The Stansbury high school football program is currently sitting at 4-2 and just defeated their rival Tooele 29-14 to stay undefeated in region play. Their three other victories were won by average score of 55-3, where starters were pulled at the end of the first half.
One of those starters is a big reason for their success. Through six games, sophomore linebacker Easton Baker has 50+ tackles, five sacks, three forced fumbles, with one of those fumbles returned for a 45-yard touchdown. Of course with another three halves of football, those numbers could be much higher.
Baker is one of the most dominant sophomore linebackers in the history of the state, and his future looks bright. He is already receiving a lot of recruiting attention from major programs all around the company. But he has also already made a verbal commitment to BYU, committing to the Cougs shortly after his freshman season:
Very blessed to receive a scholarship offer from BYU! After a great call with @coachtuiaki I am thrilled to be a COUG
— Easton Baker (@BakerEaston) December 11, 2020
I’ve visualized about playing in that stadium for many years🤙🏽❤️🤙🏽. I AM A COUG🗣 pic.twitter.com/m8G3CkoH91
The 6-foot-0 190 pound linebacker saw significant playing time as a freshman, seeing action in six games and recording 14 tackles (11 solo), one tackle for loss, and one quarterback hurry (MaxPreps).
Baker has not yet been rated by the recruiting services (247Sports), but will likely be at least a 3-star recruit by the end of his sophomore season. He has received recruiting attention from Boise State, Nevada, Oregon, Oregon State, Texas, USC, Utah, Utah State, and Washington.
I caught up with Baker to ask him about his recruiting.
BYU Insider: Why did you choose BYU?
Baker: BYU is a great fit for me because of what they stand for. The campus has a great feeling to it. You also have men of integrity on the football staff. Also, the staff—especially boss man Kalani—coach with a ton of emotion.
BYU Insider: What other schools are showing you love in the recruiting process?
Baker: Oregon, Texas, Utah, USC, Washington, Boise State, Nevada, and Utah State.
BYU Insider: What are some of your favorites?
Baker: Anything my mom cooks—she has a Ph.D. in making wonderful food.
BYU Insider: What is one of your greatest accomplishment in sports?
Baker: Being offered a scholarship my freshman year. When I was in middle school I told everyone that BYU would be the first to offer me and that they would offer my freshman year. That came to pass. Believe it, achieve it.
BYU Insider: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Baker: My pops always tells me that the harder I work on the football field, the luckier I’ll get. It’s true, plays seem to come my way. I believe that happens because of my work ethic.
BYU Insider: Who is a current player that you seek to emulate on the field?
Baker: Zayne Anderson (DB, Kansas City Chiefs) and Dan Sorensen (S, Kansas City Chiefs)—both former Cougs, and Zayne is also a Stansbury alumn. I love Zayne—he is a ball hawk. Dirty Dan is physical and plays downhill. I play in a similar way.
BYU Insider: Is there anything else you’d like Cougarfans to know about you?
Baker: I just want to thank Cougar Nation for the love they have shown me. Go Cougs!
If you have any additional information or insight about this recruit, please include it in the comment section below.
