SANGER – Star receiver Bryson Baker recently announced where he’s taking his play-making abilities as he prepares to embark on his college career.
The Apaches’ standout receiver intends to continue his football career at the University of Utah in 2025. Baker initially signed with Utah on Dec. 4, but waited to make the announcement at his 18-year-old birthday party on Saturday, Dec. 7. Like he did to so many of his opponents on the gridiron, Baker initially faked everyone out when he donned a UCLA hat. But then, he pulled off his sweatshirt to reveal a t-shirt with the University of Utah logo on the front.
Baker originally received offers from the University of California, UCLA, Michigan State and Utah. He also considered offers from Fresno State and Nevada.
“I picked Utah because the coaching staff, they’ve been there for a while,” said Baker. “I just feel like the coaches were going to help me, on and off the field, become a better man.”
Last summer, Baker postponed his college announcement to focus on improving his play during his senior season. Baker’s decision to put in the extra work paid off as he became the main focal point of a prolific Apaches’ offense. His standout performances on Friday nights also garnered attention from several schools in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), Big Ten and Big 12 conferences.
Baker is ranked as the No. 61 football prospect in California and the No. 105 receiver nationwide. During his career with the Apaches, Baker was known for his electric, play-making abilities as both a wide receiver and a runner.
As a pass catcher, Baker made the acrobatic catches look routine and once he hit the open field, he couldn’t be caught. In his senior season, Baker grabbed 35 passes for 575 yards and six touchdowns. But as a runner, Baker proved to be more dangerous and elusive. He rushed for 873 yards and scored an astonishing 18 touchdowns.
“I think my skills are different from other receivers because I can find other ways to get on the field,” said Baker. “I can go to slot, I can go to wideout – I can even go to quarterback, to be honest.”
Utah receivers coach Alvis Whitted ended up getting Baker’s final seal of approval. Whitted, a former receiver for the Oakland Raiders, has coached 10 former receivers that were drafted into the NFL. Two of those receivers – Jalen Cropper of the Dallas Cowboys and Arron Mosby of the Green Bay Packers – are former Apaches.
Sadly, Baker discovered that Utah released Whitted from his coaching duties. But despite the loss of Baker’s main influence, he still believes in the abilities of the current head coach, Kyle Whittingham.
“He was a good influence on his players and how they all looked up to him,” said Baker. “Coach Whittingham is an amazing guy – he, too, was a main reason in my decision.”
According to Baker, the Utes have plans to utilize him primarily in special teams in his first year. But he’ll get his chance to show what he can do on offense with the right kind of plays.
“I think my first year, I’ll be in special teams,” said Baker. “They said they’ll love me playing running back or receiver. They’ll love to put me anywhere.”
Utah has a proud tradition of producing prolific, high-scoring offenses in big game moments. Back on New Year’s day in 2005, led by former San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith, the Utes blew through the Pittsburgh Panthers 35-7 in the Fiesta Bowl. And in 2009, under current head coach Kyle Whittingham, Utah tasted the sweetness of a 31-17 victory against Alabama in the Sugar Bowl.
However, Utah has recently hit the skids in their bowl success, having lost their last five consecutive bowl appearances since 2018. Utah was expected to be one of the most explosive teams in the newly-aligned Big 12 conference in 2024; however, injuries to many of their notable offensive players, including star quarterback Cam Rising, left the Utes stumbling to a 5-7 record.
Utah hopes to return to their high-scoring ways next season with Baker as one of their key difference- makers. Baker is the 22nd commitment in Utah’s 2025 recruiting class. His combination of speed, athleticism and size, could make him an impact player as a freshman.
Baker knows what he can provide Utah next season. And when that happens, the Utes could become a relevant college powerhouse sooner, rather than later.
“I can provide being a great person, a great man and a great leader,” said Baker. “Just doing whatever is right for the team, and making plays.”
