N.C. State running back Toney Baker hasn't decided yet what he will do if the NCAA grants him a sixth season of eligibility.
Because Baker missed all but one game for two straight seasons with a serious knee injury, there's a chance that the NCAA will award him an extra season in 2010. N.C. State coach Tom O'Brien has said another healthier year with the Wolfpack would help Baker erase any doubts that NFL scouts might have about his knee.
O'Brien hopes to have a decision from the NCAA within the next couple weeks. Even if he is granted a sixth season, Baker could enter the NFL draft instead.
"I haven't quite decided," Baker said after practice Wednesday. "After the season I will talk to my family and Coach O'Brien and all these guys, and we'll figure out what's best for me."
Baker has bounced back nicely from the injury. He leads the team with 664 rushing yards and needs just 25 more to surpass his career season best, which was set when he was a sophomore in 2006.
With 24 receptions for 306 yards and three scores, he already has career-high numbers as a receiver. He's in an unusual situation now as a senior who might be playing in his last two games over the next two weeks, but isn't quite sure.
"It's almost crazy that I'm a senior already," Baker said. "It's gone by so fast, it seems like."
Baker is preparing for a visit to Virginia Tech on Saturday as perhaps the only player on the current team who was at Lane Stadium the last time N.C. State played there. The Wolfpack won 17-16 that game in 2004 when the Hokies missed a field goal attempt in the closing seconds.
That day, Baker was a high school senior on a recruiting visit - to Virginia Tech.
"It was a great weekend," Baker said. "The fans there were great. It was a fantastic game. I think they had eight or nine sacks that game, something like that, and State came out with a win."
Comments
Holy Cow Batman
Thu, 11/19/2009 - 15:13 — SurferA few words to cheer up yar8pack: As it stands right now, even at 4-6, State has a chance to better last year's record. Never lose hope.
Why
Thu, 11/19/2009 - 14:30 — Worz4UNCrequest a sixth year IF you have NO plans to use it? Sounds like "busy work" for somebody over at NC A&M.
No hate here
Thu, 11/19/2009 - 13:22 — SurferNo fluff from me or hate for that matter. Just making comments, contributing to the discussion.
G'ville, you want to be batman or robin? I really don't care.
no hate here, either.
Thu, 11/19/2009 - 21:19 — gvillegatr1.) have we ever heard about Baker and his graduating status on here like we have with many other players?? NOPE.
2.) is he and has he not been playing on a sub par team for the last 5 years? YEP.
Am I hating or speaking the truth?
Follow up question.
Thu, 11/19/2009 - 15:04 — JPDOhioWho gets to be Alfred?
Look at the dynamic duo
Thu, 11/19/2009 - 13:09 — YAR8packof dummies. Wow. How bored are you two? You jokes always come on to State articles and troll away. Yes. I know there are stupid State fans that do the same thing on carowhina articles. However, if you want to set a precedent, don't enact in what you supposedly. despise.
Let's not get into who doesn't "have a subpar team in the offseason." You two silly boys are as guilty as anyone of fluffing up carowhina. What else should anybody expect from a couple fluffers?
Baker shouldn't be worried about what he's going to do until the lords of the NCAA make their decision.
Baker
Thu, 11/19/2009 - 12:18 — gvillegatrwhere is he at as far as graduating is concerned. you never hear about his status like other plays.
I think he'll leave. does he want to come back (again) to a sub par team? ...
Hours
Thu, 11/19/2009 - 13:04 — SurferGood question. Surely, after five years he will have the hours to graduate, unless he is a triple major and has a couple of minor degrees he is shooting for.
Whether he leaves or not will probably depend upon the outlook for his draft prospects. He definitely will not leave because of not wanting to come back to a sub par team. Remember, State does not ever have a sub par team in the off season.