Bakker impacted the action on both sides of the ball as a Dike-New Hartford sophomore in 2025. On defense, the linebacker delivered 21.0 tackles, 13 of which were solo stops. He intercepted a pair of passes, posted a tackle for loss, recovered a fumble and forced a fumble. Bakker hauled 13 receptions for 141 yards and three touchdowns as a receiver. The 10th-grade highlight video opens with him lining up opposite an empty slot on the offense. He reads the swing pass to the running back, bursts forward and delivers a bone-rattling tackle. On the second clip, Bakker lines up in the slot as a receiver. He goes through his route, making himself available throughout it, before ending up being the best option. He hauls in a pass down the field for a long touchdown. Other clips playing offense make one think a future at tight end is possible. Overall, it’s a versatile skills set with a projectable frame and a bright future.