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Baylor Red Raiders have plenty of game experience up front

Baylor's Mekos Baker runs in a catch for a touchdown during a scrimmage against Brainerd at Central High School's Central Memorial Stadium on Tuesday, Aug. 1, in Harrison, Tenn.
Baylor's Mekos Baker runs in a catch for a touchdown during a scrimmage against Brainerd at Central High School's Central Memorial Stadium on Tuesday, Aug. 1, in Harrison, Tenn. Baylor's Mekos Baker runs in a catch for a touchdown during a scrimmage against Brainerd at Central High School's Central Memorial Stadium on Tuesday, Aug. 1, in Harrison, Tenn.

By Stephen Hargis 3 min read

Head coach: Phil Massey (92-51 in 13 years here; 154-98 overall)

Returning starters: 7 offensive; 7 defensive

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Key players: LB Noah Martin (6-1, 215); DT Seth Johnson (6-1, 280); OL Daniel Oliver (6-3, 305); WR-DB Gabriel Stulce (5-11, 175); WR Mekos Baker (6-4, 175); TE-DL Isaiah Golonka (6-3, 230); FS Riley Jenne (6-0, 170); QB Neyland Jean (6-3, 205); RB-DB Elijah Howard (5-11, 175); OL-DL Sam Christensen (6-1, 280).

photo Baylor quarterback Neyland Jean takes a break with fellow player Friday during a 7 on 7 receivers workout at Baylor.

Team strengths: The Red Raiders have plenty of game experience up front, led by five offensive linemen who started last season, and the secondary has more depth and speed than in the past few years. Oliver is a three-year starter and Johnson is versatile enough to play any position on the offensive front if needed. If Golonka can avoid the injuries that limited him last season, he could be a big-time contributor on either side of the ball.

Team concerns: With the players who missed significant time last year returning from injury and a handful of transfers and newcomers, finding the team chemistry that will translate into consistency will be key.