Baylor head coach Dave Aranda shared some good news regarding defensive lineman Jackie Marshall’s recovery while also highlighting quarterback Sawyer Robertson’s significant leadership impact ahead of the Bears’ Week 3 tilt with FCS squad Samford.
Although the Bears have faced a difficult start to the season, particularly with Marshall’s high-ankle sprain, Robertson’s energizing presence and safety Devyn Bobby’s defensive leadership have emerged as bright spots.
How Are Sawyer Robertson and Devyn Bobby Leading the Bears Through Adversity?
Dave Aranda provided a positive update on Baylor’s star defensive lineman, Jackie Marshall, who is recovering from a high-ankle sprain that limited him to just six snaps against SMU. Marshall’s injury originally happened during the season opener against Auburn, where he played only eight snaps before exiting the game.
“He was out with us [at practice]. He’s doing better. He was struggling to kind of get his footing and all of it. I think a lot of the things he was going through, feeling like he could get it done, and then you really don’t know until you know. He’s feeling great today,” an account following the Bears tweeted.
Dave Aranda provided an update on Baylor star defensive lineman Jackie Marshall, who is working his way back from a high-ankle sprain (Marshall played six snaps against SMU):
“He was out with us [at practice]. He’s doing better. He was struggling to kind of get his footing and… pic.twitter.com/eUQWiVFiZC
— Baylor Bears on SicEm365 (@SicEm365) September 9, 2025
Without Marshall on the field, Aranda had to simplify the defense, shifting to basic gap assignments instead of the more complicated four-down fronts the team used previously. This situation has created a need for others to step up, and several have done just that.
The Bears later tweeted about the leadership roles filled by redshirt senior QB Sawyer Robertson and senior safety Devyn Bobby, with Aranda emphasizing their impact.
“Sawyer on the sidelines, regardless of what the score was or what the situation was, was bringing guys up and was always positive. On the defensive side, Devyn Bobby was that way.”
Dave Aranda talks about Sawyer Robertson and Devyn Bobby and the impact they have:
“Sawyer on the sidelines, regardless of what the score was or what the situation was, was bringing guys up and was always positive. On the defensive side, Devyn Bobby was that way.”#SicEm🐻 pic.twitter.com/kAD447m33g
— Baylor Bears on SicEm365 (@SicEm365) September 9, 2025
Aranda continued to praise both players for their contributions.
“Devyn’s playing the best football I’ve seen him play, two games in a row. But Sawyer was communicating up and down the sideline, was positive,” he said.
“Towards the end, I’d walk in the offensive huddle, and there’s just a command with him, and it’s just so cool to see. It is crazy what confidence can do to somebody. And so he’s got that going right now, so we’re thankful for it,” Aranda continued.
Robertson’s leadership has been crucial during this transitional period for Baylor. The senior quarterback, who threw for 3,071 yards and 28 touchdowns in 2024, has solidified his role as the team’s unquestioned leader.
At the same time, Bobby’s strong presence on defense has coincided with his best on-field performance, according to his coach. These leadership qualities will be essential as the Bears navigate conference play while dealing with key injuries.
