KILMICHAEL – The Montgomery County Hornets will look to Ryshawn Baker to lead the team on defense during the 2017 season.
The 170-pound junior has played a significant role on the team since his eighth grade year, and Hornet Head Coach Al Dotson said the Hornets were able to capitalize on Baker’s size and quick-footedness during the 2016 season.
“Last year, he was a nose guard. We tried to use his quickness to get into the back field. We tried to use his size,” said Dotson.
Baker’s swiftness racked up numbers for the Hornets on defense, according to Dotson.
“He was probably my first or second guy leading in tackles,” said Dotson. “He usually plays hard and gives great effort.”
That effort spills over into training as Baker has been a driving force during workouts throughout this summer.
“He is an inspiration to the guys in the weight room,” said Dotson. “He’s put on all muscle in the weight room.”
Baker said he works hard simply because he wants to improve his team while competing in the sport he enjoys.
“It’s just a sport I like to play. I like to support the team and my school in many ways,” said Baker. “I’m trying to get my teammates involved and change the way other schools think of us. I want them to know it’s going to be a dogfight when they play us.”
Dotson said he expects Baker’s role to expand this season.
“This year, I was planning to use him more as a stand-up position – outside linebacker or defensive end,” said Dotson. “There’s a possibility of playing him on offense this year.”
With only about three seniors on the team, the Hornets will look to Baker to stand out this year as a key competitor.
“I expect him to be a leader on defense, making a lot of fumble recoveries and tackles,” said Dotson.
Baker has proven to be an excellent student and player at MCHS, eager to learn in the classroom and on the field, according to Dotson.
“He’s the type of football player you want to coach,” said Dotson. “He’s energetic, and he wants to play.”
Baker said he hopes to begin his college career at a community college, majoring in Welding Technical Engineering, and later attend a four year school.
