http://www.wacotrib.com/sports/bayl...cle_2b4eb452-6533-50ed-9a88-320a31ea9dc8.html
Ish Wainright officially joining Baylor football roster
By JOHN WERNER
jwerner@wacotrib.com Apr 18, 2017 (1)
Ish Wainright makes a shot against USC
Associated Press photo
Former Baylor basketball player Ish Wainright will hang up the sneakers for a set of football cleats in 2017.
After watching Rico Gathers play tight end for the Dallas Cowboys, Ish Wainright will take his chances on the Baylor football team.
Wainright suited up for Baylors Tuesday practice after finishing his fourth season with the Bears basketball team at Madison Square Garden last month. The 6-5, 235-pound Wainright will have one year of collegiate eligibility on the football team in the fall.
Hes got the frame that looks like an NFL tight end, said Baylor coach Matt Rhule. Hes got really good hands and from what Ive seen he hasnt been afraid to block. We havent put him in any live situations yet. But in drill work hes shown a comfortability in blocking.
Following his basketball career for the Bears, the 6-8, 280-pound Gathers was a sixth-round pick by the Dallas Cowboys last spring and spent the 2016 season on the practice squad.
Wainright was one of the leaders of Baylors basketball team that reached the Sweet 16 this year as he averaged 5.5 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.2 assists. He started all 35 games and was the only senior on the squad.
Just as a fan I noticed Ish appears to be a really good team guy and a tremendous leader and person, Rhule said. Were excited to see if this works out. We recruited him really hard. Ish will try to work out all the kinks over the next year.
The Bears are stacked at tight end Jordan Feuerbacher, Sam Tecklenburg, Quan Jones, Josh Malin and Jayson Clements on board. Though Wainright hasnt played football since ninth grade, Rhule believes he can make up ground fast since since several members of his staff have NFL coaching experience.
Theres guys doing this transition all over the NFL and I think we have really great coaches who think outside the box, Rhule said. If it doesnt work out hell just go back to playing (pro) basketball. Hes got a pretty cool legacy right now as a Baylor Bear and he can add on to that, and maybe has chance to play pro football.
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http://www.ourdailybears.com/2017/4/22/15394720/baylor-green-gold-game-new-faces-and-different-looks
Ish Wainright 26-yard TD from Charlie Brewer @Baylor247 Gold 43, Green 25 pic.twitter.com/oYBNAE3EtY
Tony Adame (@tadame247) April 22, 2017
One of two TD passes thrown in the Spring Game by true freshman Charlie Brewer.