Eric Baker Thread

[Roosterboy]

will the coaching staff go after 2 RBs instead on 1 for the next class??
This questioin was posed to me by a fellow Gamecock fan.

My answer is probably not.
Next season looks to return Mike Davis, Bobby Wallace, and Brian Maddox.
Add in the one RB recruit (pick one) and that brings the total to 4. If Eric Baker returns after a year at prep or JUCO, then that brings the total to 5. Taylor Rank (assuming he stays) will get mop work and bring the total to 6. That sounds like enough to me.

What you guys think??

[Rice Rice Baby]

I think alot depends on if womble commits or not

[Gamecockfanatic4]

If Womble commits than No we won't plus we really don't need to especially since it sounds like Baker only has to go to prep school and join us next year

[Roosterboy]

I think alot depends on if womble commits or not


I think if they get a RB on Womble's level (like Jamie Harper) then definetley just one. I just don't see them needing a possible 7 RBs, unless one RBs academics are in question (doesn't appear to be a problem with Womble.)

[BangCock]

If Womble commits than No we won't plus we really don't need to especially since it sounds like Baker only has to go to prep school and join us next year

You are correct. Baker will likely go to prep and join the team in January. It looks like Antonio Allen is leaning towards prep also; rather than play for his old high school coach in D-II.

[FinchMcCrunkNasty]

screw it, i want harper and womble!!!!!!!!!!

[gamecockfootball09]

Anyway you look at it.....its great to be able to pick who we want to go after rather than going after a bunch and play the waiting game.

[bgallup]

Antonio. Allen, Akeem Auguste and Eric Baker must be doing something right in Prep school. All tree are rated higher now than when we signed them in Feb.

These 3 guys will be studs for USC!

[hardcock2]

Good deal!...can't wait for 'em to get here.:football:

[scottycock]

are they still interested in coming?

[Indiana Gamecock]

Have not heard anything differently and they are still on the commitment list for 08.

[AmonRa777]

To the best of my knowledge all three were 4*s out of HS and are still 4*s....Not that it matters...I am not a believer in recruiting rankings...

[Brinkley_Bulldozer52]

they were 3 Stars except i believe auguste

[bgallup]

Akeem was the only 4*, He is now the highest 4* they give and might move up by Feb. They are all still committed to USC. King is coming in January also!

[MauldinCock87]

they are ranked higher because now they are being compared to other prep school kids, instead of everyone from the 07 class. there are less prep school kids than high school kids. everyone ranked ahead of them for the 07 class in already in college. either way, they are gonna be nasty

[smoovecock]

Damn I hope so....we need them baaaaaaaaad....

[kokocock]

i think i remember seeing somewhere that if the recruiting services know a player won't have the grades then they won't be ranked as high??? (i know ko simpson fell victim to this)

[donbgamecock]

Antonio. Allen, Akeem Auguste and Eric Baker must be doing something right in Prep school. All tree are rated higher now than when we signed them in Feb.

These 3 guys will be studs for USC!


Yea and I heard that academically that all tree could spell three. :rotfl:

Go Cocks!

[johnmcclane]

i'm pumped about these guys.....i can't wait to add these DB studs into an already stud-full defensive backfield

and Baker's just awesome

[Brinkley_Bulldozer52]

Can't wait for them to get here

[Ga_Gamecock]

To the best of my knowledge all three were 4*s out of HS and are still 4*s....Not that it matters...I am not a believer in recruiting rankings...

Yeah - regardless of rankings, they are going to be great assets. i did hear that Baker was also playing LB as well and is really laying some wood up there.

Their coach said that all are still Gamecocks and that we are getting some studs...

Plus, their eligibility clock hasnt started (prep=13th grade) so they are just getting bigger, faster, stronger ...

[Ga_Gamecock]

Also, there is NO way Kenny Miles redshirts. Name the last time we had a RB redshirt his freshman year? It just doesn't happen that much if the kid is any good at all.

It doesn't look like Baker will qualify, so I see Mike Davis, Brian Maddox, and Kenny Miles being our running backs next year. And I think Maddox and Miles both will end up with more carries than Davis. There, I said it, write it down and get back with me a year from now.


is he not making the grade @ prep...?!


and i used the search feature spur - theres no thread on this... dont get all delete-happy...

