseph HS)

High School: Four-star defensive lineman at St. Joseph High School in Greenville, Miss. … A four-star prospect by On3, ranked as the No. 152 overall recruit in the nation … Rated as a three-star prospect by 247Sports, including as the No. 18 prospect in Mississippi and the 69th-best defensive lineman … Tabbed by Rivals as a three-star recruit … Held offers from Arkansas, Georgia Tech, Texas, Kentucky, Louisville, Michigan State, Mississippi State and Ole Miss among others.



Ashtyn Hawkins | WR | 5-10, 170 | DeSoto, Texas (DeSoto HS / Cisco CC / Texas State)

Previous School: Starred for three seasons at Texas State after one season at Cisco CC ... Played in 34 games with 20 starts at Texas State, totaling 141 catches for 1,745 yards and 11 TDs … The school-record holder for catches and yards in his career … Had eight 100-yard games at TXST … In a loss vs. Baylor in 2022, had 13 catches, the most in program single-game history … Two-time Sun Belt Honorable Mention … 2023: Started all 13 games with 55 catches for 874 yards and three TDs … Ranked top-10 in the league and No. 51 in the nation in receiving yards … Had three 100+ yard games … Had a catch in all 13 games … In a week one win at Baylor, had five catches for 58 yards … Added five catches for 101 yards at Southern Miss … Totaled eight grabs for 93 yards at Louisiana-Lafayette … Had eight catches for 165 yards at Arkansas State and five catches for 131 yards and a TD vs. South Alabama in the final two games of the regular season … Had three grabs for 55 yards in the First Responder Bowl … 2022: Earned honorable mention all-league honors … Led the team with 56 catches for 587 yards and seven TDs in nine games before suffering a season-ending injury … Ranked No. 19 in the nation in receptions per game … Ranked eighth in single-season history with seven TDs and second in the TXST FBS era … Had four 100+ yard receiving games and two games with 10+ catches … Had 13 catches for 114 yards and a TD vs. Baylor in 2022, shattering a 24-year-old school mark … Had six catches for 105 yards vs. App State … Had five catches for 102 yards and a TD vs. Southern Miss … Grabbed a 74-yard TD vs. Southern Miss with 1:21 left in the game to help the Cats take a lead … 2021: Played in 11 of TXST’s 12 games with two starts … Had 30 catches for 284 yards and a score … Went for six catches and 108 yards vs. Georgia State … Had nine grabs for 53 yards vs. Georgia Southern … 26 of his 30 catches came in the final six games of the year … Had 152 yards after the catch, second-best on the club. 2020: Played in seven games at Cisco CC in the spring of 2021, due to the COVID cancelling 2020 fall … Had 25 catches for 482 yards and seven TDs … Had eight catches for 105 yards and two TDs vs. Blinn … Had five grabs for 172 yards and three TDs vs. Tyler.



High School: Two-sport start at DeSoto High School in football and basketball … Named all-district in both sports … Had 36 catches for 605 yards and five TDs as a senior in 2019 … Had big games vs. Dallas Jesuit, going for seven catches, 126 yards and two TDs, and a six-catch, 109-yard, two-TD effort vs. Cedar Hill.



Connor Hawkins | K | 6-1, 165 | Austin, Texas (Liberty Hill HS)

High School: Standout kicker for Liberty Hill High School in Austin … Rated as the 14th-best kicking prospect, and second-best in the state, in the class by Chris Sailer Kicking … Over the last two years, is 10-of-13 in field-goal attempts, with a long of 45, and 197 total points which includes 167-of-172 PATs … As a senior, was 99-of-103 in PATs and was 3-for-4 in field-goals attempts, including a long of 41 … A total of 42 of his 97 kickoffs in 2023 went as touchbacks … As a junior, was 68-for-69 in PATs and was 7-of-9 in field-goal attempts, with a 45 yard long … Had 32 touchbacks on 124 kickoffs.



Cameren Jenkins | S | 6-1, 185 | Lewisville, Texas (Lewisville HS / UNLV)

Previous School: Totaled 32 tackles as a true freshman at UNLV in 13 games … Broke up a pair of passes … Also returned a punt for 12 yards and blocked a kick … Had a career-high seven tackles in a win over Colorado State … Had five tackles vs. Hawaii, in a 44-20 win … Had six tackles in each of the final two games of the year, a win over Air Force and a 37-31 loss vs. San Jose State.



