USF might be in mix for Brandon's Baker

Brandon senior tailback/defensive back Samir Baker is starting to see his stock rise in recruiting circles.

The 5-foot-7, 155-pound Baker, who played everywhere from tailback to defensive end for the Eagles (7-4), said during the season he mostly received interest from Division II power Valdosta State. But more recently, coach John Lima said Baker is getting looks from Georgia Southern, Illinois State - and South Florida.

Lima said the Bulls are very high on Baker; the senior recently got a 19 on his ACT, and if Baker's grades meet the right criteria, "I think (USF coaches) are going to offer."

Baker averaged 10.2 points per game and 115 all-purpose yards; he rushed for 850 yards in leading the Eagles to the district title before losing to three-time defending state champ Lakeland in the first round.

"I've seen a bunch of Hillsborough County football," Eagles defensive coordinator Dale Caparaso said earlier this season. "I've seen Chamberlain and all those guys. But of all of them, if I had to pick one player to build around, Samir would be at the top of my list."

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Times photo of Samir Baker

Comments

Keep those grades up Samir!!!
Go Bulls!

[What?]

USF will not offer Baker. A good HS player but a D2 player. Not one of the top 20 players in the county.Now I see why Caparaso couldn't win games over in Pasco. No clue!

What would he play. He is a tremendous athlete but 5-foot-7 is pushing it. I haved coached him he is more like 5-foot-4 0r 5. Do colleges at this level give full scholarships to kick returners.Best of luck to him.

are you kidding me, how is samir not one of the top 20 players in the county. you must be retarted kid, or you've never seen him play. his is easily one of the top 5. who cares about how tall he is