Five-Star OT Sets Commitment Date

It looks like it is decision month for a top Oregon target. Making headlines on Thursday is the news Mater Dei (Calif.) offensive tackle Brandon Baker will make his college choice in September.

247Sports’ Greg Biggins first reported Baker will make his college decision on his birthday, September 24. His decision will air live on the 247Sports YouTube channel.

The 6-foot-4, 300-pounder is the No. 23 ranked player in the On3 Industry Rankings. Baker is the No. 1 offensive tackle in the country and No. 2 player from the state of California.

Oregon has been a mainstay in his recruitment dating back almost two years. But Texas, Ohio State, Georgia and Nebraska have also been pushing hard in recent months. My pick remains on Oregon today but right now it could be any of the schools mentioned above.

The five-star did not take an official visit to Oregon. He has taken multiple unofficial visits and noted seeing the campus enough not to warrant taking the OV. Up next is what appears to be his final official, ahead of the Sept. 24 decision, to Nebraska. The Huskers have come on strong this Spring and Summer for Baker.

Steve Sarkisian and Texas have had a lot of buzz with Baker the last 4-5 months. With Ohio State also ‘blowing him away’ on his official visit.

Currently the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine favors Oregon at 52%. But those percentages are heavily skewed due to picks I made nearly a year ago and also one by Josh Newberg. As his decision nears expect other predictions to begin filing in for the ‘assumed’ pick on the 24th.

On3 Scouting Report

High floor offensive tackle who is battle tested against top competition while playing at one of the nation’s top high school programs. Measured in at 6-foot-4.5, 300 pounds as a rising senior. Has good length for the position with a 34-inch arm. Lines up at right tackle for powerhouse program Mater Dei. Technically advanced and proficient as a run blocker. Understands technique, angles and hand placement. Shows developed footwork as a puller when working to the second level. Keeps his feet moving and uses his size and strength to create a push. Further along as a run blocker than pass protector at this stage but has the ability to improve on that front. Has a tendency to lunge at times in pass protection. Not overly flashy from an athletic standpoint and can continue to improve his lower body flexibility. Projects as a steady, safe offensive tackle prospect who could potentially play multiple spots on an offensive line.