Ryan Baker '17 Recruiting Profile

I have had different coaches for all the years I have played football.  We had losing seasons until our current coach.  Coach Acri was my coach for my junior year and will be for my senior year.  Last year we went from a 0-10 season to a 6-4 season.  I have seen the difference a good coaching staff can make.  We truly became a team.  Coach Acri had us do things together besides football.  We took a camping trip together this summer and we went white water rafting.  Don't get me wrong we have been working hard all year.  He wants us to be the best and so that meant continuing to practice off season and even through the summer.  I loved it because I wanted to build on my skills which I feel didn't happen as much the years before.  It has been a great having the right coach which is why one of the big reason for the school I choose will be the coaching staff and the coaching style.  

My academics have also always been important to me.  I overcame needing learning support in elementary school to taking academic classes in middle and high school.  Being successful on and off the field is important to me.

I have an older brother who is severely autistic and non-verbal. I have always felt like the big brother and I have helped to care for him all my life. Having a brother like Kyle meant that as a family we had to make a lot of sacrifices.  It is one of the reasons I do not have a lot of extracurricular activities.  Kyle is unable to go out in the community.  It is hard for him to transition and would have behaviors that could cause him to hurt himself or others.  My Mom could not take me to practices because of this and my Dad was at work a lot.  He owns his own business.  My parents knew how much I loved football and went out of their way to make sure I could play.

My brother taught me not to take things for granted and that you have to work hard for the things that are important to you.  I can't wait to start playing for my senior year and try to make it the best yet.