Shapen's Shining Moment: Why Baylor's New QB Is Ready For Big 12 Champ Pressure
Starting quarterback Blake Shapen. That's a title even Shapen is still adjusting to four months later with Baylor.
Last season, Shapen stood on the sidelines waiting his turn. The Bears has chemistry with Gerry Bohanon and were riding high into November. A top 25 ranking was in sight. So was a chance at the Big 12 Championship.
Then, Bohanon was sidelined with a hamstring injury in November. The loss of the dual-threat quarterback opened the door for Shapen to start. And if not for a shoulder injury suffered in practice before the Sugar Bowl, perhaps Shapen never would relinquish the title of QB1.
He doesn't have to worry about things such as those now. Shapen is the clear-cut starter. It's still something he is adjusting to.
"I’ve got to take full control of everything that’s going on,” Shapen said. “I think I learned a lot of things being the backup. Stepping up into a leadership role is key for me right now.”
Baylor coach Dave Aranda ended the conversation of who would start Week 1 in April. He was praised for telling Shapen that he had won the job, knowing there would be a risk factor of losing Bohanon to the transfer portal.
The latter happened. Bohanon is now in South Florida, hoping to lead the Bulls to their first winning season since 2018. Aranda said at Big 12 Media Days he holds no qualms with his former starter, understanding the business side of the game.
Shapen echoed a similar sentiment, calling Bohanon a mentor that helped him develop into a valuable starter.
"Gerry taught me a lot and I learned a lot from him in the film room and on the field and how he handles things,” Shapen said. “I wish nothing but the best for him.”
Why Shapen over Bohanon? Multiple factors went into the decision, but Shapen's accuracy outweighed Bohanon's legs. In the biggest game of the season, the Louisiana product delivered.
Against No. 5 Oklahoma State in the Big 12 Championship, Shapen shined. His 17 completions to begin the outing was a Big 12 Championship record. His 82.1 completion rating and three touchdowns also factored into Baylor's 21-16 upset over the Cowboys.
And it's not as if Shapen's second start was the first sign of his articulate accuracy. In the 20-10 win over Kansas State, Shapen completed 76.2 percent of his throws. For the season, he finished with a completion rating of 72.1 percent to go along with 596 yards and five touchdowns.
"He’s a slinger,” senior receiver Gavin Holmes said. “And I think, too, that says a lot to the work that we put in over the summer. Blake’s a stud, he’s got an arm, accurate quarterback, but we put in the work together to get that timing right. And if he puts it out there, we’re going to go get it.”
One thing Aranda has preached with quarterback play is the need to be oneself. On Friday, the third-year coach preached about a biblical verse mentioning "new wineskins" prefacing how things that transpired during the team's 12-2 season won't be duplicated this time around.
That's also a testament to Shapen, who has earned the respect of his coaches and the locker room. The biggest reason? Personality.
“I think it’s one thing on this particular day, it’s going to be another after a big win or an unfortunate loss and all that," Aranda said. "I think Blake on the inside has got it lined up. So you want him to lead from the inside out.”
Shapen will have his work cut out for him in the passing game. Leading receiver Tyquan Thornton is now with the New England Patriots. Drew Estrada is trying to make the Houston Texans' roster. RJ Sneed, who finished second in catches, elected to transfer to Colorado.
Holmes, a sixth-year senior, likely will become the go-to weapon early for Shapen due to experience. The Bears are also high on young talent like Josh Cameron, Javon Gipson and Jaylen Ellis.
"We’re up here until 9:30 or 10:30 at night," Shapen said of the receivers. "That’s what this is for, to learn and grow, and learn from our mistakes, and keep moving forward.”
For the first time in program history, Baylor is the favorite across all avenues. The expectation is even with the loss of talent on both sides, a 10-plus win season is plausible. So is a Big 12 title and perhaps even a trip to the College Football Playoff.
Everything, however, relies on the quarterback. Shapen understands that process but isn't letting the pressure get to him.
Would any starting quarterback be different?
"I know there are a lot of expectations to live up to, but at the end of the day that’s not what I’m worried about," Shapen said. I’m worried about getting W’s every day.
"I just have to keep growing.
The Bears open the season at home on Sept. 3 at 11 a.m. against Albany.
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