50 Best of the Non-BCS: Number 29
The Verdict: A redshirt freshmen for the Cardinals a season ago, Baker teamed up last season with veteran Ball State strong safety Alex Knipp to give coach Hoke's defense arguably the best starting safety tandem in any of the non-BCS conferences. The ball-hawking Cardinal defense led the MAC in interceptions during 2008, thanks largely in part to Baker, who possesses excellent ball skills and recognition ability in pass defense. Named conference Freshmen of the Year following the 2008 season, Baker finished the 2008 campaign with 94 tackles, two forced fumbles, and six interceptions. Baker also scored two defensive touchdowns on the season, including a 40-yard pick six against Indiana. A do-it-all athlete who shows All-Conference ability in both run support and pass coverage, Baker has a bright future ahead of him and gives the Cardinals an excellent shot to return to the postseason in 2009.
Past Players: [#50: Navy LB Ross Pospisil] [#49: Fresno State RB Ryan Mathews] [#48: Wyoming DT John Fletcher] [#47: BSU WR Briggs Orsbon] [#46: EMU QB Andy Schmitt] [#45: Marshall TE Cody Slate] [#44: LA Tech WR/KR Philip Livas] [#43: CSU Gaurd Shelly Smith] [#42: Wyoming FS Chris Prosinski] [#41: SMU receiver Emmanual Sanders] [#40: UTEP QB Trevor Vittatoe] [#39: CMU DE/DT Frank Zombo] [#38: Nevada RB Vai Tuau] [#37: Marshall DE Albert McClellan] [#36: Boise State DE Ryan Winterswyk] [#35: ULM LB Cardia Jackson] [#34: CMU WR Bryan Anderson] [#33: SJSU DE Carl Ihenacho] [#32: ASU DE Alex Carrington] [#31: Kent State RB Eugene Jarvis]
