Baker to stay close to home

Running back Toney Baker has been one of the top prospects in the Class of 2005 on many schools recruiting boards for well over a year. He doesn't have an idea of where he'll attend college, but the schools at the top of his list aren't too far from home.

At 5-foot-10 and 215-pounds, Baker runs the 40-yard dash in 4.45 seconds and is one of the more powerful runners in the Atlantic East region. That combination of speed and strength have earned him an early spot on the Rivals100 team, and the title of the best back in North Carolina. Who are his leaders?

"I'm looking real hard at the two in-state schools, UNC and NC State," he said. "Virginia, Virginia Tech and Tennessee are right up there even with them. Those five are probably doing the best job of recruiting me. If I had to choose today it would be one of those schools, but I just don't know which one yet."

Will Baker be looking for a particular offensive style when choosing a school?

"No, I think all the schools that are recruiting me would give me a good opportunity to improve and do the things that I do well on the field. Tennessee and Virginia Tech run the ball a lot, UNC is making a commitment to running the ball and NC State and Virginia give their backs a lot of carries and chances to catch the ball."

Bakers plans on attending each of those schools before making his decision, and doesn't have a timeframe in mind. As a junior for Jamestown (N.C.) Ragsdale, Baker rushed for more than 3,400 yards and 41 touchdowns.