Ryan Moffett is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Xavier Prep for AZPreps365.com.  

Garrett Baker, a dual-sport athlete for ALA Gilbert North does it all for the Eagles, from spiking footballs to sprinting in spikes.  

aker grew up playing flag football and decided to give tackle football a shot in seventh grade. Since then, he has put his athletic abilities on display for both football and track fans. 

Now, Baker is a junior playing his second year of varsity football and is also a varsity sprinter for the Eagles’ track team. Baker believes that his experience in track has helped him out on the gridiron. 

“Track has definitely helped with my breakaway speed in football,” said Baker. 

Anthony Garrels, a longtime friend and teammate of Baker on both the track and football team, notices Baker's speed on gameday. 

“He’s always all around the ball,” said Garrels. “He’s locked in when he is on the field.”

Baker is coming into his own this year as he is tied for the most interceptions on the Eagles this season with two picks. His preparation leading into games has helped him reach his season total from last year in just five games.

“I try to watch a lot of film on the other team's receivers,” said Baker. “I talk to the defensive coordinator about what positions I should be in to make the most plays.”  

The player tied with Baker for the most interceptions is none other than his friend since eighth grade, Garrels. Anthony claimed to be vocal with Baker about taking the interception lead back. 

Baker isn’t just an undersized defensive back making plays on the ball, he can also be a disruptive defender through his physicality. 

“I like to jam receivers off of the line and make their job harder,” said Baker. “I  would say I’m on the smaller side, but I like to match that with my speed and being physical.” 

Although Baker may sound like an intimidating player on the football field, his teammates refer to him as a jokester and kind person. 

“He’ll pick you up if you get down,” said Garrels. “He’s someone that’s always there for you.” 

His teammates appreciate his character and how he makes them better through practice. Eagles’ wide receiver, Cam Shepard talked about his battles with Baker in practice. 

“He’ll win some, and I’ll win some. It goes back and forth,” said Shepard. “It’s definitely competitive every single time we go against each other.” 

Baker will look to push himself and his teammates as they begin the backend of their season. Once football is over, Baker will jump to the next sport with little time for rest. 

“I get no breaks from sports, but I love that,” said Baker. 

Baker finished last track season with the best times on the team in both the 100 and 200 meter events. Baker’s best time in the 100 was 11.37 seconds and his best time in the 200 was 23.34 seconds. 

For the upcoming season, Baker wants to “try and break 11 (seconds) this year” as he has aspirations to head to the state meet. 

Baker isn’t letting his aspirations get too far ahead of him as he is still focused on football and his weekly matchups. If his breakout football season is any indication of what track season has in store for Baker, Arizona should be on the lookout.