Chris Baker signed by Broncos as UFA
by broncosmontana on Apr 28, 2009 8:39 AM EDT
35 comments
Hi guys, Bronco fan here. Many of us were watching very keenly (as you might imagine) for any sign that we would find a playmaker at NT to help us turn around what in 2008 may have been the worst rushing defense in NFL history (not statistically proven, but you'd find few people who would argue). Our conversion to the 3-4 this year seems to be set except for possibly the most critical position in the scheme, nose tackle. We were hoping to get Raji, but GB nabbed him a few picks in front of us. Then, pick by pick, round by round, we expected to get an NT -- and didn't!
Then, yesterday, came the news that Denver signed former Nittany Lion Chris Baker as an undrafted free agent. A little research and we learned that his time at Penn St. was a little controversial. Our excellent bloggers over at Mile High Report have written this about him:
6'2" 326lbs, had charcter trouble so bad he had to go to a new school to start setting things right again. Was he successful? We'll know soon. I knew from the first time I kicked him off my board that destiny would bring us together again. Can't say I like it.
Some have noted that he seems to have put his past issues behind him, going on to have some success at Hampton. Here is the MHR write up on him:
Chris Baker (6-foot-2, 326 pounds) is a rookie defensive tackle from Hampton University who joined the Broncos as a college free agent on April 27, 2009... Totaled 69 tackles (32 solo), 8.5 sacks (60 yds.) and one blocked kick in 11 games (8 starts) in his only season at Hampton in 2008 after transferring from Penn State University, where he earned a starting role as a sophomore in 2007... Recorded 43 tackles (21 solo) and 4.5 sacks (37 yds.) in 20 games (8 starts) during his two seasons playing for Penn State (2006-07)... Helped the Nittany Lions' defense finish No. 7 in the nation against the run as a starter in 2007, allowing only 87.9 rushing yards per game, and led the defensive line with 37 tackles, including 4.5 sacks (37 yds.)... Saw time as a reserve in eight games for Penn State as a redshirt freshman in 2006... Competed at several defensive line positions during his collegiate career at both Hampton and Penn State... Played three seasons of football at Windsor High School in Windsor, Conn.... Competed in basketball only during his sophomore prep season... Voted senior class president at Windsor High School... Christopher Isaiah Baker was born on Oct. 8, 1987, in Windsor, Conn.
My question for you loyal Penn Staters is this. I've done a cursory sweep through the available articles about the "incidents" that got Chris kicked off your team, but I still have no sense about him as a man or whether the ejection was warranted.
Can anyone give me the real story about what happened that seems to have derailed a very promising collegiate career for a very promising (and nice) player?
Very indebted for anything you can offer -- testimonials about his character, links to articles you may know about that summarize what happened, or just your own nutshell interpretation.
THANKS!!
Broncosmontana
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I meant to say undrafted free agent
(not unrestricted)
"They need a hero to tell them that the impossible can become possible..... WHEN... YOU'RE... AWESOMMMME!" -- Rhino the Hamster
fixed
"They need a hero to tell them that the impossible can become possible..... WHEN... YOU'RE... AWESOMMMME!" -- Rhino the Hamster
by broncosmontana on Apr 28, 2009 9:13 AM EDT up reply actions
You're right
Sorry, I admit to being completely uninformed here. Something I should know?
Your unvarnished opinion is completely invited.
"They need a hero to tell them that the impossible can become possible..... WHEN... YOU'RE... AWESOMMMME!" -- Rhino the Hamster
by broncosmontana on Apr 28, 2009 9:35 AM EDT up reply actions
Nothing to apologize for.
It’s just that we had a mini-crisis last summer with the OTL thing, and Evans eventually became the face of all that drama. He made a couple of mistakes in a row, left and from what I know didn’t get in any trouble after that. I can’t speak for his character, but there is no reason to think he can’t/hasn’t grown up a little bit, which he of course needed to do.
