Sep 22, 2018; Waco, TX, USA; Baylor Bears cornerback Grayland Arnold (4) makes a fourth down stop of Kansas Jayhawks wide receiver Stephon Robinson (5) during the second half at McLane Stadium.

James Lynch is a defensive tackle. Grayland Arnold is a corner back. Will Williams is a linebacker. Those are positions, something that Matt Rhule wants to start getting away from. That is why you will see those players at defensive end, nickle corner and safety this year for the Baylor Bears defense. It is a defense that needs to improve and take a big step in year three under Matt Rhule and Phil Snow. Two years of disappointing results have caused changes in philosophy and practices. One of those is the idea of a more position-less Baylor defense.

"We are trying to evolve more and more to a position less defense where you don't just say hey this guy is this, where you utilize (a player's) skill set," Matt Rhule said after a recent practice.

Grayland Arnold is a great example of that. He is a key corner for the Bears, but shifting inside in a safety/nickle corner role as well. He is also returning punts for the Bears. Getting the junior back off of his red shirt season in 2018 has been a big boost for Baylor. In fact, Arnold was one of the first players Rhule spoke about as standouts.

"Having him back in the mix and the passion he brings and the energy he brings to the team, and just his focus is so much further ahead of where it once was," Rhule said. "He is like I am getting ready to play the last two games of my life focused, and that really drives people."

Try BearsIllustrated.com for $1 Click Here

Arnold's flexibility in the defense will allow it to adjust to the high-tempo offenses in the Big 12. Having a player able to play another role on the fly helps with match ups and covers for injuries as well.

"We want to teach is globally so we want our corners to be able to go play safety so if we lose a guy a corner can go play safety. We want safeties that can play linebackers, and linebackers that can go rush the passer."

That protection against injuries and ability to flex the defense will be key for the Bears in 2019. Being able to go from a 3-man front to pushing Clay Johnston down to rush end on a big 3rd down and pass rushing situation will allow Baylor to go faster and disguise what they are doing.

"As we move in and out of 3-4 and 4-3 and all those different things, if we have to sub all the time it is one thing. But if we have guys that can do multiple things it gives us a lot of flexibility."

It is also about getting your best players on the field more. At times, with the Bears frequently subbing in and out at key positions, star players were on the bench at big moments of the game. Having more positional flexibility could allow for more time on the field for the Bears best players.

"We might have 15 guys that go into the game and cover 22 positions," Rhule said.

It is one of the many areas to watch for the Bears, and hopefully a part of the next step for the Baylor defense.