Coaches’ hard work pays off with a top-25 class
Rhule uses optimism to sell prospects on being part of ‘turnaround.’
— Baylor coach Matt Rhule WACO called it a “mad dash.”
How else would you describe spending time in 25 different homes not his own the past two weeks for official recruiting business?
One of Rhule’s assistants was so busy, he’d check into a hotel at 1 a.m. after visiting a prospect, then check out two hours later to make a flight to arrive at another recruiting hotbed.
By Wednesday, the first day of the new early signing period, Rhule and his staff could relax. Baylor announced a class of 20 signees with the possibility of adding one more player by Friday.
The Bears’ class ranks 22nd in the country, per 247Sports’ composite ratings. It’s the fourth best in the Big 12, behind Texas (third nationally), Oklahoma (ninth) and TCU (20th). None of the players who signed Wednesday were junior college transfers, meaning Rhule isn’t trying to go with a quick fix.
Now imagine what Rhule can do if he had more than one win to sell to recruits on why they should spend at least the next four years in Waco.
“In the end, these guys are doing something special,” Rhule said. “They’re going to be part of this remarkable turnaround.”
Rhule can preach his inspiring vision of the future wins he sees unfolding at McLane Stadium and at venues across the Big 12. But his Bears only owned one score-