High School: Was a three-star recruit out of Lewisville, Texas, where he starred with his brother, Baylor freshman All-America cornerback Caden Jenkins … Was a three-star recruit that chose UNLV over offers from Arkansas, Purdue, Louisville, Oregon State, Texas Tech and Iowa … Played at Lewisville for Coach Michael Odle … Was tabbed as the 13th-best corner and the 81st-best prospect in the Dallas-Fort Worth area in 2022 … Helped lead Lewisville to a 13-2 mark and a spot in the regional finals … Also ran track.



Josh Lair | S | 6-1, 185 | Houston, Texas (Fort Bend Marshall HS)

High School: Star safety out of Missouri City, Texas, and Fort Bend Marshall HS, where he spent three seasons and was coached by James Williams … A three-star prospect by 247Sports, rated as the 44th-best safety in the nation and the 62nd-best prospect in the state of Texas … Rated by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football as a three-star prospect, the No. 53 prospect in the state and the sixth-best safety … Rivals rates as a three-star prospect, No. 77 in Texas and No. 49 at safety in the nation … ESPN ranks as a three-star prospect, No. 40 safety in the nation and No. 75 prospect in the state … As a senior, helped Fort Bend Marshall to an 8-3 mark and the state playoffs … Totaled 52 tackles, including 10 for a loss in 2023 … In 2022, had 54 tackles, 13 for a loss, three sacks, two interceptions and three forced fumbles, as Marshall went 12-2 and reached the state quarterfinals … Helped Marshall to an 11-1 record and a playoff berth in 2021 … Held offers from LSU, Texas, Washington, Arizona State, Arkansas, Auburn, Florida, Georgia Tech, Houston, Kansas, Miami (Fla.), Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Oregon, TCU, Tennessee, Texas A&M and Utah.



Steve Linton | OLB | 6-5, 235 | Dublin, Ga. (Dublin HS / Syracuse / Texas Tech)

Previous School: Has played in 37 career games since 2019, including four years at Syracuse and the 2023 season at Texas Tech … Played in 29 games with two starts over four years at Syracuse … Had 45 tackles, 8.5 for a loss and 4.5 sacks during his Cuse career from 2019-22, adding three fumble recoveries, a forced fumble and a pass break-up …  2023: seeing action in eight games with 22 tackles, 4.5 stops for a loss and three sacks, forcing two fumbles and recovering one fumble … Had five tackles and a tackle for a loss, also recovering a fumble in the season-opening loss at Wyoming … Had two tackles vs. Oregon … Went for three tackles, including half a stop for a loss at West Virginia … Had a tackle for Houston … Had three sacks and forced two fumbles at Baylor … Finished with four tackles each vs. Kansas State and at BYU … 2022: Played in 11 games with one start as a junior, totaling 22 tackles, including six for a loss and 3.5 sacks, adding four QB hurries … Ranked fifth on the team in tackles for a loss and sacks … Had two fumble recoveries and a forced fumble … Made a start vs. UConn … Had six tackles, including two for a loss vs. Louisville, forcing a fumble and recovering a fumble … Had multi-tackle efforts vs. Purdue, Wagner and Notre Dame, and three stops at Clemson – including a sack – and four vs. Wake Forest … Had 1.5 sacks vs. Wagner … Had a key fumble recovery in a win over Boston College … 2021: Played in seven games after missing the first four games while recovering from an offseason injury … Had six tackles, two for a loss and one sack on the year … Had two stops each vs. Wake Forest and UofL, with a sack against Wake … Had tackles vs. WVU and N.C. State … 2020: Played in eight games with one start … Had 15 tackles and half a stop for a loss, with two QB hurries and a fumble recovery … Had four stops vs. North Carolina in the season opener, including a TFL … Had four tackles in his first career start vs. Duke … Went for three tackles and a fumble recovery vs. Georgia Tech … Had a tackle in games vs. Clemson, BC, UofL and N.C. State … 2019: Redshirted the season after playing in three games … Had two tackles, both vs. Duke … Also played vs. Florida State and UofL.



High School: Starred at defensive end and tight end at Dublin High School in Dublin, Ga. … Earned all-state honors by the Georgia Sports Writers Association … Had 30 sacks and 161 tackles in his career … Totaled 67 tackles, including 18 for a loss and nine sacks while leading a defense that allowed only 8.5 points per game with a 12-2 record … Had 64 tackles, 11 TFLs and five sacks as a junior … Ranked as a consensus three-star recruit by Rivals, 247Sports and ESPN … Tabbed as the 32nd-best weakside defensive end available by Rivals and the 62nd-best prospect in the state … 247Sports rated as the No. 53 defensive end and the No. 81 prospect in Georgia … Chose Syracuse over Arizona State, Baylor, Missouri and UCF.



