Five-star Brandon Baker Announcement Live Thread
Five-star offensive tackle Brandon Baker will announce his commitment at 8 p.m. central Sunday night.
The 6-foot-4, 303-pounder will announce his decision out of Texas, Nebraska, Ohio State and Oregon in less than 14 hours.
The Ducks were considered the team to beat for a while in the recruitment, and at one time held a considerable lead. The Longhorns have steadily chipped away in the recruitment, and began to make a move with the April 15 Spring Game unofficial visit. That trip was followed by a mid-June official visit.
Texas has vaulted to considerable lead in the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine in the days leading up to Baker’s decision.
The official visits
Ohio State – June 9-11
Texas – June 16-18
Georgia – June 23-25
Nebraska – September 15-17
Baker talks four finalists
Baker spoke with On3’s Chad Simmons September 21, and provided his final thoughts on the four finalists.
Nebraska: “The love from the fans is like no other place. The people love their team at Nebraska. On my official visit, I met the governor, I met Tommie Frazier and it is all about football there. The fans voiced their love for me and how they want me and need me. I like what coach Rhule is doing for their student-athletes, too. Love the city, love the program. The staff is great. Never a doubt that Nebraska would be under consideration. Something special going on there.”
Oregon: “Oregon was at one time the place when coach (Adrian) Klemm was there. There was some coaching changes and that gave me something to think about, but the consistency has always been there. They finished the season off strong, coach Lanning is building something and the program is in a good place.”
Ohio State: “Ohio State has a rich culture and great tradition. What they have reminds me of Mater Dei and coach (Justin) Frye is one of the best offensive line coaches in the game. Coach Ryan Day is a great person and coach. They would help me grow emotionally and spiritually as a player.
Texas: “The trajectory that they are on is big for me with Texas. That Alabama win was big, I like coach Sark’s offensive mind and coach Flood has done great things at Alabama, the Atlanta Falcons and now at Texas. Then how they are moving to the SEC, so that is something I like, too.”
Reasons for optimism
When looking at the recruitment of Baker, there are some reasons for optimism on the Texas side.
Kyle Flood’s resume of offensive line development and NFL draft picks over the years has helped push Texas into position to be able to win the decision.
Starting right tackle Christian Jones is departing for the NFL after the 2023 season. That presents a path to competing very early in Austin.
Steve Sarkisian has long standing connections and relationships at Mater Dei High. That includes his son, Texas freshman linebacker Brady Sarkisian, playing for the Monarchs for half of his high school career.
The Baker family has some ties to the state of Texas, and University of Texas. Baker’s father has family that resides in the Lone Star State. Baker’s mother is also related to the Akana family, which includes Texas freshman linebacker Tausili Akana and junior defensive specialist Keonilei Akana on the defending National Champions volleyball team.
Texas offensive line commits and targets
Daniel Cruz, IOL/C, North Richland Hills (Texas) Richland #AllGasNoBrakes
On3 Industry Ranking: No. 194, No. 11 IOL
Nate Kibble, IOL, Humble (Texas) Atascocita #AllGasNoBrakes
On3 Industry Ranking: No. 487, No. 41 IOL
Brandon Baker, OT, Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei
On3 Industry Ranking: No. 23, No. 1 OT
Weston Davis, OT, Beaumont (Texas) United – *Texas A&M verbal
On3 Industry Ranking: No. 93, No. 5 OT
DeAndre Carter, IOL, Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei – *Auburn verbal
On3 Industry Ranking: No. 194, No. 11 IOL
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