Interview: 3-Star 2022 New York QB Tyler Baker Lays Out Camp and Recruiting Visits Schedule

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

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A freshman season with 900-plus passing and over 600 yards rushing with 21 total touchdowns got people’s attention. That awareness was raised to another level as a sophomore completing 152 passes for 1,830 yards with 14 scores while rushing for 925 yards crossing into the goal line 12 times. The five-game 2020 New York season for Canisius High School did not slow the progress of Tyler Baker. The three-star recruit showed great progress and college programs are liking what they are seeing.

The Crusaders came out firing during the 2020 season taking on Monsignor Martin League competition thanks to the play of their field general. Baker (6-0, 185) posted an estimated stat line of 900-plus yards with 10 scores and rushed for 300 more adding three additional touchdowns on the board.

The play on the field has drawn four offers with interest spreading like a wildfire throughout the region. Those college coaches wanting to see the skills in-person are about to get their wish. Baker has already competed at a West Virginia camp and has a summer schedule filled with college camps and visits.

In an exclusive interview partnered with QB Hit List, Baker made a stop at the RNG Lounge for an in-depth look at his play on the field and itinerary in June and July.

*Follow the link to view Tyler Baker’s QB Hit List profile page

Interview

Tyler, watching game film on you, the words tough, gritty, and competitor kept popping into my head. How would you describe you play on the field?

My play is about leadership. I will fight for the extra yards for my team and I have a win at all costs mentality. During our five-game season, I wanted to win that championship for my seniors; whatever it takes. If the pocket breaks down, I will run and dive for that first down. Whatever it takes.

The Crusaders’ passing attack looks wide open; what is the philosophy of the offense?

We are more of a Spread, but we can go no huddle if needed. We catch teams off guard, especially when they are tired. Our offense is a 10-personnel. We have a tight end that is really good. He was a big factor in our offense and we could use him in the pass game too. We had a really good running back too.

Given your dual-threat abilities, how do your skills fit this style of play in the Spread?

I can run the RPO (run-pass option). My best attribute is when the pocket breaks down. They may think my goal is to run, but I keep my eyes downfield looking to make the play. My awareness is an asset. If a guy is coming off the edge, I can make a move on him. My speed and awareness are my best attributes.

When you wrapped the 2020 season, what did you feel were the strengths to your game as a passing quarterback?

During the long offseason, I worked on my pocket presence and throwing from the pocket. As mentioned, I keep my eyes downfield. During my sophomore year, I was kind of pressure happy and would escape too early. This season I sat back in the pocket and trusted my offensive linemen. I knew who was being picked up and who wasn’t, who was coming, and where they are coming from.

What are the key parts to your game that you are tweaking and/or fine-tuning this summer?

I still want to become a better passer from the pocket, I can move outside the pocket, but I want to get better with that. What I want to increase the most is probably my completion percentage and making the right reads. My QB coach always says take what is given, and not to try to take the shot all the time.

When you are working with your QB trainer what drills or parts of the game are you guys focusing on?

We work on everything. The modern stuff, off-platform throws and stuff like that. I am a different type of quarterback than a pro-style. He’ll have me move around, shuffle, and escape, a lot of the modern stuff you see now a days.

Are there any college camps coming up on your schedule?

I went to Toledo on Friday. I visited Robert Morris on Monday, they offered me, then I went to the West Virginia camp.

Competing at the WVU camp, how did that go?

It was really good. But it was really hot. I think it was 100 degrees. At the camp, I talked with Coach (Scott) Gasper (RC) a lot; he wanted me out there for the coaches. Schools are looking at me as a 2022-23; I can do a post-grad year. I threw well even though I had a pulled quad. With my pulled quad, I couldn’t run the 40; that killed me. I had a decent time, but not close to what I wanted.

What 40 time did you post?

A 4.79, but my official is a 4.55 laser time.

Nice. What other college camps might you attend?

I am attending Akron’s camp on the 10th. I had a prior workout set with Navy on the 14th, but I think that will be pushed back because of my quad. We may be doing it on the 26th. Jackson State, I was invited by their offensive coordinator, that’s on June 18th. I will visit with Colgate on the 21st, Monmouth on the 24th, and Columbia and Fordham on the 25th. Harvard, Dartmouth, Princeton, Yale, and UPenn are in July; I might do those camps. And I am visiting Columbia on the 25th.

Wow. You will be very busy. Which programs are showing interest?

Navy is showing a lot of interest, I have been talking to them for a while. Toledo too. Jackson State, they want me out there. Their QB coach really wants me there. And I have been talking to Akron for a long time.

How many offers do you have now with Robert Morris?

Four: Columbia, Monmouth, Pennsylvania, and Robert Morris

You lined out all those camps with some visits mixed in, are there any other schools you might visit this summer?

Yes, I might go to Villanova in July, maybe UConn, and some of the other Northeast schools. I am still trying to figure out my schedule for July.

Tyler, I am excited to find out how all the camps and visits go for you this summer. Thanks for your time today, and keep us updated on everything.

Yes, sir. Thank you.

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Photo credit: Baker family; Tyler Baker