Tonga Lolohea | DL | 6-5, 325 | Euless, Texas (Trinity HS / Lamar / North Texas / Tyler JC)

Previous School: Talented interior defensive lineman who played the 2022-23 seasons at Tyler Junior College … Ranked as a three-star prospect by 247Sports, including as the 24th-best junior college prospect available, the ninth-best defensive lineman and the third-best in Texas … 2023: Had 21 tackles, including a sack in 2023 over eight games for Tyler JC … 2022: Began the spring practice season with North Texas in 2022 … 2021: Redshirted the 2021 season at Lamar.



High School: Was a three-star recruit out of Euless Trinity High School in the Dallas-Fort Worth area … Ranked as a three-star prospect by 247Sports and as the No. 79 strong side defensive end in the state … Was named all-district twice, including first-team honors in 2020 … Recorded 60 tackles, including 11 for losses and six sacks as a junior in 2019 … Tacked on 22 total tackles, including 12 solo stops as a senior in 2020 … Two of his tackles went for losses including one sack …Guided Euless Trinity to a 2020 6A Division I Bi-District title.



Brock Jackson | DL | 6-4, 240 | Lumberton, Texas (Lumberton HS)

High School: Three-star standout from Lumberton, Texas … Ranked by 247Sports as a three-star prospect, as the 48th-best edge prospect in the nation and the 113th-best prospect in the state … Rated as a three-star prospect by Rivals, including as the 82nd-best prospect in the state and 34th-best outside linebacker nationally … Earned a three-star rating from Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, including a No. 8 ranking at defensive end in the state and as the 87th-best prospect in Texas … ESPN ranks as a three-star recruit, the 55th-best defensive end nationally and as the 88th-best prospect in Texas … Totaled 64 tackles, 21 tackles for a loss, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries, adding six sacks in 2022, leading Lumberton to an 11-2 record and a third-round Texas 4A D1 third-round playoff berth … Was named District Defensive Player of the Year in 2022 … Tabbed First-Team All-District at defensive end as a sophomore in 2021 … Totaled 74 tackles, including 16 for a loss and five sacks, adding four forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and two pass break-ups in 2021 … Also plays basketball at Lumberton High School.



Jadon Porter | WR | 6-1, 180 | Lorena, Texas (Lorena HS)

High School: Four-star wide receiver out of Lorena High School … Has caught 178 balls for 3,451 yards and 32 TDs over his career, adding 649 yards rushing and eight TDs … Ranked by 247Sports as a four-star prospect, checking in as the No. 24 athlete in the nation and the 49th-best prospect in Texas … Tabbed by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football as a four-star prospect, the 45th-best prospect in Texas and the seventh-best wide receiver … Has a three-star rating by Rivals as the 98th-best wide receiver in the nation … Ranked as a three-star recruit by ESPN, including as the 105th-best receiver in the nation and the 145th-best prospect in Texas … In 2023, played in eight games with 27 catches for 455 yards and four TDs, also rushing for a score on seven carries and 58 yards … Helped lead Lorena to a 7-4 record in 2022 and a spot in the Texas 3A D-1 playoffs … Named All-District Honorable Mention as an all-purpose player in 2022 … Caught 49 balls for 841 yards and eight TDs, rushing 32 times for 239 yards and three scores … In 2021, helped Lorena to a 14-2 mark and the Texas 3A D-1 State Championship, earning First-Team All-District honors at receiver … Had 58 catches for 1,265 yards with 13 TDs, rushing for three TDs on 16 carries and for 198 yards … Tabbed District Offensive Newcomer of the Year as a freshman in 2020 … Caught 44 passes for 890 yards and seven TDs as a freshman, also rushing for a score and 154 yards on 22 carries … Has also competed in track.



Kyland Reed | LB | 6-2, 210 | Shreveport, La. (Mansfield Summit [Texas] HS)

High School: Standout linebacker at Mansfield Summit High School in Arlington … A three-star prospect, who missed his 2022 season due to injury … Ranked by Rivals as a three-star prospect, tabbed as the 35th-best linebacker in the nation and the 85th-best prospect in the state … Rated by 247sports as a three-star recruit, as the 123rd-best linebacker in the nation and the 194th-best prospect in the state … ESPN ranks as a three-star recruit, No. 73 linebacker and the 169th-best player in the state … A three-star prospect by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football and the No. 10 linebacker in the state … In 2023, had 51 tackles in nine games with 4.5 stops for a loss, adding three interceptions and two fumble recoveries … In 2021 as a sophomore, had 48 tackles, 12 for a loss with seven sacks and 11 pass break-ups, with four forced fumbles and two recoveries … Helped lead Summit to the Class 5A Division I state semifinals.



