Playing against a team that recruited him as a senior at Canfield High School, Ball State University safety Sean Baker's second collegiate start Saturday finished as the game of his life.
The redshirt freshman tied Ball State's single-game record with three interceptions, returned a third-quarter fumble for a 33-yard touchdown and led the Cardinals with nine tackles. His performance earned him the distinction of becoming the first Ball State player to be named the National Player of the Week by the Walter Camp Foundation.
Perhaps even more special for Baker was the contingent of 40 friends and family members who made the half-hour drive on Interstate 76 from Canfield, Ohio, to Akron.
"Too many," quarterback Nate Davis said, poking some fun at the hometown boy. "He used up all the tickets."
Baker didn't mind the ribbing. Hollywood couldn't have written him a better script in Ball State's 41-24 victory at Akron.
The first-year player shrugged his performance off as simply being in the right place at the right time, but coach Brady Hoke said his safety's play was more special than dumb luck.
"He put himself in the right place at the right time," Hoke said. "There's something to be said about that."
Hoke said Baker's knack to be involved in every play is a credit to the natural instincts. It's those instincts, Hoke said, that have earned Baker playing time.
"Some guys understand the game a little better than others," Hoke said. "Some learn a little better than others. So there's a combination of things."
Baker said his approach is to play within the defense, relying on his teammates instead of attempting to make plays on his own. His teammates expressed how happy they were to see the safety play the way he did.
Fellow secondary member B.J. Hill called Baker's performance every defensive back's dream.
"Sean had a great game," Hill said. "He played with a lot of energy. He played with a lot of emotion. And you could see it out there on the field today. Three picks and a fumble recovery for a touchdown? I mean, it doesn't get any better."
It might not get any better than the National Player of the Week honor, but that doesn't mean his teammates are ready to settle for anything less. Senior linebacker Bryant Haines said he'll look for the same effort beginning this week in practice.
"After [Saturday], I expect it every week," Haines said with a laugh. "I'm going to be asking him for it every week."
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