Baylor and Houstons Elliott are a match
Baylor went through the 2015 class without securing a defensive tackle. That was by choice. But it was clear it was going to be a position of need for the 2016 class.
And it started Saturday with the verbal commitment of Houston Westside 2016 standout Jordan Elliott. Elliott becomes the sixth member of the class but the first since Grayland Arnold back in October. By the way, National Signing Day 2016 is Feb. 3.
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While the Bears just offered Elliott within the last three weeks, Kendal Briles had long since laid the foundation. Elliott said the visit convinced him to shut down his recruiting after this commitment.
"I've had high hopes on Baylor,'' Elliott said. "I love this program and this team. I put my heart into this decision. Really, the staff are pretty good guys. Coach Briles just made the case and let me know I could really help this program get to the next level.''
Elliott is expected to be a three-year starter for Westside this fall. His size (6-5, 300) put him in a position where the coaching staff could put inside or split him out wide at defensive end. A 4.86 40 time can offer some versatility.
He spent the afternoon visiting with the rest of the Baylor defensive coaching staff and other members about what it would be like to play there. Elliott has been on the Baylor campus in other visits. However, he got an inside look with the tour.
But he developed a penchant to create negative plays with 12 sacks and 31 other tackles for loss. That was nearly half of his 63 for the season. Westside did make the playoffs in 2014 but finished 4-7.
"I feel like I'm quick off the edge,'' Elliott said. "But I think I have the strength to go through and around somebody. I'm going to do what I have to do to get to the quarterback.''