The 50 most important college players in Texas in 2016 — No. 50, Baylor's Chance Waz

Photo by Artie GuerreroThe importance of a player is not always defined by their skill. The most important player on a team is not always the best player on a team. This list is designed to breakdown the 50 most important players in Texas college football for the 2016 season. It is not a ranking of the 50 best college football players in the state. Importance can be defined by position, need, skill or leadership. We’ll count down the list through the summer, all the way to No. 1.No. 50: Baylor safety Chance WazThe History Waz got his start at Pflugerville Hendrickson under head coach Chip Killian. Hendrickson is a school known for a strong secondary and Waz is arguably the best the school produced in its history. As a senior in high school, Waz was his district’s defensive MVP after recording 112 tackles, eight interceptions, 16 pass breakups, two touchdowns, three fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles. He was named to nearly every All-State list, including Dave Campbell Texas Football’s 2014 winter edition. After choosing Baylor, Waz played in 11 of 13 games as a true freshman, missing two due to injury. He was one of four players in the 2012 class to play as true freshman for the Big 12 champion Baylor Bears. Waz entered his sophomore season second on the depth chart at cover safety. He ended up starting most of the season, playing in 13 games and finishing fourth on the team with 70 tackles. The Skillset The junior isn’t the biggest or the fastest safety on Baylor’s roster. Waz is productive, however, and has a nose for the football dating back to his prep days. He’s unafraid in run-support and is entrusted enough in pass coverage to be listed as the starting cover safety after Baylor spring ball. He didn’t record a single interception as a junior, which needs to change for Baylor to be successful. Waz is best playing downhill against the run or in zone coverage. His 1-on-1 skills as a defender in the secondary are continuing to improve with reps. At 6-foot, 185 pounds, Waz enters his junior year prepared to become a household name to opposing offenses in the Big 12. The Impact Baylor allowed over 28 points per game in 2015, in large part to a shaky secondary. The Bears put up points and the talent in the front-seven of the defense is improving with better recruiting on that side of the ball. Baylor enters 2016 with national championship hopes, which is suddenly the norm in Waco. Anything short of a Big 12 title would be a disappointment. Improved play at the safety position is needed and it starts with Waz. A consistent season from him gives Baylor an option at cover safety for the next two seasons. His position and skill-set make Waz responsible for a multitude of assignments in the secondary. He’s proven to be impactful against the run, now he must turn pass breakups into interceptions. Baylor registered only 16 interceptions in 13 games last season. That has to change, and Waz could play a big role.

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