Texas athlete excited about opportunity

Tyler Baker was looking for honesty.

The Bullard, (Brook Hill), Texas, athlete chose not to pick a school on National Signing Day, instead waiting for options from more prestigious programs. Phone calls and flimsy promises followed, and in the middle of the fray, Ole Miss emerged.

The Rebels caught Baker's eye due to their affiliation in the Southeastern Conference and their opportunity, though it was head coach Houston Nutt's realistic view that made the biggest impression.

Ole Miss told the 5-foot-10, 187-pounder what he would have a shot at - and what he wouldn't. The Rebels wanted Baker to play inside receiver and run the Wild Rebel. Special teams returns weren't part of the plan.

"Coaches have told me that stuff all the time, and you know it's just a sales pitch," Baker said. "I think (Ole Miss) is telling me the truth. They were honest. I'm a big return guy. I was interested in doing that, but they told me they had a guy on scholarship just to return kicks. Telling me the whole picture made me believe them."

So after a one-day visit last Wednesday, Baker had his college decision. He turned down scholarship offers from Middle Tennessee, Army, Navy and Western Kentucky for a preferred walk-on position at Ole Miss.

He plans to enroll in July and start practice in August.

"They are giving me the chance to come in and compete right away," Baker said. "Receiver is my most natural position, but I can play anything. I talked to coach (David) Lee, coach Nutt and coach (Gunter) Brewer and understood and liked the position they gave me."

Waiting more than a month after most prospects picked schools was stressful at times, but Baker said he had faith it would be for the best.

"It was tempting (to sign in February), and I wanted to be done with it, but I knew there was something better for me. Teams were still talking to me."

Baker was overlooked throughout the process because of his school's size and the perceived lack of quality competition. The numbers are hard to argue, however. Baker was named all-state on three occasions and scored touchdowns seven different ways (pass, rush, reception, kickoff return, punt return, fumble return and interception return).

He rushed for more than 4,000 yards and scored 63 rushing touchdowns. Baker's touchdown career total was 132.

Bobby Stroupe, director of performance training for Accelerate Performance Enhancement Center, has worked with Baker and expects him to find the field in the Southeastern Conference. Baker ran a 4.46 laser-timed 40-yard dash at Stroupe's facility.

Stroupe said Baker is the best player he's worked with, and that list includes Bears' wide receiver Johnny Knox.

Meanwhile, Baker isn't concerned about his lack of a scholarship. All he's ever wanted is an opportunity.

"I'll get a scholarship," Baker said. "I'm not worried about it."