Spring Check In: Recruitment Ramping up for Brandon Baker

Brandon Baker is the top offensive tackle in the 2024 class and has strong ties to the Oregon program.

Author:
Max Torres
Publish date:
Mar 23, 2023 12:52 PM EDT

In this story:

The Oregon Ducks are still looking for their first commitment along the offensive line in the 2024 class.

Fortunately, there's no shortage of options for A'lique Terry, particularly out west and in the state of California.

Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei offensive tackle Brandon Baker has been a top Oregon target for a long time.

Oregon's pursuit of Baker changed in a big way when both Adrian Klemm and Viane Talamaivao took new jobs after the 2022 season.

"I was just kind of surprised not gonna lie," Baker said of his reaction to Klemm's departure. "But honestly it kind of opened my eyes to the whole recruitment process, really because prior to that I would say Oregon was in a really good spot.

"They still are, but I would say for sure Oregon was one of the top schools throughout my entire recruiting process up until that point."

Lanning has since filled out the offensive line staff and the 6-foot-5, 280-pound tackle has started to build relationships with those new additions, namely Mike Cavanaugh, Cutter Leftwich and A'lique Terry. He hears from Oregon on a daily basis and offered his early impressions of the Ducks' new offensive line coach.

"He seems like a really down to earth person. Real genuine," he said of Terry. "Really has high interest in me and he just really wants to be transparent with building this relationship. He understands that I'm a highly-recruited guy and I have lots of other people hitting me (up) and whatnot.

"Just really talk, one to two times a week, kind of keeping him in the loop. That is definitely something that I really do appreciate and really excited to continue building my relationship with him."

Oregon is a school that Baker clearly has high interest in, especially with the culture Lanning is building.

"I'd have to say really just the new energy," he said about what why Oregon has his attention. "I've been there a handful of times and every time I'm down there it's just a breath of fresh air and new energy--it's something that's being built down there. I know Coach Lanning's definitely wanting to build a culture down there, so really excited to see how it's forming down there."

So what's the latest on a return trip to Eugene for the nation's number one offensive tackle?

"At the moment it's looking like next month, (April) 22nd and 23rd as well as the week following after so back to back weekends at the moment."

The Ducks signed the nation's top offensive tackle in 2022 in Josh Conerly Jr., so why not do it again in 2024?

"Really just starting that foundation in the class," Baker said of the message Oregon is sending him. "Being able to be that guy that attracts other recruits. I talk to Josh Conerly and Coach Terry's always letting me know. Coach Terry's emphasizing why not have two top offensive tackles, he was the top offensive tackle in 2022, just being able to reset that and getting the top offensive tackle in the 24 class."

Being the top player at your position generates a lot of recruiting buzz, and Baker has been busy on the recruiting trail with recent visits to Colorado, Miami and Ohio State.

With 25 reported offers on the table, three schools have been in contact with him the most.

"I would say at the moment Auburn, Miami, and Tennessee."

Next up is a trip to Nebraska this weekend, but he's starting to think about his official visits, including early contenders for those trips.

"I haven't really set anything in stone," Baker said. "I've got a couple places in mind though for sure. Ohio State, looking into Georgia and Miami possibly."

The standout offensive tackle sees himself taking two of his officials in the summer and spreading the remaining three out either during or after the season prior to making his commitment during the early signing period.

"I'll be cutting down my top schools I'd say after spring," he said. "Really just go through this month and next month, drop about about a top 10 to 12 list in mind and as far as commitment I could see myself committing in December."

With his visits ramping up over the next two months he discussed what factors are important as he navigates his recruitment.

"Just being able to take away pros and cons from the schools that I'm visiting. Get a feel for the environment and a couple of the values that I set when I visit are family environment, development of the offensive line position as well as education. Being able to see how the education part plays in this whole recruiting process."