DE Cole Maxwell talks about commitment to Baylor
The Baylor coaching staff added six new commitments over the weekend, including Allen defensive end Cole Maxwell.
Things moved very quickly between the standout defender and the Baylor coaches.
"I got in touch with Baylor this past week actually," Maxwell said. "Coach (Joey) McGuire came to the school and started showing interest. He mentioned they had been watching me previously in the year, and the coaches actually came to our game against The Woodlands in the playoffs. Things got a lot more serious this week though.
"Coach McGuire told me the coaches wanted me to take an official visit. They wanted to meet me, size me up and see how I fit into the program."
The 6-foot-6, 250-pound prospect decided to take the visit and learn more about the opportunity at Baylor.
"It was just great being able to spend time with guys there that are already committed," Maxwell said. "There were several other recruits there as well. It was a once in a lifetime experience, great food and great people. It was all family bonding time.
"The coaches actually offered during my visit on Saturday. We all went to the team dinner, then Coach (Matt) Rhule called me over and told me that they wanted to offer me a scholarship. It was exciting thing, he wanted to tell me and just give me time to think things over."
Maxwell slept on it and woke up ready to make his commitment to the Bears.
"I just loved the coaches, the people and it really felt like home there," Maxwell said. "Plus, I know Baylor is a great place to get a really good education while playing Big 12 football. I have always wanted to play Big 12 football, it was a childhood dream of mine.
"I actually first committed to play baseball for New Mexico last year, but started playing football again this season and decided that I wanted to continue my football career. I'm supposed to speak with the Baylor baseball coach about possibly being involved with the team. It would be hard, but I want to talk with him and at least learn more about their program."
Maxwell also spent time with the defensive staff, particularly new defensive line coach Elijah Robinson.
"Coach E introduced me to some things they do on the defensive line, and we watched some tape of their guys from Temple this past season," Maxwell said. "We didn't really talk about exactly how they would use me, but the coaches believe that I could put on another 25-50 more pounds and move to the inside of the line.
"I moved from New Mexico my freshman year of high school and started playing defense my sophomore year. I was brought up to varsity for the playoffs that season and have been starting on the defensive line since. My coaches actually moved me inside to defensive tackle this past season, so it shouldn't be a big move for me."
The standout prospect was scheduled to officially visit Colorado next weekend, but has since cancelled those plans.
"I visited Tulsa last weekend and I was supposed to take my official to Colorado next weekend, but I'm all in with Baylor and have already cancelled those plans."
Rated a 5.5 three-star prospect, Maxwell earned the District 6-6A All-District Defensive Player of the Year and All-District First Team Defense honors this past season.
He chose the Bears over offers from Connecticut, UTSA and Tulsa.