By Nate Maki | Sports Writer
As the Bears prepare for the 2024 season, the focus is on improving, and no one feels this more than the secondary. After a down season that highlighted strengths and areas for improvement, head coach Dave Aranda made it clear that intensity will be the key to preparation.
“There’s got to be a fire in your belly to get better,” Aranda said. “I think everyone feels that way. I know I do. Everyone knows what the prescription is here, and we know what we have to do.”
Last season, the defense allowed an average of 33.3 points per game, the worst in the Big 12. While the defense as a whole struggled, there were plenty of breakout players in the room. Sophomore cornerback Caden Jenkins erupted onto the scene, earning second-team freshman All-American recognition by The Athletic. Redshirt junior safety Devin Lemear also endured a breakout season, finishing third on the team in tackles with 41.
However, with the group looking to raise expectations, Aranda’s focus on defensive improvement has met strategy with education.
“He’s such a genius at defense,” Lemear said. “He always explains why we’re doing something. When he makes a call, he always gives us the reason.”
Now as team captains, Lemear and Jenkins are using their momentum and the team’s previous struggles to elevate the intensity Arnada instilled. With underclassmen experience, the leadership has paired energy with trust and understanding.
“This program expects a lot more than what we showed last season,” Jenkins said. “I feel like [Aranda’s intensity] is the best thing for this team, just based on last year and the games we could have won.”
The secondary has a chip on its shoulder coming into this season after allowing an average of 236.42 passing yards per game last season. Baylor combatted the struggle by adding several experienced transfers in the offseason, including Western Kentucky fifth-year senior safety Kendrick Simpkins and UNLV sophomore safety Cameren Jenkins, Caden’s twin brother. Junior safety Devyn Bobby said the 25 rostered cornerbacks and safeties push each other as they compete for coveted starting spots.
“It’s been serious,” Bobby said. “We’re not the same defense from last year. We’re flying around, playing fast and physical. I can’t wait for the season. We coach each other and we’re happy to see each other shine on the field.”
Under Aranda’s guidance, the secondary aims to be a notable defensive strength. With leaders like Bobby, Jenkins, and Lemear, the group is united in its goal to continue improving.
“We’ve got all our chips on the table,” Aranda said. “And when everything’s on the table you go for it. I think that’s the feeling here.”