LOL ... (seriously)

[Gamecock_4life]

last i heard he was doin ok

[foezopen]

last i heard he was doin ok

I heard all 3 we have at Fork Union were doing OK!!!!

[Will4144]

I think that's more of a rumor than anything. From all indications, Eric Baker will be in garnet and black in January.

[roosterrizk1]

They also say he is pushing a 400lb bench - now at his size that is a freak.......

[UgSaCmecocks]

they all will be here this coming season!

[FinchMcCrunkNasty]

yea what a bunch of BS. they are all coming in jan.

[Gamecock History]

I get my information directly from a member of the coaching staff, but since no one wants to believe me...
Here is some of things that Tony Morrel from GamecockCentral has been saying. He is actually pretty tight with a couple members of the coaching staff, contrary to what a lot of people believe.



Is it likely that all of the prep guys will make it in?
- Not necessarily. They all still have work to do.

With Fork Union being a military school is it safe to assume they are very strict on their students in respect to academic focus? And do they have ample tutoring available?
- Yes.
If the answers are yes then why do you think our three prep players may be having problems?
- I don't know.

Is Miles a potential Prep school kid, after reading his latest interview it seems he is going to be re-taking his SAT's.
Is that also the reason the Gamecocks maybe looking to add a 3rd in the class?
- No, he projects as a qualifier. It is because Eric Baker hasn't qualified yet at prep school.


OFF TOPIC, but interesting..
Is Kenneth Miles a guy who will be a speed back? I mean I know he runs a 4.45, but that's not what the typical speed back usually runs. Is he just faster in pads and on the field?
- At the NFL Combine last year, two running backs ran sub 4.45 - Adrian Peterson and Chris Henry - and neither of them ran sub 4.4.

[wildwes]

Mark my words: If Baker does qualify, I believe he will break the Gamecock Freshman rushing record currently held by Thomas Dendy with 848 yards. I believe he could get a 1000+.

[Gamecockfanatic4]

Mark my words: If Baker does qualify, I believe he will break the Gamecock Freshman rushing record currently held by Thomas Dendy with 848 yards. I believe he could get a 1000+.
sorry I don't see our 3rd or possibly 4th string RB getting 1000 yards

[Gamecock History]

Mark my words: If Baker does qualify, I believe he will break the Gamecock Freshman rushing record currently held by Thomas Dendy with 848 yards. I believe he could get a 1000+.

I think Maddox or Miles could do that, I think Baker will end up on defense if he qualifies.

[cocky2007]

Mark my words: If Baker does qualify, I believe he will break the Gamecock Freshman rushing record currently held by Thomas Dendy with 848 yards. I believe he could get a 1000+.

He could be a very useful player, but I don't think he gets 1,000. People are saying they think C. Boyd was one of the best players in USC history, and he never broke 1,000 yds.

[87Cock09]

I get my information directly from a member of the coaching staff, but since no one wants to believe me...
Here is some of things that Tony Morrel from GamecockCentral has been saying. He is actually pretty tight with a couple members of the coaching staff, contrary to what a lot of people believe.



Is it likely that all of the prep guys will make it in?
- Not necessarily. They all still have work to do.

With Fork Union being a military school is it safe to assume they are very strict on their students in respect to academic focus? And do they have ample tutoring available?
- Yes.
If the answers are yes then why do you think our three prep players may be having problems?
- I don't know.

Is Miles a potential Prep school kid, after reading his latest interview it seems he is going to be re-taking his SAT's.
Is that also the reason the Gamecocks maybe looking to add a 3rd in the class?
- No, he projects as a qualifier. It is because Eric Baker hasn't qualified yet at prep school.


