Since 2001, the U.S. Army All-American Bowl has showcased the nation’s premier high school football talent. The level of play in these games has demanded the absolute highest levels of mental, emotional and physical strengths for those participating. The expansive and continually growing list of prominent alumni featured in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl’s history stands as proof of this strength and the extraordinary level of competition. Some of the most notable All-American alumni include: 2007 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Adrian Peterson, Mark Sanchez, 2010 Defensive Rookie of the Year Ndamukong Suh, Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow, Andrew Luck, and Marcus Lattimore among many more.
Currently, there are more than 100 U.S. Army All-Americans playing in the NFL. During the 2011 NFL Draft, 28 U.S. Army All-Americans were selected, including five first round selections. An incredible total of 65 U.S. Army All-Americans have been selected in the past two NFL Drafts. More and more U.S. Army All-Americans enter the NFL each season as the Army All-American Bowl continues to produce some of the game’s brightest stars on its biggest stage.
2009 U.S. Army All-American
Oak Park High School | MI
- Baker averaged an amazing 11.3 yards per carry and gained 2,158 yards on the ground during his combined junior and senior years at Oak Park. He broke the 200-yard barrier in six games, including one 462-yard outburst.
College: Michigan State University
- Baker played in just eight games as a freshman but still finished second on the team in rushing. He saw more time as the 2009 season progressed, leading the Spartans in rushing in four of the final seven games and scoring his first collegiate touchdown in the Alamo Bowl. Baker claimed the starting job as a sophomore and never looked back, rushing for 1,201 yards and winning a spot on the All-Big 10 team. He is included on the watch lists for the Doak Walker (best running back) and Maxwell (best player) Awards.
