NCPreps.com Spotlight: Trey Baker
Sanderson (NC) Class of 2020 quarterback Trey Baker is trying to make a name for himself in the recruiting world. Baker, a 5'11 160 pounder make very huge strides during the 2017 season. His play as the starter on the JV team earned him some time on the Spartans' varsity squad. The sophomore is working hard to make his 2018 season even better.
How did your season go and what were your stats?
“This year, I was able to play both JV and Varsity schedules. Our JV team finished the season with a 7-4 record and I personally threw for 2200 yards with 22 TD's/4 Int while rushing for just over 500 yards and 8 TD's. Our varsity team finished 9-4 after losing to Wake Forest in 3rd round of NC State playoffs. I had an exciting moment on varsity when I came off the bench for 2nd half vs. Enloe down 7-6 and help lead the team back to win 21-7. I threw a TD pass to Kolby Banks who made a great run after catch to go up 14-7 and then our defense played awesome to hold on for the win. I also saw a lot of action in 3rd round loss to Wake Forest as well. Our program has grown so much in recent years and I am very excited about the future of Sanderson Football. We will have a lot of returning starters on offense this year (7) but will be replacing some key players on defense.”
What are your strengths on the football field?
“My strengths on the field were my comfort level of the offense. I felt the game came to me slowly which allowed me to be successful and make better decision in the games. I have been lucky to get a lot of experience with the varsity team since the summer of my freshman year. With me playing in 6 varsity game as a freshman, I felt very comfortable on the field. It allowed me to use my running ability to gain yards with ball running as well as throwing the ball on the run. I was lucky to have very good receivers that made great plays on the ball and had a lot of good yards after the catch. I also think that by having a level of confidence in myself has given my teammates trust that I can make plays when I have the ball. I also punted for the varsity team this year which was really fun and something I am also working on as well.”
What other sports do you play?
“I also play baseball for Sanderson. I was the starting short stop and lead-off batter for the varsity team as a freshman that finished 4th in the very strong Cap 8 Conference. I was selected honorable mention all-conference as freshman and our team returns a lot of young players this season coming up. I also play my summer baseball with a top tier organization called the Dirtbags. This organization has allowed me to play versus some of the top players in the country as well as get to play at a lot of colleges in front of college baseball coaches. We have great coaches with our team that helps push us hard and provide us chances to gain exposure for playing in college as well.”
What schools are interested in you?
“Our 2018 class of football players had 5 guys sign Division 1 football scholarships (2 NC State, 1 Naval Academy, 1 App State and 1 Elon). As a result of that we have had every major college football coach come through our school this past year and spring practice. I have had the chance to meet many NC State coaches that are watching my progress along with taking visits to ECU, Coastal Carolina and App State. My dad played at App State and is still close with their coaches, so I have had great times visiting games and practices with them. This summer, I will be attending their QB camp which will get me another change to perform in front of their coaching staff. Next year, I have made contacts to attend games at NC State, Coastal Carolina, Furman, App State and James Madison.”
What things are you working on in the off-season?
“I hope with taking control of the team, having a great spring practice, and then continuing to get bigger and stronger with a great junior season, I can begin to gain more exposure. I have been able to add 17 pounds since the end of football season and my goal is to add another 15 before the start of the season. I am working hard with our teams strength coach Scott Emerson who runs a workout company called Playfastspeed to help me reach my strength goals. I have been able to increase my vertical jump 4 inches which is now up to 34.4 inches.”
What football player do you model your play after and why?
“A player I really like watching this year and tried to learn from was Baker Mayfield from Oklahoma. I think that he has the ability to provide that double threat of running and passing that will keep the defense on their toes and allow the offense to expand and do more things. I enjoy making plays when things break down and trying to gain yardage on a broken play or when nothing is there. My other favorite player is Tom Brady because I think he knows the game so well. He seems to always know what is going on, who is blocked, etc. which my dad always stresses to me. The more I know what everyone is doing to easier it will be for me and the more I can relax and the game will slow down for me.”