The kid we have all watched grow up in front of us these past several years came in dreaming of a few things. He dreamed of being a Bellevue Wolverine and in the past 3 years he has done that and been a part of 3 State Championship teams. He dreamed of working hard enough to become a college prospect and he has done that to the tune of 20 or 30 Major offers.
Budda Baker has worked very hard t achieve his dreams and today he realized one more of them.
And even if he would not talk about it openly deep down Budda Baker dreamed of becoming an All American. Something he wanted to do for his Mother as much as anyone. Because you see his Mom Michelle fights some very serious health issues. And it is no joke. One of the sweetest and most wonderful people your every going to meet gave birth to this amazing kid and he wants nothing more then to make her proud.
Being an All American was one more step in the process and last week a packet came to Budda Baker from the US Army All American Game selection committee and in it was not just a nomination but a bona fide invite to play representing Bellevue High School, the State of Washington, and the West Squad in the 2014 game which will be played on National TV next January.
He is one of the first players in the entire Nation to be not just nominated, which is in itself a huge honor, but invited to play in the game.
By far the most prestigious game, Baker reacted in his normal humble fashion but some real excitement shone through.
“I feel very blessed. Very honored for this opportunity,” he said. “God willing I stay healthy and I will be playing for sure.”
That was a yes. He says he plans to fill out the papers and get a hold of the staff at Sportslink who runs the game and let them know he is in.
Last season Myles Jack was the first Wolverine to play in the Nation’s most watched All American Game and he was a star for the West. Jack went on to get offers from Georgia and Florida State after the game but had so many offers out West already. Despite a late push by Washington Jack stayed true to his heart and has committed to play for the UCLA Bruins and Head Coach Jim Mora.
Any other news for Budda who is the #1 Recruit in the NW?
“Yah.. Cal just offered me. That was really nice. I am looking at their program for sure,” said Baker who will likely stay out West so his Mom can be close enough to see him play.
Cal joins UW, WSU, Utah, OSU, BSU, Purdue, UCLA, ASU, Arizona, Notre Dame, and Oregon in offering the 5’11” 178 pound Safety / Athlete. And more and more offers are pouring in. That leaves Stanford and USC in the PAC 12 who could offer but Baker says he is content if they do or do not offer him. In fact he is so relaxed and so focused on Track, Football, and his friends and family that he seems worry free.
But he knows the time is coming.
“I realize there is going to come a time soon when I have to narrow it down a bit. I do not want this interfering with our season. We are going to be really good this year and have some real goals to acheive. So I will begin to address that and make a short list in the near future,” he stated in response to our question about when that might happen.
Track season starts tomorrow and speedster who has run an 11.0 100 Meter says a 10.8 is the goal this season and to work towards a 10.5 100 Meter by his Senior Year. And do not think he will not do it. He has accomplished all of these goals and dreams he has had and this amazing young man is on the verge of such very great things.
The All American and the D-1 scholarship dreams are all secured now. Winning another State Title is on the board, a National BCS Championship, and a career in the NFL. All out there in Dream world too for Budda Baker.
And those too may well become a reality.
