Devonte Tezino will not return for Baylor this season after being injured during the Bears’ win over Prairie View A&M. The defensive tackle had established himself as an important interior defender, and coach Dave Aranda had called him one of the team’s top performers at the position after the season opener.
Tezino made an early mark by registering two sacks against Auburn. Aranda said Baylor would miss the work Tezino had invested in developing that level of performance.
The injury is expected to give Baylor’s other defensive linemen bigger roles. Aranda pointed to Braylen Jackson, who has helped against the run and may see increased opportunities. He described Jackson as physical and said his run defense provides confidence.
Baylor began the season with the defensive line considered a major strength. Tezino’s absence will challenge the unit’s depth over the remainder of the schedule. Before the opener against Auburn, the Bears lost senior safety and defensive leader Jacob Redding because of a torn ACL.
