Scouting Notebook: Baylor defeats Brentwood Academy 38-20

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It is not often that you get a rematch of the state championship game in week one, but that was the case on Thursday night as Brentwood Academy travelled to take on Baylor in a matchup that featured two top-25 teams in the nation according to MaxPreps.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The game went back and forth with scoring runs from each side before a late influx of scoring from Baylor iced the game, stretching the lead out to the eventual three-score victory the scoreboard showed in the end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There were several standouts and scouting takeaways from the a matchup worthy of being nationally televised.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ole Miss QB Commits Duel</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='939950' first='Keegan' last='Croucher'] impressed in his debut game for Baylor, throwing for 172 yards and a touchdown, with another throw that could have been another explosive touchdown if not for a missed defensive pass interference penalty. The biggest takeaway from his performance was how comfortable he is when he is forced to work off script. He kept his eyes downfield when eluding pressure and that presented his teams with some explosive opportunities downfield. This schedule is going to force him to layer throws every week and he proved he can do that effectively against a strong defensive unit. The negative from the performance was a interception on third and long in a situation where he should have just thrown it away. Overall, he answered a lot of questions in this game and showed why he is one of the best quarterback recruits in the entire nation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For the opposing Brentwood Academy, [player_tooltip player_id='834810' first='Crews' last='Jenkins'] was on the throwing end of some explosive plays, including fitting some throws into narrow windows. He also showed the ability to push the ball downfield, with a pair of throws resulting in 60+ yard touchdown plays.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/ChadSimmons_/status/2090614603034005521?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/ChadSimmons_/status/2090614603034005521?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Baylor Playmakers Impress</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tennessee running back commit David Gabriel Georges had a performance that will be hard to top by anyone all year when you take everything into consideration. His contact balance has somehow taken another large step forward and he has become impossible to bring down without a defender landing a big hit. He still kicks some runs outside, but he thrived between the tackles consistently during this matchup, which should give Vols fans confidence that he will be ready from day one.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gabriel Georges was a legit factor as a receiver in the game, lining up in the slot often as the coaching staff was able to get creative with how they use tailback [player_tooltip player_id='1665478' first='Jean-Pierre' last='Eto'o']. Eto'o had some impressive runs in a couple carries during the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/shaynep_media/status/2090631074275557789?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/shaynep_media/status/2090631074275557789?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Antwaun "Cornbread" Adams proved to be a very effective downfield threat from the perimeter, constantly putting stress on the defense vertically. He caught a touchdown on 3rd and long early in the game and should have had the touchdown with a missed DPI call that was mentioned earlier. He did have a drop over the middle of the field and that will be need something to clean up as he looks to become a reliable target over the middle of the field. When freshman [player_tooltip player_id='2112089' first='Marshall' last='Manning'] came in for a play, the pair connected for a good throw and catch at the sticks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='424660' first='Hank' last='DeGennaro'] made a couple of key plays that directly affected the outcome of this game that will not show up in the box score. The Red Raiders had a crucial miscommunication in the red zone and BA had a throw that was going to be an obvious pick-six, but DeGennaro worked back to the ball and broke up the pass. He also continues to be a great blocker, opening up screens at a consistent rate.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/shaynep_media/status/2090594026273562819?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/shaynep_media/status/2090594026273562819?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Brentwood Academy Holds Dynamic Offense</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='723428' first='Larry' last='Sanders II'] continues to be one of the most impressive running backs in the entire state and it seems as has added another level of athleticism to his game, which should frighten defenses inside the state of Tennessee. He had another productive outing against Baylor, rushing for over five yards per carry and moving the offense down the field in the second half especially.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The coaching staff showed a strong understanding of how to layer plays and manipulate defenses into creating explosive deep shots in the passing game to complement the rushing attack, with a pair of receivers benefitting in the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Middle Tennessee commit Lex Baskin is one of the most underrated playmakers in the entire state, and with the opportunity to be the full-time slot now, he got the prime opportunity to display his skillset. He had over 100 yards on the night and that included a 67-yard touchdown reception right before halftime to keep the Eagles within striking distance. The Blue Raiders landed a dynamic playmaker from the slot that should have a very strong season this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/SCNext/status/2090633340202131474?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/SCNext/status/2090633340202131474?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tennessee commit [player_tooltip player_id='378855' first='Kesean' last='Bowman'] had a bit of an up-and-down night against the reigning state champs. He had a downfield target broken up through the catch point early in the game and dropped a pass later. However, even when it was not his best night, he delivered some key plays for his team, finishing with over 100 yards receiving on the night. His 80-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter pulled BA within four. He flashed his ability to create yards after the catch when targeted over the middle of the field as well. Additionally, he showed his competitive makeup by rotating in on defense to create some intriguing matchups.