Some good news for the Pack heading into a sure bloodletting this weekend: Tailback Toney Baker has been granted a sixth year of eligibility from the NCAA.
The Pack coaching staff was hopeful to get Baker his sixth year given the circumstances. He suffered a season-ending knee injury in the first game of the 2007 season, then--on the verge of returning--suffered another set back just prior to the 2008 season that wiped out the entire year.
Baker graduates with a degree in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management this December, and his play this year has been solid enough to earn a few looks from NFL scouts, so it's not a definite that he'll return to use it. Still, it's nice to have that option.
"That's why we filled out all the paper work and sent it off. I would be happy for it to happen. It will be nice to have the option to come back," Baker said.
Personally, I think if Toney's goal is to play at the next level, he should return for his sixth year. While he's played solid enough this year to remind everyone why he was a five-star recruit coming out of high school, I think NFL teams will balk at his injury history. Putting together two injury-free years would go farther toward building his stock value than coming out at the end of this year. Further, folks have kind of forgotten about Baker after nearly two years away from the game. Two solid years back-to-back would help regain a lot of the buzz he lost following 2006.
The risk is that he could get injured next season and lose what slim chance he has at the next level, but I think he's better off playing in 2010 behind what should be a more talented line.
The Pack coaching staff was hopeful to get Baker his sixth year given the circumstances. He suffered a season-ending knee injury in the first game of the 2007 season, then--on the verge of returning--suffered another set back just prior to the 2008 season that wiped out the entire year.
Baker graduates with a degree in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management this December, and his play this year has been solid enough to earn a few looks from NFL scouts, so it's not a definite that he'll return to use it. Still, it's nice to have that option.
"That's why we filled out all the paper work and sent it off. I would be happy for it to happen. It will be nice to have the option to come back," Baker said.
Personally, I think if Toney's goal is to play at the next level, he should return for his sixth year. While he's played solid enough this year to remind everyone why he was a five-star recruit coming out of high school, I think NFL teams will balk at his injury history. Putting together two injury-free years would go farther toward building his stock value than coming out at the end of this year. Further, folks have kind of forgotten about Baker after nearly two years away from the game. Two solid years back-to-back would help regain a lot of the buzz he lost following 2006.
The risk is that he could get injured next season and lose what slim chance he has at the next level, but I think he's better off playing in 2010 behind what should be a more talented line.
I agree. If he wants to go pro, I think he could improve his draft status by having another solid year at State. But I'm biased. Whatever he decides, more power to him. He's earned it!
ReplyDeleteToney Baker is on the Bryant Feggins plan.
ReplyDelete