Spring practice is finished, and the recruiting cycle for the 2014 class is well underway. With the first quarter of the recruiting calendar behind us, here's a look at how the Big 12 is faring on the trail.
Baylor Bears
Who they have: Baylor is looking to have a strong 2014 recruiting class similar to last year's class. The Bears have four 2014 commits, including ESPN 150 ATH Davion Hall (Texarkana, Texas/Liberty-Eylau). A four-star talent, Hall could be the most explosive member of the class when February comes and it's time to sign. Speedy WR Chris Platt (Willis, Texas/Willis), punishing RB Terence Williams (Ennis, Texas/Ennis) and versatile OL Devonte Jones (Bellaire, Texas/Bellaire) will be called on to spearhead the charge of the class.
Who they want: It's no secret that Baylor is doing all it can to pick up ESPN 150 WR K.D. Cannon (Mount Pleasant, Texas/Mount Pleasant). Cannon can make an immediate impact in Baylor's offense. Defensively, the Bears hope to pick up ESPN 150 DBs Arrion Springs (San Antonio/Roosevelt) and Nick Watkins (Dallas/Bishop Dunne). Acquiring one of the two would be a huge win; acquiring both would send the Baylor community into backflips.
Spring storyline: Not a lot has been going on with Baylor recruiting as of late, but the Bears are excited about where the program is headed.
Bold prediction: Baylor will have at least 12 commits -- including three ESPN 150 players -- before the end of the summer. -- Damon Sayles
Scouts' overall trend: Up. Aided by a 2011 season in which they won 10 games and produced the Heisman Trophy winner in Robert Griffin III, things have been trending up for the Bears under Art Briles. Baylor's 2011 class was solid but featured only one four-star prospect, but its 2012 class featured five four stars, including three who were top 20 nationally at their respective positions. The 2013 class kept moving forward as the Bears signed six four-star prospects, led by the nation's No. 3-rated wide receiver in Robbie Rhodes, and the class finished just outside the top 25. Time will tell, but the Bears look to be doing well in their 2014 class with a verbal from one ESPN 150 prospect and they already have a commitment from a promising in-state prospect for 2015. -- Craig Haubert