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Baylor's Dave Aranda names Blake Shapen as Bears' starting QB for 2023 season

IMG_6598by:Nick Kosko•05/23/23•

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(Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

Baylor head coach Dave Aranda named Blake Shapen the starting quarterback for the Bears for the 2023 season.

He beat out Sawyer Robertson and Shapen will once again be under center for Baylor. Shapen started all 13 games last season for the Bears.

He had 2,790 yards, 18 touchdowns, 10 interceptions and a 63.3% completion percentage. Aranda explained the decision to go with the veteran over Robertson.

“Sawyer really progressed at the end of Spring,” Aranda said, via Kurtis Quillin. “I have to imagine he will continue to improve and I told him, ‘You really impressed and we’re excited about your future here.’”

Robertson had a response to his head coach, which Aranda shared Tuesday.

“Coach, Baylor is where I want to be and you’re going to see me continue to get better,” Robertson said.

Robertson transferred in from Mississippi State, where he spent two seasons. He appeared in five games last year and went just six-of-11 passing for 23 yards and an interception.

As a member of the Class of 2021, Robertson was a four-star recruit out of Lubbock (Texas) Coronado, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 31 overall prospect in the state, the No. 18 quarterback in the class and the No. 183 overall prospect in the class.

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As far as what went into the decision, Shapen had better consistency in the spring, according to Aranda and the staff.

Throughout the course of his career, Shapen has 3,386 yards, 23 touchdowns, 10 interceptions and a 65% completion percentage.

As a member of the Class of 2020, Shapen was a three-star recruit out of Shreveport (La.) Evangel Christian Academy, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 27 overall prospect in the state, the N. 46 quarterback in the class and the No. 652 overall prospect in the class.

Baylor is two years removed from a Big 12 title but Shapen could be the guy to get the team back to the big stage.