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>South Carolina tight end commit [player_tooltip player_id='402854' first='Judah' last='Lancaster'] had a very strong performance on Friday night. His biggest play was a third and long conversion that was called back due to a penalty, showing his ability to create yards after the catch after turning from receiver to runner. He was exceptional as a blocker throughout the game and completely stalemated anyone trying to set the edge against him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/shaynep_media/status/2090599550083887516?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/shaynep_media/status/2090599550083887516?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Baylor Defense Proves Clutch</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This was always going to be a game that featured the offensive firepower from both programs and defenses would have to find ways to bend, but not break when it mattered most. That is exactly what this Baylor defense when the team needed it the most in the second half, allowing for the Red Raiders to stay in front for the entire game and preserve the victory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1261454' first='Cortez' last='Carr Jr.'] played a lot of the nose tackle position in the front and came up with some splash plays in the outing. When he finds a gap to get upfield, he taps into his impressive athleticism to attack downhill and get into the backfield. He also showed his athleticism by tracking down [player_tooltip player_id='378855' first='Kesean' last='Bowman'] on a screen to register a tackle for loss.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/PMacCoon/status/2090634328485007677?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/PMacCoon/status/2090634328485007677?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Speaking of the nose tackle position, freshman [player_tooltip player_id='1307170' first='I-Key' last='Lewis'] was an unmovable force for the three consecutive plays he was in for at midfield. He holds a strong anchor and was not moved against a Division One offensive line unit for BA. When working in one-on-one situations, he wrestled his way free of blocks and got a couple of quick pressures. He is going to be a legitimate star up front for Baylor if he continues along this development arc.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With an improved defensive line, USF commit [player_tooltip player_id='1512542' first='Khori' last='Faulkner'] has been freed up to shoot gaps and that is something that he thrives at. He has an innate ability to identify rushing lanes and then hunt down ball carriers, something that was evident in this new role. He should rack up TFLs this fall for Baylor. He also showed his versatility on the offensive side of the ball, punching in a one-yard touchdown as a fullback.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/shaynep_media/status/2090625712294183131?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/shaynep_media/status/2090625712294183131?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Brentwood Academy Defense</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brentwood Academy has some dynamic playmakers on defense as well and those players came to play in this game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tennessee commit [player_tooltip player_id='1585726' first='Kenneth' last='Simon'] II has taken a large step forward with his development as a football player and leader as he moved to a more traditional inside linebacker role. He had a handful of solo tackles on David Gabriel Georges and delivered some clutch tackles throughout the night. His athleticism is evident as he flied around the field and lined up to cover a four-star tight end on some plays.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Liberty commit [player_tooltip player_id='1318538' first='Roman' last='Jennings'] returns as the middle linebacker and he continues to improve as a player throughout his high school career. He is a strong, reliable presence from the second level of the defense against the run and is beginning to show a consistent level of productive ability in zone coverage. He intercepted a throw on 3rd down and returned it to the plus 35-yard line to set his offense up in prime scoring position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/shaynep_media/status/2090625274832417002?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/shaynep_media/status/2090625274832417002?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='648676' first='Braylen' last='Bedford'] plays safety currently, but likely projects into the new-age slot position at the next level, so it was going to be important to see how versatile he truly was in a game such as this. He breaks downhill hard and is a strong tackler, landing a couple hits on the Baylor tailbacks. In a coverage, he earned a pick-six opportunity in the red zone that was broken up at the last second by a Baylor receiver. He also showed some dynamic ability in the return game. His explosiveness and versatility will prove to be a real weapon for the Eagles over the next two seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">QUICK HITTERS</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Baylor 2029 prospect [player_tooltip player_id='1305226' first='Haddon' last='Thornburg'] had a very strong performance at right tackle and his ceiling is going to be very high. Standing around 6-foot-6 and 290 pounds, he has an elite frame and all the baseline tools to be a productive college tackle. He displayed his athleticism to seal the edge and his plus technique to lock defensive lineman out of the pocket/backfield.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Baylor 2029 defensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='2156575' first='Bogdan' last='Cujba'] has a great frame and moves excellent. He delivered some exciting moments to show the ability, including beating a future SEC tackle to help the defense get a TFL on third down in the red zone.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Brentwood Academy tackle duo impressed in their debut for the Eagles. Li'[player_tooltip player_id='1654041' first='Marcus' last='Jones'] (left) and [player_tooltip player_id='1531280' first='Rance' last='Brown'] (right) are built well and used their length to stalemate talented defensive line recruits throughout the game. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->