Baker picks Air Force

When Air force offered cornerback Kalon Baker of Fairburn (Ga.) Arlington Christian School last Thursday, he decided not to rush into a decision.

But it didn't take long for him to realize he knew where he wanted to go.

"I needed some time to think about things, but the next day I committed," Baker said. "I thought about it, and about all the benefits of being a military man and to serve my country. It felt like the right thing to do. I called [assistant coach Clay Hendrix) and he was very excited."

A two-year starter, Baker also had offers from Indiana State and Mercer, he said.

"The first time I heard from Air Force it was the beginning of the year," Baker said. "They sent me a recruiting questionnaire and I sent it back a few weeks ago. They called me last week. It was Coach Hendrix. He's the offensive coordinator, and I play a lot of receiver, too. He said he likes me there as well. He talked it over with the defensive coordinator, who's also the secondary coach. He said they both liked me and wanted to offer me a full scholarship."

Baker, who carries a 3.4 GPA, has not yet visited Air Force. He said he is likely to do so the weekend after national signing day.

Keith Niebuhr can be reached at Keithrivals@yahoo.com. You can follow him on Twitter @KeithRIVALS.