Baker the playmaker

February 5, 2008

Baker the playmaker

Kenny Walter
OwlScoop.com Staff Writer

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In his final high school game, Bound Brook High School wide receiver Deven Baker caught six passes for 115 yards and two touchdowns.

It was a fitting performance for the central New Jersey prospect, considering he ended the season in the same fashion in which he kicked it off.

Baker, a 6-foot-4, 190-pound receiver who made a verbal commitment to Temple back in August, scored three times in the season opener. One came on an 85-yard kickoff return, another came on a 95-yard run, and one was good for 65 yards.

In a recent interview with OwlScoop.com, Baker initially found it difficult to pinpoint exactly what he did well during his senior season. There are, however, worse things than being known as a big-play guy.

Baker averaged 18.7 yards per catch.

"It is hard to say what I did well this season," Baker said. "I think I got a good release on corners this season. I was a deep threat for my team. I think I still need to work on my route running and my recognizing coverage. I need to work on everything. I always want to improve."

Baker helped Bound Brook to a 7-3 record his senior season, leading the team with 39 receptions on 730 yards. He also had eight receiving touchdowns and a rushing touchdown.

During the recruiting process, Baker talked to Rutgers and Connecticut. In the end, it came down to Temple making an early offer, along with the visible improvement in the two years that Owls coach Al Golden has been at the helm on North Broad Street.

"It's real good what they are doing," Baker said. "They look like they are on the way up."

Baker will join a veteran-laden wide receiver group that includes 2007 starters Bruce Francis and Dy'Onne Crudup. Beyond them, Michael Campbell, Delano Green, Marquise Liverpool and Travis Shelton will also return to fight for playing time at that position. Factor in fellow 2008 commitments Vaughn Carraway, Cedric Hammond and Anthony Rapley, and things could get pretty crowded at wideout.

Baker, however, said he won't let that get to him.

"I look at the depth at my position as a challenge to me," Baker said. "It makes me work even harder. I will do whatever I need to do to get on the field, whether I'm a receiver or a kick returner."