Dave Aranda opens up on decision to name Blake Shapen Baylor's starting quarterback

The Baylor Bears head coach Dave Aranda made what many felt was a surprising decision when he named Blake Shapen starting quarterback shortly after the Bears spring game. This meant that last year’s starter Gerry Bohanon was out of a starting gig, leading to him entering the transfer portal. However, during a recent appearance on the Paul Finebaum Show, Aranda explains the reason for his actions. And according to the Baylor headman, he did that out of respect and admiration for his former quarterback.

“Well, I know, for sure, all of it’s way bigger than me,” said Aranda. “I know it’s, you know it’s about the players, man. With Gerry (Bohannon) particularly, there would not be a 2021 season without Gerry; there would not be a Big 12 championship without Gerry; there wouldn’t be a Sugar Bowl win without Gerry; there wouldn’t be a me, really without Gerry. So, I look at all of the sacrifices, selflessness, work ethic, the care factor, and everything that Gerry put into it. I mean, you could not ask for anything more of a guy than what Gerry gave.”

Shapen beat out senior quarterback and last year’s starter Gerry Bohanon for the right to lead the Bears’ offense to kick off their 2022 campaign. Last season Shapen played in six games as a sophomore, including two starts when Bohanon was out with an injury. Most notably, he led Baylor to their Big 12 title last season, setting a title game record of 17 straight completions in the process. Shapen finished last year, completing 62 of his 86 pass attempts for 596 yards, five touchdowns, and zero interceptions.

Bohanon exits transfer portal, lands in Florida

Despite losing out to Shapen, Bohanon landed on his feet and will suit up for South Florida next season. And Aranda seeing his former quarterback doing big things for the Bulls.

“And then to be on the other side of it and have a competition and not come out with it, I mean he deserves my respect and my service and my love, because of the person that he is and how he handled everything. I think, for me when it comes to time when I’m being moved on from, I hope I handle it as well as Gerry. So, it’s just we’re happy for him that he found a spot. He’s gonna do well.”

Former Baylor star signal-caller Gerry Bohanon announced his transfer destination on his Instagram page in May and it turns out, he’ll be suiting up for the South Florida Bulls next season. Landing the former Baylor star immediately raises the expectations for the Bulls’ offense for the 2022-2023 college football season. His commitment for South Florida is absolutely massive, especially since he picked them over several Power Five programs.