By Gio Gennero | Sports Writer
Junior Gerry Bohanon is ready to start as the new quarterback for Baylor after having competed for the spot against sophomore Jacob Zeno and freshman Blake Shapen. Bohanon spent most of his time at Baylor as a backup to previous quarterback Charlie Brewer. Now that it’s his time to shine, Bohanon said he has continued to work on his game.
“I’m working on everything,” Bohanon said.
The standout Earle High School QB from Arkansas has since spent his time as a backup at Baylor. However, he became a fan favorite during his redshirt freshman year. The crowd would chant his name at games, often referring to him as “RG4.” This reference is to Baylor icon and Heisman winner RG3: Robert Griffin III. Bohanon’s play style is similar to Griffin’s, and his jersey number, 11, is one higher than Griffin’s.
As Bohanon prepares to be the new leader of the Bears’ offense, Aranda is excited to see what he can do.
“I’d like to see Gerry get into a rhythm,” Aranda said in his press conference. “I’d like to see Gerry gain confidence. I’d like to see him take control of the team on a Saturday night … and full confidence that he’s going to do that, and excited to see him do that.”
Bohanon’s confidence has grown during his career. He spoke on this multiple times during his press conference, and he appears to be very level-headed during tough situations. The more he takes the field in games and practice, the more comfortable he becomes in his role.
“Getting more and more reps, some confidence is going to build with knowing what you’re doing,” Bohanon said. “I’ve built my confidence up and grown as a player and a person.”
Bohanon did not get much playing time last season, but the season prior, he contributed a lot in his role as QB2. He threw two passing touchdowns and had 272 rushing yards for three rushing touchdowns.
“I’m coming in here every day just focused on learning more and more,” Bohanon said.
Bohanon gets it done both on and off the field. He has been named to the First Team Academic All-Big 12 for the past two seasons. He said he loves picking the brains of his coaches and spoke on a specific meeting when he sat down with Aranda to talk coverages and soak it all in.
“He has a great appetite for football, and you could not feed him enough,” Aranda said. “As far as learning goes … Gerry’s been able to connect the dots and take whatever information he has and then apply it and then teach others.”
Bohanon said he takes all of Aranda’s coaching to heart and learns from it.
“He [Aranda] knows so much; it is unbelievable,” Bohanon said, “I was just in there writing everything down.”
With a new offensive scheme from new offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes, as well as a potential bounceback season from the offensive line, Bohanon has prepared himself have a breakout season and lead the Bears to a possible bowl game.