OFF TOPIC, but interesting..
Is Kenneth Miles a guy who will be a speed back? I mean I know he runs a 4.45, but that's not what the typical speed back usually runs. Is he just faster in pads and on the field?
- At the NFL Combine last year, two running backs ran sub 4.45 - Adrian Peterson and Chris Henry - and neither of them ran sub 4.4.

man I hope he makes it Baker's film was very impressive. I think it was you that said AA has made it in and will come in January. Is the AA that has definetely made it in Antonio Allen or Akeem Auguste?lol

[Gamecock History]

man I hope he makes it Baker's film was very impressive. I think it was you that said AA has made it in and will come in January. Is the AA that has definetely made it in Antonio Allen or Akeem Auguste?lol

Ahhh, the intrigue! LOL

Akeem is looking pretty academically, he barely had to go to prep school in the first place.

[snoopcockycock]

boyd was a player who played with a lot of heart, and he showed great leadership, but he was far from one of the best in usc history. we have had many rb's who blew boyd off the field. i love cory as a great usc player, but let's not get carried away here.

[Barry_gamecock]

Cory is definitely in the top ten best running backs in our history. I would put him somewhere around 4th. Derek Watson might have been better, but Cory would have put up a lot more numbers in Lou's offense.

[Will4144]

Hard to believe we had Daccus Turman, Cory Boyd, and Demetrius Summers at one time. If only Summers would've worked like he should've, Spurrier would've came into a much better situation. Remember, Summers was set to be a junior when Spurrier kicked him off the team. In that situation, we may not have gotten Mike Davis though.

[cockyguitarist]

I never saw his highlights, anyone know a place where I could see em possibly?

[Will4144]

http://southcarolina.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?Sport=1&pr_key=46563

[ConwayGamecock]

Hard to believe we had Daccus Turman, Cory Boyd, and Demetrius Summers at one time. If only Summers would've worked like he should've, Spurrier would've came into a much better situation. Remember, Summers was set to be a junior when Spurrier kicked him off the team. In that situation, we may not have gotten Mike Davis though.

Not to mention Kenny Irons, the only one of that group (currently) that made it to the NFL....

[hayesnumber76]

is it just me, or doest Mr. Baker kinda resembles Mr. Davis? They look like twins to me...

[lucasd2002]

Did he qualify for spring?

[Will4144]

Did he qualify for spring?

No official word yet. I expect he will.

[g4m3c4ck]

Eric is qualified and ready to go per scout.com

[lucasd2002]

Eric is qualified and ready to go per scout.com

Did they mention the other two? AAx2?

[Will4144]

Did they mention the other two? AAx2?

I don't think there was ever a real question about them.

[Gamecockfanatic4]

well since he's qualified the rea question now is

Will he grow out the dreads again?

[sc455]

eric baker the touchdown maker

[Click]

well since he's qualified the rea question now is

Will he grow out the dreads again?


I hope not.:-x

[Ga_Gamecock]

i could care less if he wears a skirt to the games, as long as hes running with authority

[Click]

Assuming he plays RB. He might end up on D. I've just never been crazy about players having the hair hanging way out of the helmet. Carlos did himself a big favor cutting his off this past season.

[87Cock09]

all 3 are expected to make it in for January right now

[Click]

Something about me wants to see Baker on D, especially with Kenny Miles coming in, and Davis, Maddox, and Wallace coming back.

[Ga_Gamecock]

I see him at TB... JMO. I read that he has done well at prep on D, but the only spot in the SEC he poss could play is S. Hes 5-10 195, so hes prob going to be too small for OLB ... plus hes got 4.4 speed.

He does remind me a little of E Cook, but ther knock on cook was that he didnt have a 5th gear ...



Who we have @ TB ...

sr:


Mike Davis
jr:


Bobby Wallace
soph:


B Mad
Fr:


E Baker
K Miles (due to his lack of experience, i think he wil RS)


at Fullback:

Sr:

Jr:


Rank
Soph:


Gaston
Dimarco
Fr:

[Click]

Yea, that breakaway speed will be nice to have in the backfield, but at 5-10, 195 and 4.4 speed, he might could play corner?? Just a thought.

[cockyguitarist]

That's an interesting idea I think no one has thought about...at corner. However I kinda think thats a hell no since he benches like 400 or something like that I heard on here not too long ago. Could use that kinda strength in a much better way than at corner.

[Click]

That's an interesting idea I think no one has thought about...at corner. However I kinda think thats a hell no since he benches like 400 or something like that I heard on here not too long ago. Could use that kinda strength in a much better way than at corner.


