Baker Mayfield feature (week 13)

Arrogant, cocky, whatever you call it, he’s a player. Baker Mayfield, a former 3 star walk-on at Texas Tech, is now the Heisman trophy frontrunner, leading the Oklahoma Sooners to a likely College Football Playoff appearance.  At Texas Tech, Baker became the first true freshman walk-on to start a season opener at a power 5 school.  The NCAA even a named a rule after him.  The “Baker Mayfield rule” allows transferring walk-ons to play right away (avoiding the mandatory 1year sit-out), giving Mayfield one more year of eligibility. In his third and final year at Oklahoma, Baker’s been remarkable;  23-5 record as a starter, twice a Heisman Trophy finalist, and has helped win two straight Big 12 championships.

With all of his football accolades, it’s his off field actions that gives call for concern. Baker shares more than just being a strong-armed scrambler with former Heisman winner Johnny Manziel.  They both have huge ego’s and live the party lifestyle,   On February 25, 2016 Mayfield was arrested for public intoxication.  However, unlike Manziel, Mayfield was able to complete the rehab and alcohol education course before it got out of control.

The Sooners’ season has been a roller coaster so far.  The summer started with legendary coach Bob Stoops retiring after 18 years.  In week 2, Baker Mayfield stepped up as their leader, putting on a show in the horseshoe against then second ranked Ohio State.   After a slow start, Mayfield accounted for 3 touchdowns and 228 passing yards in the second half, leading the Sooners to a dominating 31-16 win.  When the game ended, Mayfield planted the Oklahoma flag on the 50 yard line.  Although not surprising, it certainly was viewed as disrespectful.  Buckeye faithful were not happy about the flag, some are looking for revenge if the two teams meet in the postseason.  Mayfield said, “I didn't mean it to be disrespectful to Ohio State and their program… but it was an exciting and emotional win”.

The flag gesture came back to bite Mayfield and his Sooners in week 6 of the season.  Iowa State, a 30 point underdog, went into Oklahoma’s stadium to beat the Sooners 38-31. After the game, Iowa State defensive back Everett Edwards planted the State of Iowa on the Sooners’ 50  yard line.

Knowing that one more loss would essentially decimate their playoff hopes, Mayfield led the sooners to seven straight wins.  He averaged 350+ yards per game during that span.  

Baker’s “Heisman moment” came in week 10 against arch rival Oklahoma State.  In Stillwater, he had 598 yards and 6 touchdowns as Oklahoma kept their playoff and Big 12 championship hopes alive. This performance got the NFL scouts attention as he is now seriously considered to be a first round pick.

Mayfield’s most memorable game might’ve happened just last week against the Kansas Jayhawks.  The Sooners won 41-3, Mayfield threw for 257 yards and 3 touchdowns.  However, when the Jayhawk captains refused to shake hands at the start of the game, Baker took this as a sign of disrespect and reacted.  Throughout the game Baker upped his trash talk and even got a bit chippy.  With 4 minutes left in the third quarter, the game far out of reach, Mayfield threw his third touchdown of the game.  Instead of celebrating with his team, Mayfield inappropriately directed his behavior towards members of the Kansas defense. There was a “crotch grab” with many expletives.  These actions alone may drop his NFL draft stock.  As punishment, the next game, his last home game, he was not allowed to be Captain nor start for the Sooners.  For the first time since his freshman year, he wasn’t the starting quarterback. While he still played in the game, the news crushed Mayfield. “Not being a captain for my final home game... is gonna be hard” Mayfield said as he fought back tears.

Mayfield probably will win the Heisman, win the Big 12 Championship, and play in the College Football Playoff.  Mayfield looks like the best quarterback in his class. However, his off-field antics and cocky attitude still give concern to NFL General Managers.  GM’s don't like to risk an early draft pick on a guy with concerns.  In terms of just football, it’s hard to imagine Mayfield dropping out of the first round of the draft. Wherever he ends up, he has the drive and competitiveness to help his organization win for many years to come.