IRVING, Texas — Baylor coach Art Briles paid tribute Tuesday to All-Big 12 linebacker Joe Pawelek.
“I tell our coaches to feel blessed every time they get to hang around a guy like that because there aren't many like him,'' Briles said. “He's a different cat on and off the field.''
What makes the senior from San Antonio special?
“There are no flaws,'' Briles said. “There are no hidden agendas. All there is from him is inspiration, motivation, discipline, high-quality characteristics and great intangibles.
“He understands what's going to happen before it happens. That's why he led the nation's linebackers in interceptions.''
Pawelek is the naton's leading active career tackler with 313. He was the only player in 2008 to rank in the top 10 nationally in tackles and interceptions. He also is a three-time acacdemic All-Big 12 pick as a double major in finance and economics.
Recruiting hook
When Briles went recruiting last winter, he had an added sales pitch: Come play with star quarterback Robert Griffin.
It worked.
“As far as coming and playing with Robert and being part of the system, yeah, that's helped a bunch,'' Briles said. “The dynamic qualities that he brings and our style of play on both sides of the ball is what has helped.''
Alumni trail
Going out to speak to alumni groups has been easier, Briles said, by having Griffin at quarterback and spreading hope for quick improvement over last year's 4-8 record.
“What we're seeing in the Baylor community,'' he said, “is a renewed sense of appreciation of a program going in the right direction.
“So with that reputation, we have expectations that we have to live up to on the field.''
— Lee Barfknecht
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