Starting quarterback . That's a title even Shapen is still adjusting to four months later with .Last season, Shapen stood on the sidelines waiting his turn. The Bearshas chemistry with and were riding high into November. A top 25 ranking was in sight. So was a chance at the Big 12 Championship.Then,Bohanon in November. The lo s of the dual-threat quarterback opened the door for Shapen to start. And if not for a shoulder injury suffered in practice before the Sugar Bowl, perhaps Shapen never would relinquish the title of QB1.He doesn't have to worry about things such as those now. Shapen is Keyshawn Johnson Jersey the clear-cut starter. It's still something he is adjusting to."Ive got to take full control of everything thats going on, Shapen said. I think I learned a lot of things being the backup. Stepping up into a leadership role is key for me right now.Baylor coach ended the conversation of who would start Week 1 in April. He was praised for telling Shapen that he had won the job, knowing there would be a risk factor of losing Bohanon to the transfer portal Chuma Edoga Jersey .The latter happened.Bohanon is now in South Florida, hoping to lead the Bulls to their first winning season since 2018. Aranda said at Big 12 Media Days , understanding the busine s side of the game.Shapen echoed a similar sentiment, callingBohanon a mentor that helped him develop into a valuable starter."Gerry taught me a lot and I learned a lot from him in the film room and on the field and how he handles things, Shapen said. I wish nothing but the best for him.Why Shapen overBohanon? Multiple factors went into the decision, but Shapen's accuracy outweighedBohanon's legs. In the biggest game of the season, the Louisiana product delivered.Against No. 5 Oklahoma State in the Big 12 Championship, Shapen shined. His 17 completions to begin the outing was a Big 12 Championship record. His 82.1 completion rating and three touchdowns also factored into Baylor's 21-16 upset over the Cowboys.And it's not as if Shapen's second start was the first sign of his articulate accuracy. In the 20-10 win over Kansas State, Shapen completed76.2 percent of his throws Jeff Smith Jersey . For the season, he finished with a completion rating of 72.1 percent to go along with 596 yards and five touchdowns."Hes a slinger, senior receiver . And I think, too, that says a lot to the work that we put in over the summer. Blakes a stud, hes got an arm, accurate quarterback, but we put in the work together to get that timing right. And if he puts it out there, were going to go get it.One thing Aranda has preached with quarterback play is the need to be oneself. On Friday, the third-year coach preached about a biblical verse mentioning "new wineskins" prefacing how things that transpired during the team's 12-2 season won't be duplicated this time around.That's also a testament to Shapen, who has earned the respect of his coaches and the locker room. The biggest reason? Personality.I think its one thing on this particular day, its going to be another after a big win or an unfortunate lo s and all that," Aranda said. "I think Blake on the inside has got it lined up. So you want him to lead from the inside out.Shapen will have his work cut out for him in the pa sing game. Leading receiver is now with . is trying to make the roster. RJ Sneed, who finished second in catches, elected to transfer to Colorado.Holmes, a sixth-year senior, likely Kevin Mawae Jersey will become the go-to weapon early for Shapen due to experience. The Bears are also high on young talent likeJosh Cameron, Javon Gipson and Jaylen Ellis."Were up here until 9:30 or 10:30 at night," Shapen said of the receivers. "Thats what this is for, to learn and grow, and learn from our mistakes, and keep moving forward.For the first time in program history, Baylor is the favorite acro s all avenues. The expectation is even with the lo s of talent on both sides, a 10-plus win season is plausible. So is a Big 12 title and perhaps even a trip to the College Football Playoff.Everything, however, relies on the quarterback. Shapen understands that proce s but isn't letting the pre sure get to him.Would any starting quarterback be different?"I know there are a lot of expectations to live up to, but at the end of the day thats not what Im worried about," Shapen said. Im worried about getting Ws every day."I just have to keep growing.The Bears open the season at home on George Fant Jersey Sept. 3 at 11 a.m. against Albany. and