Pouring the Green & Gold: Davontrae Kirkland Becomes First 2027 Commit for Baylor Bears
In an electric start to their 2027 class, the Baylor Bears have snagged their first commit: 4‑star safety/cornerback Davontrae Kirkland from University High School in Waco, TX. This local standout becomes the early building block for what could evolve into a dominant defensive backfield down the line.
Player Profile & Credentials
- Name: Davontrae “D‑Train” Kirkland
- Position: Safety / Cornerback
- Class: 2027
- High School: University HS (Waco, TX)
- Height / Weight: Listed at 6′0″, 175–180 lbs (texags.com, on3.com, reddit.com, n.rivals.com)
- Recruiting Status: 4‑star (Rivals: 5.9/91 overall, #21 in Texas; On3 & Rivals recognition) (n.rivals.com)
Rivals projects his future positively, pegging Baylor among his top six, with his recruitment funnel narrowing to Baylor, Oklahoma, and Texas Tech (si.com).
Recruiting Overview & Development
Kirkland’s standout campaign as a sophomore showcases his versatility across the secondary. In 2023, he tallied 30 tackles and an interception over ten games (texastech.rivals.com). His on-field instincts hail from his training with Bernard “Bam” Blake—a partnership applauded for its football IQ, calmness, and decision-making prowess (utsa.rivals.com).
He’s drawn offers from multiple Power 5 programs—Baylor, Texas Tech, Houston, TCU, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Arizona State, and Arizona (si.com)—making his decision a notable victory for Baylor’s recruiting efforts.
What This Commit Means for Baylor
- Local Talent Retention: Securing a 4‑star from Waco continues Baylor’s success in anchoring high-caliber Texas players—a key to fortifying regional pipelines (baylorlariat.com).
- Secondary Foundation: Landing an elite defensive prospect early ensures Baylor has the flexibility to build around him in subsequent classes.
- Recruiting Momentum: The commitment sends a signal: Baylor is a rising program capable of competing with historical powerhouses for elite talent.
Why Baylor Popped Up on His Radar
Baylor’s recruiting pitch clearly resonated on multiple fronts:
- Relationships: Kirkland’s comfort with coaches and current roster candidates played a central role (si.com).
- Vision: Baylor’s upward momentum in NIL, coaching stability, and program identity left a favorable impression.
- Proximity: The pull of playing close to home—and in front of family—can’t be overstated, especially for a Waco native.
Looking Ahead: Baylor’s 2027 Class Trajectory
With Kirkland locking early, Baylor sets a tone for the recruitment cycle:
- He becomes the foundational piece around which the staff can shape defensive backfield priorities—cornerbacks, safeties, nickelbacks.
- His early commitment may attract other defensive prospects looking to join a solidified secondary.
- Baylor can pivot recruiting efforts toward other areas of need—offensive and defensive trenches, skill groups—while keeping momentum rolling.
Coach & Scout Reactions
While Baylor’s staff hasn’t publicly commented yet, recruiting analysts have weighed in:
“Baylor, Oklahoma and Texas Tech are trending up with four‑star 2027 safety Davontrae Kirkland, who is moving closer toward locking in his college commitment” (si.com).
Texas recruiting insider notes, “A talent who looks to be playing beyond his young age … his IQ and diagnosing of plays and calmness … jumps out at you” (utsa.rivals.com).
Next Moves for Kirkland
- Official Visit: Expect an official visit to Baylor in the near future—likely this summer or fall—to deepen ties and spotlight Baylor’s facilities.
- Focus on Development: With his recruitment sealed, Kirkland can hone in on training, refining skills, and preparing mentally for college competition.
- Class Growth: Baylor’s coaching staff will capitalize on this early landing to push for more secondary recruits and bolster class depth overall.
In Summary
Baylor’s early commitment from Davontrae Kirkland is a statement—and an achievement. It signals strong in-state recruiting, a strategic defensive build, and a compelling vision that resonated with a top-tier 2027 prospect from Waco. As Baylor continues to chase prominence in the Big 12 and nationally, this early win may prove pivotal in shaping the identities of both the player and the program.
Davontrae Kirkland’s commitment isn’t just a name on a list—it’s the spark Baylor needed to ignite its 2027 class.
