Baylor doesn't have many question marks along its depth chart this spring, but replacing the quarterback of its defense could be a challenge. A closer look at another key Big 12 spring position battle:

Departed: Bryce Hager is off to the NFL -- and made a big impression at the NFL combine -- after earning second-team All-Big 12 honors three straight years. He logged a total of 32 starts and 322 tackles during his time in Waco and provided critical production, consistency and leadership during the Bears' run to back-to-back Big 12 championships.

Spring contenders: Senior Grant Campbell, junior Aiavion Edwards, sophomore Raaquan Davis, sophomore Xavier Phillips, junior Kendall Ehrlich.

Summer contenders: Freshman Lenoy Jones Jr.

The skinny: This is shaping up to be a battle between two relatively veteran players. Edwards started five games last season at weakside linebacker before Taylor Young took over that spot. He enters his fourth year in the program with 55 career tackles (six for loss). Campbell's résumé is a bit lighter. He transferred from Bakersfield Community College last year and recorded 11 tackles as a reserve while getting accustomed to the speed of Baylor's play. Teammates say he's strong, fast, physical and ready to help this defense. Davis and Ehrlich played as reserves and on special teams last season, and we've yet to see what Phillips can do. Jones was a late get in recruiting who seems likely to redshirt.

Prediction: Edwards and Campbell are both qualified and well-suited to take over for Hager, and I wouldn't be surprised if they compete through spring ball and into fall camp for the job. The Bears need a know-it-all in the middle who can handle getting the defensive calls and getting his teammates lined up. Hager was practically an extra coach on the field. His successor will need to play at a high level right away. I like Campbell's chances, but I think both will end up earning starts this fall.