Baylor Football: Josh Gordon's Departure Is a Tough Blow to Bears Offense

Josh Gordon, Baylor’s second leading receiver in 2010, has decided to transfer, head coach Art Briles announced today.

Briles said, "Circumstances have unfolded for Josh that require him to pursue his collegiate degree and athletic career at a different university. I’m appreciative of the efforts he has made the past two seasons for this football program.”

The move comes just a few weeks after Briles suspended the junior receiver for a violation of team rules.

Last season, Gordon established himself as one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in the Big 12, hauling in 42 passes for over 700 yards and seven scores. He led the conference with 17 yards per catch.

His success on the field wasn't enough to overshadow the trouble he experienced off it, however.

Last October, Gordon was charged with misdemeanor marijuana possession after falling asleep in the drive-thru lane at a local Taco Bell late one night. And then, of course, came the recent undisclosed infraction that ultimately led to his decision to leave Waco.

The loss is a tough pill for Baylor to swallow, as the offense will now be without one of its key threats.

Quarterback Robert Griffin III and receiver Kendall Wright, two of the most explosive players in college football, will have to step up and make an even bigger impact this season if the Bears hope to hang with the big boys of the Big 12.

Griffin III, who totaled over 4,000 yards of offense last season, is one of the sport’s budding stars and now that he’s back to full health after fully recovering from a knee injury, he has a great shot to emerge as one of the conference’s premier players.

Wright, who has been the team’s leading receiver for three straight years, is coming off a season in which he caught 78 passes and nearly broke the 1,000-yard receiving mark.

Griffin III and Wright are both remarkable athletes who are capable of being offensive difference-makers, but without Gordon occupying the attention of opposing secondaries, things will be tougher this season.

The offense will need receivers like Lanear Sampson, Tevin Reese and Terrance Williams, who are all capable of producing when asked, to take a step up this season.

With Griffin III and Wright back, the offense will still have a chance to be very potent through the air in 2011, but Gordon’s presence will surely be missed.

Gordon was set to enter the season as one of the top junior receiver prospects for the 2012 NFL draft but now we'll have to see if this serves as a detour or a derailment on his path to the pros.

KWTX is reporting that a possible destination for Gordon could be Utah, although it’s still too early to tell where he’ll eventually end up and what the circumstances will be as far as him having to sit out a year. (http://www.kwtx.com/sports/headlines/Josh_Gordon_Leaves_Baylor_127798533.html?ref=533).