Tristan Santoro | OL | 6-6, 275 | Shreveport, La. (Evangel Christian HS)

High School: Three-star offensive lineman out of Shreveport, La. … Rated as a three-star recruit by 247Sports, as the 72nd-best offensive tackle in the nation and the 35th-best prospect in Louisiana … Ranked by Rivals as a three-star prospect … ESPN ranks as a three-star recruit, the 2109th best offensive tackle and the 32nd-best prospect in Louisiana … Is ranked as the fourth-best recruit on the Shreveport Times Elite 11, a list of the top senior football recruits in Northwest Louisiana … Also competes in the 285-pound weight class in wrestling.



Koltin Sieracki | OL | 6-4, 300 | The Woodlands, Texas (The Woodlands HS)

High School: Star at The Woodlands High School, who has played throughout the offensive line in his career … Ranked as a three-star recruit by Rivals, ESPN, 247Sports and Dave Campbell’s Texas Football… Tabbed by 247 as a three-star prospect, the 132nd-best interior offensive lineman in the class and the 267th-best prospect in Texas … Named First-Team All-District as a junior … Also competes in shot put and discus … Brother of BU sophomore offensive lineman Kaden Sieracki.



Kendrick Simpkins | S | 6-0, 196 | Montgomery, Ala. (Robert E. Lee HS / Western Kentucky)

Previous School: Played in 42 games with 21 starts over four years at Western Kentucky, with 120 tackles, including 12 for a loss and 7.5 sacks, eight QB hurries and one interception, forcing five fumbles and defending nine passes … 2023: Had a break-out season as a junior, with 52 tackles, 11 for a loss and 7.5 sacks, forcing four fumbles, eight QB hurries and breaking up one pass in 12 games … Started 12 games for the Toppers … Had four tackles, including 1.5 sacks in the season opener vs. USF, with one QB hurry … Had six stops, including two for a loss and one sack, forcing a fumble and adding a QB hurry vs. Houston Christian … Had five tackles, including two for a loss and a sack and forced fumble, with three QB hurries at Troy … Had five tackles vs. MTSU … Finished with two tackles, including a sack and a forced fumble at Louisiana Tech … Had six tackles, one for a loss and a pass break-up at JSU … Had five tackles vs. Liberty … Finished with three stops, including half a sack and a TFL at UTEP … Had six tackles and two hurries vs. New Mexico State … Had four tackles, including 1.5 sacks vs. Sam Houston … Had two stops, including a sack and a forced fumble at FIU … Had four tackles vs. ODU …  2022: Played in 12 games with nine starts as a sophomore … Finished with 42 tackles, including one for a loss and one interception … Broke up three passes … Had a season-high five stops vs. North Texas … Had a tackle for a loss at Auburn … Picked off a pass vs. Rice. 2021: Appeared in 12 of WKU’s 14 games with one start, helping lead the Toppers to the division title … Had 21 tackles and three pass break-ups … Had seven tackles, a season high, in a win over Charlotte. 2020: Played in six games in his collegiate debut, with five tackles and a pass break-up … Logged time at safety at No. 10 BYU after the starting safety left due to a targeting ejection, finishing with three tackles and a break-up … Had two special-teams tackles.



High School: Three-star recruit by ESPN, 247Sports and Rivals at Robert E. Lee High School in Montgomery, Ala. … Ranked as the 43rd-best prospect in Alabama … Led Lee to a 7-3 mark as a senior and chose WKU over Kansas, Nebraska and Tennessee.



Keaton Thomas | LB | 6-2, 230 | Jacksonville, Fla.

(Trinity Christian Academy / West Virginia / Northeast Mississippi CC)

Previous School: Star linebacker for Northeast Mississippi CC in Booneville, Miss. … First-Team NJCAA All-America selection … Totaled 107 tackles, 10 for a loss, and 1.5 sacks during the 2023 season, adding two interceptions and two pass break-ups … Averaged 11.9 tackles per game as a sophomore … Ranked second in the NJCAA in tackles … Ranked as a three-star prospect by 247Sports and as the third-ranked junior college linebacker … Redshirted the 2022 season while playing defensive back at West Virginia … While at WVU, was named Scout Team Defensive Champion for games vs. Oklahoma and Oklahoma State and Special Teams Scout Team Champion for the week vs. Towson.



High School: Prepped for Coach Verlon Dorminey at Trinity Christian Academy in Jacksonville, Fla. … Was named All-First Coast First-Team … As a senior, led Trinity Christian to a 10-4 mark and the 2A State Championship … Had 60 tackles, two sacks, four pass break-ups and seven interceptions as a senior … Over his last three years, while also playing wide receiver, had 49 catches for 620 yards and six TDs … Was a three-star wide receiver prospect by Rivals out of high school.



