By Jerry Hill
Baylor Bear Foundation

Less than a month ago, first-year Baylor head coach Matt Rhule was bemoaning the Bears' lack of depth and experience in the offensive line.

My, how times have changed.

"I think we have seven or eight guys we feel comfortable putting into a game and some other kids who are on the cusp," Rhule said after Tuesday morning's workout. "Another area I was concerned about. I wouldn't say it's a strength, but I would say it's shoring itself up, and that's a credit to those kids."

Freshman Ryan Miller moving into the starting unit as the center solidified a group that has senior Mo Porter and junior Patrick Lawrence at the tackles and junior Blake Blackmar and sophomore Sam Tecklenburg at the guards.

"He's really athletic, and the way we coach that position we need a guy who can get up to the second level (to block a linebacker)," Rhule said. "The coaches at Southlake Carroll did a really good job with him. He's not a real huge guy, 6-1 maybe. But, he makes up for his lack of height with strength, power and athleticism."

While he doesn't really like to play a true freshman offensive lineman, "I will say the two kids coming out of Southlake, really all the kids coming out of Texas, are well beyond what I'm used to."

"I look at everything as a positive and a negative," he said. "You live throwing growing pains. You play a freshman offensive lineman, but then you have him for four years. So, you have a chance to mold them."

The other linemen in a potential rotation are seniors Ishmael Wilson and Tyrae Simmons and junior Josh Malin, who like Tecklenburg switched from tight end.

"Simmons was playing really well and got hurt last week, and he'll be back probably Friday. So, he's in the mix," Rhule said. "Ish Wilson has been hot and cold during camp. He's playing the best he's played right now, so he's definitely in the mix. Ish broke a bone in his hand in the spring, so it still bothers him a little bit. (Miller and Tecklenburg) have played a little better, but we took a lot of reps today and we'll take a lot of reps (Wednesday)."

Rhule said he may not name the starting quarterback, "just out of fairness, until probably the week of the first game."

"I asked Julie to marry me when I was pretty sure she was the one. She said yes when she was sure I was the one," he said. "I just really like the camaraderie and competitiveness between Zach (Smith) and Anu (Solomon). I really believe iron sharpens iron. They're always watching, even in the reps they're not in. They're pushing each other in a really positive way. Same thing for Charlie (Brewer). Charlie is a gym rat in terms of watching football, so that culture in that room has been really, really good."

Also receiving high praise were a walk-on group that includes safeties Jarrod Koym and Jairon McVea.

"I met with about seven young walk-on kids last night and told them, `Just remember, I was a walk-on," said Rhule, who was a walk-on linebacker at Penn State. "I've had two players in my four years as a head coach go on to the NFL. I have a lot of respect for walk-ons, because they're paying their way. Which means they're tough, they're smart, they're selfless. . . . I think we have seven or eight that are going to play because they deserve to play. That, to me, is how you build a good team is when you have those guys."

Rhule and the players will be available to sign autographs at the annual "Meet the Bears" event from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Saturday at McLane Stadium. The first 5,000 fans will receive an exclusive "Meet the Bears" poster for autographs. Players will sign only the schedule poster in an effort to give as many fans as possible an opportunity to receive signatures. Coach Rhule will be available to sign one item of the fan's choice.

Fan Fest activities for children to enjoy include inflatable games, photo opportunity and autograph sessions with the Baylor Soccer and Baylor Volleyball teams on the west concourse.