Ketchum finds a fit with Baylor

To the public, it had seemed Baylor and J.W. Ketchum had both gone their separate ways. But that was far from the case. Baylor receivers coach Kendal Briles kept in touch with the 2015 Houston Lamar athlete, and that connection was a big reason why Ketchum committed to Baylor on Sunday.

"I have a great relationship with coach Briles," Ketchum said. "He started talking to me when I was young -- a sophomore (at Fort Bend Marshall). I was leading the team on the varsity then and he was really supportive. I have a great relationship with him. We have good conversations."

Baylor now has 13 commitments in a 2015 class that's expected to top out around 15-17 recruits. Ketchum is also the fourth 4-star pledge for this class, two more than Baylor got in 2014.

Listed as an athlete by all recruiting services, Ketchum plays quarterback at Lamar, where he leads the team in passing (naturally) but also in rushing with 895 yards and 16 TDs. He had been on record of wanting to give quarterback a shot at the next level, but Baylor's recruiting him with that "athlete" tag in mind.

"They've talked about receiver and safety," he said, "but they're basically recruiting me as an athlete."

Ketchum's part of a star-studded class at Lamar. Teammates Holton Hill and Tyreik Gray -- like Ketchum 4-star recruits -- are also on Baylor's radar. ("I'll probably make a few comments," Ketchum joked about recruiting them to Baylor, "but I want what's best for them.")

Ketchum and his teammates have one more regular season game before the playoffs begin. At 8-1 overall, the talented team is primed for a long playoff run. Asked about his role, Ketchum didn't mention about what he brings top the table physically. His leadership, he says, is more valuable.

"My biggest role is just to be a good role model for the younger players," he said. "I try to pick them up and get them on the same level and get us better as a team before the playoffs."

And he can fully concentrate on his team now that he's made his mind up. For a recruit that's ranked 40th in the state of Texas with offers from the likes of Alabama, LSU, Texas, Nebraska and Oklahoma, it's a pretty big relief to have this decision in the books.

"I'm feeling pretty great," he said. "I felt like it was the best decision. Baylor was one of the first programs to offer me. They're a successful team and I like how they treat their athletes."