Hey Kevin
Don’t know if you got confused or meant to say Evans, but broncomontana was looking for info on Chris Baker!
I don’t know a lot about Baker, but I would say he has a lot of upside potential. He did well as a Frosh and Soph and looked like a force at DT (with Taylor) but we’ll never know. He was in the wrong place, at the wrong time and did the wrong thing. He paid the price, right or wrong.
Meant Baker, not Evans.
The draft post from this morning scattered my brain.
I also haven’t had a cup of coffee yet.
You should have posted
the Evans reference at 4:20.
'People are about as happy as they decide they want to be'
by Pete the Streak on Apr 28, 2009 1:05 PM EDT up reply actions
lol
I’m with you there and I’m two hours behind ya. Thanks for the clarification, Kevin!
"They need a hero to tell them that the impossible can become possible..... WHEN... YOU'RE... AWESOMMMME!" -- Rhino the Hamster
by broncosmontana on Apr 28, 2009 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions
Thanks PaJoe
What was it — some sort of fist fight at a pool party? Girls/alcohol?
"They need a hero to tell them that the impossible can become possible..... WHEN... YOU'RE... AWESOMMMME!" -- Rhino the Hamster
by broncosmontana on Apr 28, 2009 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions
From the student paper
The Daily Collegian – this one sorta sums up all of the incidents that Baker found himself in. It was a couple of fights/physical altercations which he was involved. (The first one at the apartment stemmed from someone saying something about someone’s momma one of the player’s girlfriend.)
I think he just started to get in over his head in State College, and things kept snowballing for him. Maybe the move to Hampton helped him refocus his energies and what he wanted to do. In terms of on the field work, he was a great DT and a real force on the field. (Looking at the stats, it doesn’t look like he’s lost a step at all.) Another guy who, if he can keep his head on straight in the NFL, he may be a great steal as an undrafted FA.
"...You know, Reemer, someday I'm gonna own a big sports bar."
Thanks IG
for sharing your insight. Very helpful. I’m getting a better picture of the guy now, and I’m starting to feel a little hopeful for our future at NT.
"They need a hero to tell them that the impossible can become possible..... WHEN... YOU'RE... AWESOMMMME!" -- Rhino the Hamster
by broncosmontana on Apr 28, 2009 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions
My thoughts (if anyone cares)
Potential star, and I mean pro-bowler. He started on our loaded D-Lines as a sophomore, so he obviously is talented.
However, you should worry because of McDaniel. If the boy-coach is anything like Bilechick, then I hope Baker matured or he won’t last long with an uber-strict coach.
I lost some respect for him because he never accepted responsibility for his actions, instead he insisted he was a scapegoat who was wronged. I would believe this if he got in trouble once, but Baker had a history of questionable moves.
Thanks STU
Well, he certainly will get discipline under McDaniels and D Coordinator Nolan, but he also has guys like Brian Dawkins (now a Bronco!!!) and Champ Bailey to help him mature, if that’s still an issue for him. Time will tell I suppose — I really appreciate your insight as a fan.
"They need a hero to tell them that the impossible can become possible..... WHEN... YOU'RE... AWESOMMMME!" -- Rhino the Hamster
by broncosmontana on Apr 28, 2009 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions
OTL
Can anyone give me the nutshell on what happened with OTL and how it affected the school? I seem to have missed that episode. ; )
"They need a hero to tell them that the impossible can become possible..... WHEN... YOU'RE... AWESOMMMME!" -- Rhino the Hamster
by broncosmontana on Apr 28, 2009 10:32 AM EDT reply actions
And I apologize
for bringing up painful subjects. Much respect to your team and fans. I’m just trying to assess the guy who may be our one lingering hope for a run D this year, and I am incredibly grateful for the information you guys are sharing. Thank you!!!
"They need a hero to tell them that the impossible can become possible..... WHEN... YOU'RE... AWESOMMMME!" -- Rhino the Hamster
by broncosmontana on Apr 28, 2009 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions
I think you're getting a very good player, frankly.
