Despite having to replace more than half the starters from last season, having a defensive leader like senior linebacker Luke Hutchins gives Baylor a solid foundation for rebuilding.
The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Hutchins will be a three-year starter and sets the type example that Red Raiders coach Phil Massey hopes the rest of the team follows.
"When I was talking to the team about the virtues of being a leader, Luke had every single one of the qualities we named," Massey said. "He's the first here to work every day and the last to leave. He never complains, is very coachable and is always encouraging his teammates. It's so important to have guys to lead by their actions and not by talking, and that's exactly what Luke does for us."
Hutchins, an all-region selection last year when he made 69 tackles and 11 for loss despite a nagging knee injury, is one of only five starters back on defense. As the quarterback of the defense, he makes all the defensive calls and is responsible for making sure his teammates are aligned correctly.
But when he joined the varsity, as a 150-pound freshman, becoming a starter at any point in his career looked like a long shot.
"When I saw him as a freshman, I couldn't imagine him ever starting for us," assistant coach Julian Kaufman said. "But he worked at it every day and is just so smart about the game. He knows all three linebacker positions. He's just all about determination and desire."
After a shaky start, he made a second-half sack in the season opener of his sophomore season that set the tone for things to come for Hutchins, who has been offered a scholarship by Davidson and is being recruited by UTC, Wofford, Columbia, Cornell, Harvard and Princeton.
"I was timid in that first game I started," said Hutchins, who also has a 3.88 grade point average, the second highest on the team. "But after that sack something clicked and I gained some confidence and really got going.
"I've always been more of a lead-by-example guy, but I've worked on being more vocal because I know that's what my role is this year, and I want to do whatever I can to make sure we have a great season."
- Stephen Hargis
BAYLOR RED RAIDERS
Head coach: Phil Massey (59-34 in eight years here; 121-70 in 16 years overall)
Last year: 7-5 overall; lost to MBA in the Division II-AA quarterfinals.
Returning starters (O/D/K): 4/5/0
Control panel: The Red Raiders have just two returning starters in the offensive line, but their strength is at the skill positions, starting at QB where Nick Tiano (6-5, 230), a Mississippi State commitment, returns, along with junior WR Gage Upshaw (6-2, 220). LB Luke Hutchins (6-2, 210, Sr.) is as reliable a defensive leader as they come.
New producers: Sean Wampler (6-0, 195, Sr.), an all-region safety, will get plenty of carries at RB, replacing 4,000-yard career rusher George Porter. Strong-legged Colin Brewer 6-3, 190, Sr.), a soccer goalkeeper with range from 45-50 yards, will handle all the kicking chores.
Items of interest:
6 - Consecutive wins for Baylor over rival McCallie, including last year's 38-14 whipping.
"I love winning. But more than that, I hate losing, so I'll do whatever it takes for us to be successful this year." - Senior linebacker Luke Hutchins
2 - The total number of starters back on the offensive and defensive lines for the Red Raiders.
2014 SCHEDULE
(all games at 7:30 Eastern unless noted)
Aug. 22 - Howard
Aug. 29 - Knoxville Webb
Sept. 5 - MBA*
Sept. 12 - Brainerd
Sept. 19 - at Pope John Paul II, 8*
Oct. 3 - at McCallie*
Oct. 10 - at Oakland, 8
Oct. 17 - Brentwood Academy*
Oct. 24 - at Ensworth, 8*
Oct. 31 - Father Ryan*
- Division II East/Middle game