Michael Trigg | TE | 6-4, 245 | Tampa, Fla. (Carrollwood Day HS / USC / Ole Miss)

Previous School: One of the top tight-end talents in college football, played the 2021 season at USC and the 2022 season at Ole Miss … Played in the first three games of 2023 at Ole Miss before sitting out to maintain his redshirt … Saw action in nine games at Ole Miss with six starts and 15 games total, including six games off the bench at USC. 2023: Played in three games before redshirting the season … Was a member of the John Mackey Tight End of the year Award Watch List in the preseason … Was named preseason third-team All-SEC by the SEC Coaches and Athlon … Finished with four catches and a TD … Had three grabs for 44 yards vs. Mercer in the season opener, adding a 21-yard TD at Tulane. 2022: Played in seven games with six starts, missing the middle portion of the season due to injury … Had 17 catches for 156 yards and three TDs … Started his Ole Miss debut vs. Troy, totaling four catches for 33 yards, both team highs … Had three receiving TDs in a win over Central Arkansas, a school-record, going for five catches for 28 yards … Had a catch vs. Georgia Tech, and three catches for 16 yards vs. Tulsa … Had three catches for 41 yards vs. Kentucky … Had a 28-yard grab at Vanderbilt … Named preseason All-SEC third team by Lindy’s … Was on the John Mackey Tight End of the Year Watch List … Was rated as the nation’s best tight end transfer portal recruit and the No. 19 overall player by 247Sports, choosing Ole Miss over offers from Alabama and LSU. 2021: Played in six games as a true freshman at USC … Had seven catches for 109 yards and a TD … First career catch came vs. Stanford, a seven-yard grab … Had three catches for 44 yards vs. Oregon State … First career TD came on a 46-yard grab vs. Colorado, which included 51 total receiving yards, a season best.



High School: One of the nation’s top 150 recruits, earning consensus four start honors and Under Armour All-American status … Was rated as the No. 128 player nationally by 247Sports composite rankings … ESPN ranked as the 158th best player in the nation, a member of the ESPN300 … Ranked by Rivals in the Rivals 100 as No. 68 best prospect nationally … Ranked as the No. 3 tight end prospect in the 2021 class by ESPN and Rivals … A top-25 recruit in the state of Florida by Rivals and 247Sports … Had 30 catches for 586 yards and five TDs in seven games at Carrollwood Day as a senior … Began his career at Seffner Christian High School, totaling 1,902 all-purpose yards and 29 TDs, also playing defensive end with 83 tackles, 24.5 TFLs and 11 sacks as a junior … Named first-team all-state as a sophomore and junior … A finalist for Sports Illustrated All-America honors … Also played basketball at both schools, averaging 22.6 points as a junior and 20 points as a sophomore.



Kris Wokomah | S | 6-0, 185 | Arlington, Texas (Bowie HS)

High School: Standout defensive back at Arlington Bowie High School … A three-star recruit by 247Sports, ranked as the 121st-best safety in the nation and the 167th-best prospect in Texas … Rated by Rivals as a three-star prospect, the 86th-best player in the state and the 51st-best safety in the nation … ESPN ranks as a three-star prospect, No. 81 in the nation at safety and No. 150 overall in the state of Texas … Dallas Morning News ranks as the No. 35 prospect in the DFW area … Has totaled 119 tackles over the last three seasons in 24 games … As a senior, had 27 tackles and an interception … In 2022, had 67 tackles and a pick, defending 10 passes … Named First-Team All-District as a junior … In 2021, had 25 tackles with two pass break-ups.



- BaylorBears.com -













--
Brent Ingram | Assistant AD for Communications
Men’s Tennis Sport Program Administrator
Department of Athletics | Baylor University
C: 210-845-8651

[signature_1049805336]


-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://mailman.baylor.edu/pipermail/fbmedia/attachments/20240207/4487b5f5/attachment-0001.htm>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image001.png
Type: image/png
Size: 20341 bytes
Desc: image001.png
URL: <http://mailman.baylor.edu/pipermail/fbmedia/attachments/20240207/4487b5f5/attachment-0001.png>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: 2024 Baylor Football Newcomer Roster.pdf
Type: application/pdf
Size: 29825 bytes
Desc: 2024 Baylor Football Newcomer Roster.pdf
URL: <http://mailman.baylor.edu/pipermail/fbmedia/attachments/20240207/4487b5f5/attachment-0001.pdf>