Jake

Burton

Newman-Johnson (6'2/315) was held out due to what was described by HC Dave Aranda in early September as an “off-field issue.” After missing two games the senior offensive lineman, who started eight games last season, is expected to be available when the Bears take on the Mountaineers. No decision has been made on fellow offensive linemen Blake Bedier and Jake Burton, who both missed Baylor’s 47-14 win over Kansas.

Burton (6'6/312) hasn’t been in Waco very long, as he committed to Baylor as a grad transfer from UCLA back on August 26. But he’s already laid claim to a starting job, and HC Dave Aranda said that the redshirt senior “has been very impressive” during his press conference on Monday. Grad transfers from Pac-12 schools have already managed to make an impact at Big 12 schools, with former Arizona LB Colin Schooler being named a starter at Texas Tech.

Burton (6'5/312) hit the portal on Tuesday and wasted no time in announcing his transfer choice of Baylor. The Pac-12, of course, postponed its fall campaign earlier this month due to COVID-19 health concerns, leaving the redshirt senior to decide whether to wait it out until spring to play or roll the dice with a conference that is still charging ahead. Latter option achieved. Burton makes for a stellar transfer grab, one that Bears HC Dave Aranda can immediately plug into his starting lineup. Burton has started 23 games at right tackle over the past two seasons.

Burton (6'5/312) has decided to leave UCLA in hopes of finding somewhere to play this fall, as the Pac-12 announced in mid-August that it was cancelling the 2020 season. The redshirt senior, who will be eligible to play immediately at his next stop, has started a total of 23 games (out of 24) at right tackle over the last two seasons.