Way too small to play LB in the SEC, and we've already got 2 great safeties. So I guess RB is his best place if not corner. He would bring speed to the backfield, something we're lacking alittle right now. I just like the corner idea b/c of the fact he would bring size to that position, along with speed and strength.

[YouCanNeverTell]

I don't really care where he plays. I think he is a great player who will help the team out wherever we put him. With that said, I would rather see him at tailback. Right now the only guy we have with any speed is Bobby Wallace and judging by the amount of action that Bobby has seen I don't see his speed ever really helping us. I would love to have a guy running the ball that I could actually see him bust through the line or hit the corner and be able to say he is gone and mean it.

[Will4144]

I don't really care where he plays. I think he is a great player who will help the team out wherever we put him. With that said, I would rather see him at tailback. Right now the only guy we have with any speed is Bobby Wallace and judging by the amount of action that Bobby has seen I don't see his speed ever really helping us. I would love to have a guy running the ball that I could actually see him bust through the line or hit the corner and be able to say he is gone and mean it.

Brian Maddox has plenty of speed, too.

[Ga_Gamecock]

i think BM and EB are going to be our two 'burners' in the backfield, and Miles gets a RS... no need to play both of them/better to stagger guys for depth , plus KM may need polishing ... But i could be wrong. JMO

[Will4144]

i think BM and EB are going to be our two 'burners' in the backfield, and Miles gets a RS... no need to play both of them/better to stagger guys for depth , plus KM may need polishing ... But i could be wrong. JMO

I would agree with that. Mike Davis and Brian Maddox will split time. Bobby Wallace and Eric Baker will back them up with Kenny Miles getting the redshirt.

[Ga_Gamecock]

SOT - i hate that wallace gets overlooked. im hoping that if hes healthy he can step up for us. that could change things in regards with eho plays and who RSs.

if he hadnt been injured this year, i wonder if B Mad would have RSd

[ConwayGamecock]

SOT - i hate that wallace gets overlooked. im hoping that if hes healthy he can step up for us. that could change things in regards with eho plays and who RSs.

if he hadnt been injured this year, i wonder if B Mad would have RSd
I understand that Maddox was rather adamant against redshirting, which was a poor stand for him to take, IMO. I guess he truly thought that he could beat out either Davis or Boyd for playing time, but it didn't work out that way, and Brian spent his freshman season playing special teams.

If Miles RS's, it really works out fairly well:

2008:

SR: Davis
JR: Wallace (redshirt)
SO: Maddox
FR: Baker

2009:

SR: Wallace (redshirt)
JR: Maddox
SO: Baker
FR: Miles (redshirt)

...and whoever we bring in at RB for the 2009 class redshirts, I guess......

[Ga_Gamecock]

Eric is qualified and ready to go per scout.com

i know there were questions about when the prepsters would enroll ... not sure about the other 2 but EB is coming in Jan

good news

[Gamecockfanatic4]

i know there were questions about when the prepsters would enroll ... not sure about the other 2 but EB is coming in Jan

good news
from what I remember Baker had the most work to do out of the 3 so hopefully that is good news and all of them will be in which is my guess at this point

[Will4144]

All three of them will enroll in January. There is no doubt at this point.

[Click]

I would agree with that. Mike Davis and Brian Maddox will split time. Bobby Wallace and Eric Baker will back them up with Kenny Miles getting the redshirt.

That's the most logical thing that could happen, barring any injuries.

[jstrom]

SOT - i hate that wallace gets overlooked. im hoping that if hes healthy he can step up for us. that could change things in regards with eho plays and who RSs.

if he hadnt been injured this year, i wonder if B Mad would have RSd

With fans, it always seems to be about the next guy, doesn't it?

[Will4144]

SOT - i hate that wallace gets overlooked. im hoping that if hes healthy he can step up for us. that could change things in regards with eho plays and who RSs.

if he hadnt been injured this year, i wonder if B Mad would have RSd

I really liked Bobby Wallace in high school, but if Spurrier says he's not good enough to start for us, I will take his word.

[roosterrizk1]

Wallace will play allot this year imo .....