Over the next two weeks, we’re analyzing the depth charts of every Big 12 team coming out of the spring. We start the series today with Baylor, which did release an official post-spring depth chart.

OFFENSE (projected starters in bold)

QB: Seth Russell (Jr.), Chris Johnson (So.) or Jarrett Stidham (Fr.)

Russell left no doubt this winter and spring that he’s ready to pick up where Bryce Petty left off, and he brings a special level of athleticism to the position. The Johnson-Stidham competition should continue into fall camp, though a redshirt might be the best approach for Stidham in his freshman year.

RB: Shock Linwood (Jr.), Johnny Jefferson (So.) or Devin Chafin (Jr.)

Baylor lost Silas Nacita, yet will still be five deep at running back with this experienced trio plus redshirt freshman Terence Williams and incoming freshman Ja’Mycal Hasty. Linwood does it all, Jefferson offers exciting speed and Chafin is one of the conference’s most reliable power backs. They give Baylor all sorts of options in the run game.

WR: Corey Coleman (Jr.), Ishmael Zamora (RFr.)

WR: Jay Lee (Sr.), Quan Jones (So.) or Davion Hall (So.)

IR: KD Cannon (So.), Chris Platt (RFr.)

IR: Lynx Hawthorne (Jr.), Davion Hall (So.)

TE: Tre’Von Armstead (Jr.) or LaQuan McGowan (Sr.), Gus Penning (Sr.) or Jordan Feuerbacher (So.)

The Bears roll eight deep at receiver even after losing three key seniors. Coleman and Cannon might end up being the top receiving duo in the country. Zamora and Platt were the breakout studs of spring ball, and Lee could become a major threat. Armstead and McGowan are freaky talents at tight end who’ll be fun to watch.

LT: Spencer Drango (Sr.), Tanner Thrift (So.)

LG: Blake Muir (Sr.), Desmine Hilliard (Sr.)

C: Kyle Fuller (Jr.), Blake Blackmar (RFr.)

RG: Jarell Broxton (Sr.), Rami Hammad (So.)

RT: Pat Colbert (Sr.), Ishmael Wilson (So.)

It’s hard to beat the experience of this year’s line, which brings back all five starters. Baylor has four senior starters and a backup with 19 career starts (Hilliard). Drango is one of the nation’s best and should chase All-America honors once again. Broxton and Colbert will be reliable after having to enter the lineup at midseason last year. Transfers Wilson and Hammad should help shore up depth.

DEFENSE

LE: Jamal Palmer (Sr.) or K.J. Smith (So.)

DT: Beau Blackshear (Sr.), Byron Bonds (Jr.), Ira Lewis (RFr.)

NT: Andrew Billings (Jr.), Andrew Morris (RFr.)

RE: Shawn Oakman (Sr.), Brian Nance (So.)

Art Briles wouldn’t trade this lineup for any other in the nation. Getting Oakman to come back was a real coup. He hasn’t reached his ceiling yet, and that is a scary thought. Billings is pound-for-pound one of the best players in the Big 12, and Blackshear is an underrated cog. Palmer and Smith both offer starting experience and should rotate.

WLB: Taylor Young (So.) or Aiavion Edwards (Jr.)

MLB: Grant Campbell (Sr.), Raaquan Davis (So.)

Campbell has big shoes to fill in taking over for Bryce Hager, but the former juco transfer has earned the coaching staff’s trust. Young makes up for his size with a lot of smarts and brought nice production as a redshirt freshman. Edwards’ experience will be valuable. The staff is excited about their incoming freshmen at linebacker, too.

CB: Xavien Howard (Jr.), Terrence Singleton (Jr.)

CB: Ryan Reid (Jr.) or Tion Wright (Jr.)

DS: Orion Stewart (Jr.), Taion Sells (Jr.), Alfred Pullom (So.)

CS: Terrell Burt (Sr.), Chance Waz (So.)

NB: Travon Blanchard (So.), Patrick Levels (Jr.)

You know by now that Baylor’s secondary is one of its few question marks. The starting lineup didn’t change this spring, though Wright evidently stepped up and put himself in contention for the corner job held by Reid, who missed part of spring ball while recovering from a hernia injury. Stewart (shoulder) was also sidelined this spring. Blanchard will try to be as effective in the “Bear” nickel role as Sam Holl and Collin Brence were.