And you have to think that he’s been significantly humbled by having to go through the free agent process.
Wish the Eagles had signed him. He can play.
"Never. We would never shoot nuclear weapons at Decepticons." -- Gen. Jack Jacobs
by Run Up The Score on Apr 28, 2009 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions
by the way
I just have to tell you how fortunate and grateful we feel to have Mr. Dawkins in our defensive backfield now. A great human being and the greatest safety of all time. It is clear to me that although he is excited to be a Bronco now, he will ALWAYS be a Philadelphia Eagle first and foremost. As it should be. He loves Philly fans beyond measure.
"They need a hero to tell them that the impossible can become possible..... WHEN... YOU'RE... AWESOMMMME!" -- Rhino the Hamster
by broncosmontana on Apr 28, 2009 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions
ahhh! run and hide!!!
this made me soooo mad. way to focus on just penn state instead of a overall problem all schools have to face. it’s not like this problem was an issue at PSU only. where’s the OTL piece on FSU?
"You can park wherever you want!" BWW09
"You want a donut, go to Dunkin Donuts. You want a linebacker, you go to Penn State."~Chris Carter
well said
Over at MHR, we’re constantly astonished at the shallow sensationalism of the MSM (mainstream media). I feel for you guys. We went through a little crisis of our own this spring — you may have heard. ; ) The MSM blew it all out of proportion and just about caused a civil war among Bronco fans.
"They need a hero to tell them that the impossible can become possible..... WHEN... YOU'RE... AWESOMMMME!" -- Rhino the Hamster
by broncosmontana on Apr 28, 2009 11:19 AM EDT up reply actions
yeah, the MSM has a way of blowing things out of hand
while no one wants to defend what the guys did by saying they didn’t do anything wrong, the piece definitely got blown out of hand (and was also a very one sided hatchet job. There were reports afterwards by numerous people who had been asked to be interviewed by ESPN, but when they said things that didn’t fit with the “JoePa has lost control of the program, and every player is a thug” message that the OTL crew was trying to send, then none of those interviews were used).
Other annoying parts about the whole issue was that they continually cited “arrests”, but conveniently forgot to post the convictions rate, or show how (thanks to our wonderful new District Attourney from the “legitimate” Bob Jones University) the arrest rates in the general student population for minor alcohol related crimes had increased, and these were a large percentage of what were reported in the arrest rate.
Additionally, a large portion of the charges that were reported came from 2 incidents (granted they were very stupid fights that involved a number of football players, some of which, like Justin King, were there supposedly to try to break things up).
Finally, no effort was made to compare what was going on at Penn State to what happened at programs elsewhere in the nation.
But that’s what you get, I guess, when your program comes off as “holier than thou” and something finally happens to draw the ire of the MSM.
by The JuggerNitt on Apr 28, 2009 1:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Thanks for the background
And after seeing the OTL piece, I am REALLY feeling for you guys. I sincerely appreciate your candor.
"They need a hero to tell them that the impossible can become possible..... WHEN... YOU'RE... AWESOMMMME!" -- Rhino the Hamster
by broncosmontana on Apr 28, 2009 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions
what was your favorite part?
mine was where they had the tools re-enact the apartment fight
by The JuggerNitt on Apr 28, 2009 5:25 PM EDT up reply actions
probably
when they showed zero respect or trust for Papa Joe, inferring first he was too old and had lost control of his program and then that he was making political power plays. That was really painful, pathetic journalism, imho.
"They need a hero to tell them that the impossible can become possible..... WHEN... YOU'RE... AWESOMMMME!" -- Rhino the Hamster
by broncosmontana on Apr 28, 2009 6:11 PM EDT up reply actions
using the j word extremely loosely, of course. Ick. I feel like I need a shower now.
