Who is Ryan Baker?

            Who is Ryan Baker? This is a question I asked myself a year ago after visiting Dolphins’ training camp. I had just finished being a spectator of the practices and was getting a football signed by the likes of Coach Sparano, Jake Long, Donald Thomas, Vernon Carey, Nate Garner, Justin Smiley and Joe Berger, when wrapped up in the excitement I gave the football to an unknown player who signed the name Ryan Baker 90. I remember getting home and asking myself who is Ryan Baker, and decided to find out more about this unknown player on the Dolphins’ roster.

             At the time, the only information I found was that Ryan Baker was a defensive tackle out of Purdue who signed as an undrafted free agent with our Miami Dolphins, measuring 6’5 and weighing 295 pounds. I thought to myself that this guy was nothing more than camp folder, but Baker has done a good job of proving me wrong. During last year’s preseason games, Ryan began to stand out and impressed me with his bull rush and power. The Fins waived Baker during final cuts last year and signed him to their practice squad. I completely forgot about Baker until he was signed to the active roster the day before the Bills game in Buffalo last year. In that game, Baker again showed me his impressive bull rushing ability and power, and finished the game with a sack and two tackles. Though the competition he was facing was the Bills O-line, who was horrible last year, his willingness to impress when given an opportunity and ability to pressure the quarterback made me jump on this mysterious player’s bandwagon. I must admit that I am a sucker for underdogs. Ever since that game in Buffalo, I have made it my personal project to find out information on Baker and see if he has chance to make this team.

             Ryan Baker’s career began at Bishop Chatard High School in Indianapolis, Indiana. At Bishop Chatard, Baker was a four year starter and two-way player.  While at Bishop Chatard, Ryan was also a two-time captain, winning several awards including the 2004 Indianapolis Star 'Athlete of the Year’. He also led his team to three consecutive Indiana high school football class 3A state championships. Baker also performed in the 2004 High School U.S. Army All-American Bowl East Football team, which featured former Dolphins teammate Tedd Ginn and current teammate Chad Henne. If that was not enough, Baker also played basketball while at Bishop Chatard and won an Indiana high school basketball 3A state championship for his school. The kid was an athletic freak.

             Baker committed to Purdue during the 2003-2004 college recruiting season and turned down a scholarship from Notre Dame. At Purdue he chose to focus on football and manned the defensive tackle position for the Boilermakers. He finished his career as a Boilermaker with 86 tackles, one forced fumble and two interceptions.  One of the best bits of info I found on Baker was how it was a tradition in Purdue to have the "The Boilermaker" statue wear the number 90 jersey in honor of Baker's courage and Boilermaker style of football.

            Ryan finished last season on the Fins active roster and this offseason he is working on winning a roster spot once again. This year, Miami has plenty of depth along the defensive line and Baker’s chances of making the team appear slim, but I think Baker has what it takes to be a good player in the NFL and could make the Dolphins roster. His commitment to impress every time he is given a chance cannot be overlooked and his ability to play nose tackle and defensive end should help him make the Dolphins 53-man roster, especially with Jason Ferguson facing an eight game suspension. 

           This offseason, Baker has also caught the eye of Head Coach Tony Sparano during OTAs. In a recent OTA’s press conference, Sparano had this to say about Baker: 

 “He’s a young, developing player, so I hope he continues to develop.”

 “He’s gotten stronger right now; he’s gotten bigger physically, which was something that he had to do.”

 “We knew he had to get a little bit bigger. This guy did participate in some games for us last year and helped us out along the way there. He’s a guy that plays with a lot of intensity.  He plays with a really high motor, and he’s happy to do any job that you give him. My vision is that this guy just continues to develop. I want to see him continue to develop.”

             One cannot help but root for a player like Ryan Baker. He has the intensity, athletic ability and willingness to succeed. For those of you who had no idea who Ryan Baker is, I hope this bit of information has helped bring to light a player who may possibly be a member of our 2010 Miami Dolphins.

Roberto Yanes is a staff writer for FinHeaven and has bee a member of the site for six years under the name FinAtic8480. You can follow his popular commentary on your Miami Dolphins all year long here exclusively at Finheaven!

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