Baylor Features Full-Blown Quarterback Battle Heading Into 2021
ARLINGTON, Tx – Dave Aranda’s first year as head coach at Baylor was certainly a trying one. They were 2-7 overall, they’re two wins coming against Kansas and Kansas State, not to mention the multiple shutdowns due to COVID protocols.
Things appear to be headed in the right direction for Aranda and the Bears in year two, but they’ve got a rather fierce quarterback battle following the departure of former quarterback Charlie Brewer.
“Quarterback-wise, excited about that competition,” said Aranda. “I think it’s been on-going, even here through this offseason. There’s been some work done individually by both Blake [Shapen] and Gerry [Bohanon] and Jacob [Zeno]; really working hard with [coach] Shawn Bell. So, I think Shawn’s done an outstanding job with really building those guys up to whatever level they’re at, meeting them at that level and then building them up as they go. Collectively and real honest and transparent about where things are at and not playing any games with them.”
Shapen is a 6-0, 192-pound redshirt freshman out of Shreveport (LA) Evangel Christian who redshirted the entirety of the 2020 season.
Bohanon is a 6-3, 221-pound junior out of Earle (AR) High School who’s seen action in 15 games during his Baylor career. He’s completed 18 of 38 passes for 194 yards and two touchdowns, while rushing for 296 yards and three touchdowns on 48 carries.
Zeno is a 6-2 sophomore out of John Jay in San Antonio, TX. He should look familiar to Oklahoma State fans as he played against the Pokes in 2020, going 5-of-8 for 18 yards and 13 yards on four carries.
“You look at Blake [Shapen], I think his continued understanding of the offense and the language and just feeling comfortable,” said Aranda. “His ability to respond when there’s adversity and things aren’t going right and to attack the next play with confidence and vigor, I think is really important for him.”
I think with Jacob [Zeno] is to increase his accuracy with the long ball and to increase his leadership with the team, his voice and his assertiveness. I think with Gerry [Bohanon], it’s going to be the drop back passing game, the quick rhythm passing game. He has to be able to make reads and go one to two to three and get the ball off on time. All of those guys, each one has their own individual thing they’re working on, but I appreciate them because they fully understand it, they known where they’re at, they know what they’ve got to work on and the team is energized by their competition and they’re ability to pull for one another and they’re love for one another. We’re going to be better for it.”