It’s gone by in a flash, but here we are…the final year of eligibility for one Garmon Randolph. The Jefferson Class of 2019 product has been emerging for years as a true leader for the Baylor Bears, and he’s more determined than ever to lead the defense in 2024.
Despite a 3-9 overall record last year, Baylor has a linebacker unit that’s been together for several years now, and Randolph is the linchpin in that group.
“We picked up right where we left off,” he told media on August 7 regarding the defensive momentum carrying over from the spring. “I wouldn’t say it’s easy. It’s all hard work every day…as long as we pound the rock, it’ll all fall into place.”
Randolph has been at Baylor since the 2019 season. His first year on campus he redshirted, but did appear in 2 games for a Bears team that went 11-3, getting to the Big 12 Championship game and to the Sugar Bowl. He registered one tackle that season. In the COVID 2020 season, he appeared in 5 games, recording 2 tackles (1 for loss) and his first career sack. Baylor was 2-7 that season.
The following year, he began to truly emerge. Playing 11 games and getting his first 4 starts, Randolph was Big 12 Player of the Week after a win against Iowa State in which he tallied 6 tackles (1 for loss) along with his first interception. He had 22 tackles (2 TFL), 1 Sack, an INT, and a PD as the Bears went 12-2, won the Big 12 Championship, and were Sugar Bowl Champions. He had a tackle in the Big 12 title game and a career-best 7 tackles in the Sugar Bowl win.
Then came his 2022 redshirt junior season. As a full-time starter (11 starts in 13 games played), he had 43 tackles (7 TFL) and 4.5 Sacks, all career highs while holding down the JACK position. Baylor was 6-7 that season and played in the Armed Forces Bowl. Randolph rolled it back in 2023 (redshirt senior year), and had 5 starts and 11 games played. His starts all came in the second half of the year. He had 23 tackles, a fumble recovery, and a PD. He was slowed that season by a lingering heel injury and missed some time. Then came a decision for Randolph. With the COVID year offering him one last chance to play, would he use it at all? If so, at Baylor, or elsewhere?
“I did have a decision to make…I’ve spent 5-6 years here,” Randolph told media back in April. “I’ve put a lot of time, money, everything into this. Like coach said, it’s the last year. I’m coming for it all. Ain’t no reason to go do it with anyone else.”
Baylor is certainly glad to have a now fully healthy Randolph anchoring down the defense. Last year was disappointing for the Bears, who went just 3-9. The defense in many minds has improved since then, and the 6’8, 260-lb linebacker explains why.
“I wouldn’t say better, just more locked in,” he told media. “Everybody’s’ going to know what they have to do, be deep in the playbook.”
A media member asked how Randolph had reinvested in himself while adding 20 pounds of muscle.
“Bigger, faster, stronger, watching tape, being healthier,” Randolph explained during media sessions. “Working hard. We lift each other up.”
He now has career stats that include 91 tackles (10 TFL), 6.5 sacks, an interception, fumble recovery, and 2 pass deflections. He’s played in 41 games overall.
Randolph played for the Dragons as a TE and DE. His senior season saw him record 34 tackles and a sack with an INT and fumble recovery, taking his pick back for a TD. He also had 14 catches for 205 yards and 5 TD, earning All-State HM status. A 2-time All-Region selection, he also had 12 receptions for 175 yards and 2 TD as a junior. He was ranked by ESPN as the #7 TE in the nation, and #36 player overall in Georgia. Both 247Sports and Rivals had him as the #73 player in Georgia. He held offers from Baylor, LSU, Alabama, Ole Miss, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, South Carolina, and UCLA among others. He was a 4-star by ESPN (80 Grade), and a 3-star (86) by 247Sports.
