Baylor Coach Dave Aranda: QB Blake Shapen 'Can Rise To The Occasion'
Blake Shapen will be the Baylor Bears' new starting quarterback in 2022, and he will have big shoes to fill in the season opener against Albany.
Shapen, who is coming off an intense spring battle with Gerry Bohanon, won the full-time job in the spring, forcing the latter to enter the transfer portal, where he eventually ended up with South Florida.
Now, Baylor coach Dave Aranda has his guy, and could not be more excited about what he can do in command of the offense.
“When I think of Blake and just his ability as a thrower to read coverages, to anticipate looks, maybe it's off of fronts," Aranda told FOX 26 Houston. "That this is the corresponding coverage, maybe it's off personnel or alignments, I think he's talented in that manner."
The national media might be steering away from Baylor's chances of repeating as Big 12 champs due to what little is known of Shapen, but he has already proven himself a winner.
When Bohanon suffered a hamstring injury, Shapen kicked it into high gear, helping Baylor average 22 points per game.
He shined against Texas Tech with a pair of touchdown passes to go along with 254 yards through the air. He then picked up where he left off a week later against Oklahoma State for the Bears' first Big 12 title since 2014.
If not for a shoulder injury, Aranda would have kept the hot hand against No. 7 Ole Miss in the Sugar Bowl as well.
There is another element to Shapen's game that was missing with Bohanon; consistency in the passing attack. Even in just five games, Shapen was more efficient with his throwing, completing 72.1 percent of his passes and posting a rating of 149.5 -- all along the way, showing why he was such a unique talent.
"I think his arm is strong," Aranda continued. "I think his delivery can be unique. And I think he creates openings for himself that maybe others don't. And I think there's a fair amount of moxie in him. When he's pushed up to tough circumstances or pressure situations, he can rise to the occasion.”
While Bohanon's mobility made him a threat on every drive, there were limitations in his throws. He completed 62.7 percent of his passes for 2,194 yards, 18 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 12 games while adding 323 rushing yards and nine scores on the ground.
It worked for Jeff Grimes's offense because of a three-man rushing attack behind Bohanon. However, that is no longer the case. Abram Smith is now with the New Orleans Saints. Tristan Ebner is with the Chicago Bears. Meanwhile, Taye McWilliams is set to return with just 17 carries to his name,
Either way, Shapen clearly offered the best chance for the passing attack this fall, with or without Bohanan.
It's a new era in Baylor history. The Bears are in the conversation to contend for a Big 12 title once more. Aranda elected to return to Waco after having lucrative offers from top programs this offseason.
And now, he has his quarterback.
You can follow Matt Galatzan on Twitter @MattGalatzan
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