"They need a hero to tell them that the impossible can become possible..... WHEN... YOU'RE... AWESOMMMME!" -- Rhino the Hamster
by broncosmontana on Apr 28, 2009 6:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Chris Baker at Penn State
I was the Defensive Coordinator for Chris at Windsor (CT) H.S. in 2003 and 2004. Chris is a fine student athlete, I also taught him in History class. Basically at PSU he was accused of being in 2 on campus fights. I think enough of Chris that I wrote a character letter on his behalf. However, due to the expenses of the legal process, Chris pled guilty to misdemeanors with the understanding that he would be able to continue his career at PSU…however once all the sht hit the fan (ESPN doing report on PSU supposedly being out of control last summer on OUtside the Lines)—-Paterno responded by kicking 2 players off the team, one being Chris. I felt that Chris was treated unfairly, however he thrived at Hampton.
I really believe that the charges against Chris were against the character that I had grown to appreciate while having him as a player and student.
i spoke to him last night and he is fired up to start with a clean slate. He is a FREAK of an athlete and I think will make people in Denver very happy for years to come.
by coachcohen on Apr 29, 2009 10:26 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Interesting prospective
I’ll not speak to his character except to say that 1 I have no reason to doubt any of the things you said, and 2 anybody can get cought up in a run in with police.
My understanding is that Chris got involved in another run in, after the OTL show, while hanging out with another kid who already had been kicked off the team (correct me if I’m wrong there), not really for anything that happened before the OTL piece aired.
I’ve said this before, there are no shortage of people who complain that Joe Paterno does not hand out discipline consistently. Unfortunately for them, they usually find themselves complaining about it someplace far away from State College. Of course, Coach Paterno has no obligation to hand out disipline in a consistent manner, and he evaluates each situation by it’s own merrits.
You have to admit, that for a kid that was already in trouble, to get caught up in another problem days after the OTL piece airred was could simply too much for the program to ignore. That’s a shitty deal for Chris Baker, no doubt, but you have to at least see the logic in the decision. They could have suspended him, but would be have been any better off than Maurice Evans? Who knows? At least he got a clean slate and a chance to play. And play well from what I have heard.
I’m glad that Chris did well after he left Penn State, and I hope that he has a highly successful pro career. If I’m a Denver Bronco fan I am pretty optimistic that I might have found a pretty good football player.
"I honestly think the "Spread HD" is going to work pretty well, and we’ll be just fine this year". - 8-27-2008
Thank you jesse!
Excellent points and very interesting insight on JoePa as well. I appreciate your time and the information!
"They need a hero to tell them that the impossible can become possible..... WHEN... YOU'RE... AWESOMMMME!" -- Rhino the Hamster
by broncosmontana on Apr 29, 2009 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Thank you coach!
As one of our regular contributors at Mile High Report likes to say, I’ll take the word of a coach over a media pundit any day. That’s about as good as testimonial as I can imagine any player having, and he was clearly fortunate to have you in his corner.
Very much appreciated and I’m glad I thought to post this question here. Fan bases can be funny in the way they can “knee jerk” someone perceived to have “character issues.” Fortunately, the Bronco fans over at our blog are generally big believers in getting all of the facts first. I think that bodes well, and the majority of us are quite excited about Chris and what he may be able to do for us against the likes of LDT and Larry Johnson! I’m wishing all the best for him, and would love nothing more than to see him fulfill his playing dreams in blue and orange one mile up.
Thanks again!!
"They need a hero to tell them that the impossible can become possible..... WHEN... YOU'RE... AWESOMMMME!" -- Rhino the Hamster
by broncosmontana on Apr 29, 2009 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions
just so you know
we don’t particularly want to see Larry Johnson stopped ;-)
by The JuggerNitt on Apr 30, 2009 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions
LOL
what was I thinking! Just wish he would have gotten his wish and ended up in some other division this year. The man is a monster when he gets behind a line that can actually block!
"They need a hero to tell them that the impossible can become possible..... WHEN... YOU'RE... AWESOMMMME!" -- Rhino the Hamster
by broncosmontana on May 1, 2009 6:23 PM EDT up reply actions
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