Login to view embedded media
UCF made a big-time summer addition from the transfer portal in
Javon Baker, a former four-star wide receiver who had spent the last two seasons at Alabama.
As a freshman with the Crimson Tide in 2020, Baker saw action in nine games with two catches for 15 yards. Last season in 12 games, he reeled in seven receptions for 101 yards and a touchdown. He has also played special teams.
Baker originally was set to transfer to Kentucky, but following a change of plans committed to UCF in June.
The Georgia native has already drawn rave reviews for his play early in preseason camp, particularly for his playmaking ability to go up and pull down catches while being covered. Those are usually called "50-50 balls," but
Mikey Keene says with Baker it's more apt to say "75-25."
Baker said he knew
Gus Malzahn from his high school recruitment, so a relationship was already in place when he was looking for a new home.
"UCF reached out. One of my best friends,
Kobe Hudson, told me it would be a good match. In high school, we almost went to the same high school so now we're matched up at UCF."
Hudson of course is UCF's wide receiver transfer from Auburn who enrolled in January. Baker said he's been friends with him for about five or six years.
"He was recruiting me when I came back to the portal," Baker said.
Baker said it's been a good start to camp so far.
"We should be a good team," he said.
Why does he pride himself on?
"My hands and my routes," Baker said.
Soccer was the first sport he ever played before picking up football. He started playing wide receiver when he was 12.
His favorite wide receiver growing up was
A.J. Brown who played at Ole Miss and was recently traded from the Tennessee Titans to the Philadelphia Eagles. Brown's collegiate position coach is now Baker's position coach.
"Coach
(Grant) Heard was coaching him (at Ole Miss)," Baker said.
How does he like working with Coach Heard?
"It's been good. Great coach."
What has seen from the offense?
"All I know is it's gonna be a special year. I can't wait for Sept. 1."
What does he want to accomplish this season?
"I just want to win with the team," Baker said. "That's all I want to do. I'm not a 'I want to accomplish stuff' type person. I'm a team player. I want the team to win. When the team wins, I win."
Does he envision a competitive rivalry with friend and teammate Kobe Hudson?
"Me and Kobe compete every day. Literally, every day. We live in the same apartment together. We compete like who's going to go up the stairs faster after practice. We just compete every day. That's what I love about Kobe."
How is he liking UCF?
"Everything good. Laid back, that's how I like it. All I've been focusing on is football."
What does he think about the quarterbacks?
"Both of them are good. Both of them can play. Both can throw. Both of them are talented."
us-cert.cisa.gov
R
