• Video: The Big Red Today Show from day one at Big 12 media days, with Lee Barfknecht, Rich Kaipust and Jon Nyatawa:
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DALLAS — So where was RG3?
That's Baylor's nickname for star junior quarterback Robert Griffin III, who missed most of last season with a torn knee ligament.
The Big 12 Media Days throng wanted to hear from Griffin himself about his rehab and hopes for leading the Bears to their first bowl game in 16 years.
Instead, BU coach Art Briles brought along defensive tackle Phil Taylor, offensive tackle Danny Watkins and linebacker Antonio Johnson.
Briles said he talked with Griffin about attending, but decided to bring three other players to show “there are other good players at Baylor, too.''
Still, many questions pointed to Griffin.
He weighs 217 pounds, nine more than he played at last season. Briles said the recovery from major knee surgery has been as smooth as could be expected.
“Everything he's done since his injury has been in a structured atmosphere,'' Briles said. “So in that atmosphere, he's really in great shape.
“What we've got to do when we get him on the field Sept. 4 is see how he responds instinctively. That's how you determine where you're at physically, when you make movements without your brain working first.''
Taylor aims to make up for last year's dud
At last year's Big 12 Media Days, Briles touted Penn State transfer Phil Taylor as one of the nation's premier defensive tackles.
After Taylor produced just 25 tackles and one-half sack in 2009 for the Bears, Briles is approaching 2010 with caution.
“I told him this year we're going to pass judgment after six games,'' the coach said. “I think I know where he's at, but I thought I knew a year ago, too, and I found out I wasn't as smart as I thought I was.''
The 6-foot-4 Taylor said he's ready for a big year after dropping from 360 pounds to 335.
“After last season,'' Taylor said, “I thought about things and thought I let my team down and the fans down who really believed in me.
“This year, I'm going to go out there and make up for it. I feel a lot quicker, and I don't get tired near as fast.''
—Lee Barfknecht
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