Editor's note: This originally ran May 22.

Recruiting review: 2016 Baylor class

Number of signees: 15

Number of players still with team: 11

This class was hurt badly by the Art Briles firing, with many backing out of their commitments, hence the low number of signees and retention after one year.

Number of players in NFL: 0

By rule, this class is not yet qualified to play in the NFL.

Star of the class: Quarterback Zach Smith

Seth Russell's midseason injury inserted Smith into the starting lineup. The four-star quarterback struggled at first adjusting to the speed of the college game, but by the time the Bears' appearance in the Cactus Bowl came around, he proved that he is the QB of the future for Baylor.

Surprise of the class: Defensive back Grayland Arnold

It's not often a true freshman can make an impact on defense, but Arnold did just fine. In 11 games, he recorded 20 tackles (two for loss) and four pass breakups.

OTHER RECRUITING REVIEWS -- 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013

Disappointment of the class: Wide receiver Denzel Mims

This is a pretty unfair assessment because, really, how can you be a disappointment after just one season in college? But Mims played in 11 games and made just four catches. That level of production will need be raised in his sophomore year.

Member of the class poised to break out in 2017: Wide receiver Jared Atikinson

The former three-star prospect only played in seven games last year but has the chance for a bigger role with K.D. Cannon and Ishmael Zamora off to the NFL.