Indiana 2020 Commit David Baker (WR) Highlights and Evaluation
David Baker, a 6-foot-2 200-pound product of Scecina High School in Indianapolis, Indiana, will look no further than a state school an hour down the road to establish his collegiate football legacy. A dedicated and driven athlete, Baker is excited about his future with an experienced coaching staff at Indiana University in Bloomington.
When asked why he chose IU, this was his answer:
“The coaching staff. From coach (Tom) Allen to the receivers’ coach (Grant Heard) to the strength coaches, it was phenomenal. The fact that I could play for my home state was a big deal. I can stay close to home and my family can watch me play. That was a big factor. I always wanted my friends and family to be able to watch me play. After I took the official visit (the weekend of June 15) it was kind of like, ‘IU is the place I need to be.’” (Indianapolis Star)
After dropping a crucial third-down catch in one of the last plays of the state championship, Baker took it upon himself to make the necessary strides to ensure he would never let an opportunity like that slip through his fingers again.
Excited about the buy-in of the entire IU roster, Baker is eager to get on the field at Memorial Stadium.
@IndianaFootball
Let’s take a look at what sort of skills he brings to the table for Indiana, as well as how he likely will dominate the state of Indiana during his senior season.
Strengths
Third Gear — He’s got a burst in his go routes that, even against off-ball coverage, throws corners off balance. As big as he is, he uses his long strides and big body to his advantage on contested passes downfield.
High Point — Talented ball skills, the type of kid who dominated 3-flags-up games his whole life, and it shows. BTW, is it 3-flags up, or 3-flies up? LMK in the comments below because now I’m second-guessing myself. He also displays supreme body control and moves really well around the red zone. Fantastic at setting up the fade with his release.
Strength — I see Baker projecting well in the slot as well as on the perimeter. He shows the ability to release on the outside and bend his route back on track, using his size and lean to resist the corner’s pressure.
Kyle Neddenriep of the Indianapolis Star asked Baker, “Now that you have made this decision (committed to IU), what’s next?”. Baker responds, “Just being able to be a leader for my team. Since it is my senior year, I have to develop myself into more of a vocal leader. I have been more of a lead-by-example type of person. I need to be more vocal this year.”
Indiana Football Recruiting Class of 2020
Along with 6-foot-7 tight end Jalen Williams, and 4-star receiver Rashawn Williams, IU looks pretty set with three high-ceiling pass-catchers already in its 2020 class. Combine that with five offensive line commits so far, and you've got a solid haul.
However, with just five defensive commits, their priorities are likely shifting towards Geri Theodore, whom they offered and have been recruiting heavily since his official visit this past June.