Shawn Oakman
Jan 1, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; UCF Knights running back Storm Johnson (8) fumbles the ball while being tackled by Baylor Bears defensive lineman Byron Bonds (96) and defensive end Shawn Oakman (2) during the first half in the Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Reuters

Defensive end Shawn Oakman of the Baylor Bears in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) football will be returning for his senior year with the team. The news is positive for the Big 12 champs which will be getting the defensive player who led them in sacks and tackles.

Baylor will be facing Michigan State Spartans in the 2014 Cotton Bowl Classic on Jan. 1, 2015 and Oakman is expected to suit up for the college football squad. The 6-foot-9 280 pounds DE helped Baylor to a 11-1 overall record in the regular season and 8-1 in the Big 12 conference. Oakman’s best performance came on Nov. 22 against a 49-28 win over Oklahoma State when he had six tackles and 2 sacks.

Meanwhile, despite the one-loss record the Bears did not qualify for the four-team playoffs and Art Briles, Baylor’s head coach wasn’t happy with that decision. With one of the most best offences in the country, Briles and Bears along with a potent defence led by Oakman among others, will look to prove that they belong with the top teams contending in the NCAAF championship this season.

"I think everything worked out for us the way it's supposed to. And I have peace in that," Briles said via ESPN.com. "We're supposed to be where we're supposed to be and we're facing a great team and a very well-coached team. It is a great challenge for us.”

With Oakman back on D with the Bears next school year, Baylor will have 10 returning defensive ends. Watch Oakman’s junior season highlights below and video features on the Bears DE.

(YouTube/Harris Highlights)

(YouTube/Tube Test)

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