NorCal sleeper drawing heavy interest

One player we had hoped to see at the NIKE Camp at Stanford back in May was Rocklin two way standout Chase Baker. An injury prevented Baker from working out that day but his recruitment is still in full swing as the talented lineman has a host of schools looking at him with two offers in hand as well.

Baker, 6-2, 260 pounds was a 2nd team all-state underclass selection a year ago as a multi-purpose player. He was named his league's defensive lineman of the year and also earned 1st team all-league and 2nd team all-metro honors as an offensive guard. He also led Rocklin to the section finals for the first time in school history.

The lineman finished the season with 52 tackles, six sacks, forced two fumbles and recovered two others. He's a weight room warrior and has set three school records with a 536 pound squat, 315 pound clean and 375 pound jerk.

"I also play rugby," Baker said. "I was named MVP of the All Star game and was chosen for the California Select Seventeen team to compete against other states. Football is my main sport though and what I want to do in college. I condition and weight train 12 months out of the year and just want the opportunity to contribute to a successful college program."

Baker has been offered by Boise State and Sacramento State and is also hearing from Cal, Army, USC, Fresno State, Washington State, Colorado, Oregon State, Nevada and Northwestern.

"My top schools right now would be Cal, USC, Penn State, Washington State, Boise State and Army," Baker added. "Right now, I'm in no hurry to make my decision but I would like to have it out of the way before the end of our football season in the fall."