During the past year, Connally High School offensive tackle Troy Baker has gotten to know Baylor coach Art Briles and several of his players.

Next spring, Baker plans to join them.

After originally verbally committing to Texas Tech last summer, Baker said he has switched to Baylor. He plans to graduate early from Connally in December and enroll at Baylor in January before joining the team for spring drills.

Baker

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“I didn’t really become a Baylor fan until Coach Briles got there,” Baker said. “He’s a lot of the reason I’ve decided to go to Baylor. I’ve been close to him and his staff and I’ve built some good relationships with them.”

Baker said he has met former Baylor offensive tackle Jason Smith and current players like quarterback Robert Griffin, center J.D. Walton and offensive tackle Danny Watkins. He has visited the new Highers Athletics Complex and walked away impressed.

“I like the program Coach Briles is building and I want to be part of it,” Baker said. “I could have waited and committed later, but this is where I want to be.”

The 6-7, 290-pound Baker will begin his third year as a starting offensive lineman for Connally this fall. Connally coach Kevin Johnson said he has never coached another offensive lineman with his size and mobility.

“Troy has great agility for a big guy,” Johnson said. “He moves well and he’s so smart. He understands other teams’ defensive schemes and knows how to read them. I think Baylor’s getting a heck of a deal. He’s going to be a real impact player for them.”

Baker said interest from colleges has exploded lately. Besides being recruited by Baylor and Texas Tech, Baker has also drawn interest from schools like Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma State, Kansas State, Wake Forest and Iowa State.

“I really didn’t expect this to happen,” Baker said. “It’s kind of hard to believe.”

Baker is Baylor’s fifth verbal commitment for the 2010 class. He joins Big Spring linebacker Matt Ritchey, Gilmer cornerback Tristen Holt, Midlothian receiver Eddie Johnson and Midland receiver Antwan Goodley.

jwerner@wacotrib.com

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