The recipient of the ACC’s 2009 Brian Piccolo Award as
the league’s “most courageous” player, Baker graduated in
December.
“After talking to my family, my coaches and doing a lot of praying,
I’ve decided that it’s time for me to pursue playing football at the
next level,” said Baker “It was a tough decision because I have
loved my time at NC State and have really enjoyed playing for Coach
O’Brien. But after weighing all my options, I think this is the
right move for me at this time in my life.”
Baker returned to the field in a big way in 2009 after missing almost
two complete seasons with a knee injury, leading the team in rushing,
ranking third in scoring and fourth in receiving. He finished the
regular season ranked sixth in the ACC in rushing with 64.4 yards per
game, ninth in all-purpose yards (94/game) and tied for seventh in
touchdown scoring (4.5/game).
He finishes his career ranked 11th in
school history with 17 career rushing touchdowns and 11th in rushing
yards with 2,045.
“We support Toney in this decision and wish him great success,”
said head coach Tom O’Brien, who is on the road recruiting. “He has
been and will continue to be a great representative of NC State
University and our football program.”