Baylor has lost half of its 2016 signing class
Baylor has now lost half of its 2016 signing class.
As first reported Thursday by SicEmSports.com, Baylor confirmed to the Waco Tribune that it has released Brandon Bowen from his National Letter of Intent. Bowen, a four-star defensive end from Trophy Club, Texas, is the 11th signee from Baylor’s formerly 22-man signing class to leave the program.
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Bowen, the No. 63 overall prospect in the country, committed to Baylor in January and signed with the program on national signing day. However, like many others, Bowen asked for his release after Art Briles was fired as head coach. The decision to move on from Briles came after an investigation into the school’s handling of sexual assault accusations, including several involving BU players.
Baylor spokesperson Heath Nielsen confirmed to the Tribune that Bowen has been granted a full release, meaning he is free to re-enter the recruiting process and sign with any other program.
Baylor announced last week that it released five players from their NLIs. Three of those players – defensive back Donovan Duvernay, and offensive linemen Patrick Hudson and J.P. Urquidez – have signed with Texas. Running back Kameron Martin signed a financial aid agreement with Auburn while Cobb has yet to choose a school.
Another former Bears signee, Devin Duvernay (the brother of Donovan), also signed with Texas. He was allowed to re-enter the recruiting process earlier than the others because Baylor did not properly submit his NLI after signing day in February.
Elsewhere, receiver Tren’Davian Dickson – an early enrollee – announced his plans to transfer to Houston. Two other early enrollees – junior college transfers B.J. Autry and Jeremy Faulk – are also no longer students at Baylor. Faulk was reportedly asked to leave Baylor because of his alleged involvement in an April sexual assault accusation. Autry may have been involved, per ESPN’s Outside the Lines.
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Finally, defensive lineman DeQuinton Osborne, another junior college transfer, was granted his release and will reportedly attend Oklahoma State.
For more Baylor news, visit SicEmSports.com.
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Sam Cooper is a writer for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
