The biggest draw with Baker is his true positional versatility. It’s not just that he can play all five positions, it’s that he has played all five positions. Watch his film this year, and it can be hard to find him, because he lined up at both tackle positions and right guard, just as a senior. He’s still growing, and as he continues to develop in the weight room, he can become a future stalwart at nearly any offensive line position.

Nate has been a big reason why the Sabres have had a strong season so far, helping lead them to a 7-2 overall record. Nate showed throughout the offseason some hard work at camps and showcases, flashing excellent athleticism in pass protection and good base fundamental footwork through drills. Those things have carried over on film this season, where Nate is consistently winning his matchups week in and week out, no matter who the opponent is.

Nate shows some good technique in pass protection and has shown some impressive positional versatility on film this past season, showing the ability to play all three positions on the offensive line. I like Nate’s footwork and the mentality to put defenders in the dirt on every rep he gets. Nate has received offers from East Carolina and Charlotte in the past, and his recruiting attention will come – once he gets out to some college camps this spring and summer, he should get some more interest and offers to come his way.

Nate earns this Junior Bowl selection for a couple of reasons. First of all, any offensive lineman who can play all three positions up front at a high level in high school is an impressive player, and that is who Nate is. Nate received some early offers from Charlotte and East Carolina and should see more coming his way after another All-Conference season for the Sabres. Nate excels with his athleticism in space and he is nasty in putting 2nd and 3rd level defenders in the ground. Nate also does a good job in pass protection, and he can do it all in the run game as well.

Baker has the ability to play both center and tackle and while he played left tackle sparingly last season, but thrived at center. His snaps could use a bit more consistency, but he’s a strong run blocker on the inside and has great size for that position. I think he eventually projects as a guard or tackle long-term, but his versatility is a huge plus for recruiters.