One of the top defensive backs in FCS college football has joined our Best In State preseason honors list.
North Carolina Central football senior Khalil Baker from Winston-Salem has been named the NC Football News’ Best In State defensive MVP for the FCS. (His Central teammate, quarterback Davius Richard, was named offensive co-MVP yesterday).
Baker is coming off a career season in 2022 which saw the personal and team awards roll in.
After helping the Eagles to a MEAC championship and an overtime victory over Jackson State in the Celebration Bowl, Baker was voted All-American by the AFCA and Associated Press, was named MEAC defensive player of the year and collected the Aeneas Williams Award (presented to the best HBCU defensive back in Division I). He was voted the defensive MVP of the Celebration Bowl, a game many expected previously unbeaten Jackson State to win.
Baker played big when it counted, including making 10 tackles in the Celebration Bowl. He picked off four passes during the season, taking one back for a touchdown against New Hampshire. He led the Eagles in tackles with 61 and was fifth in the MEAC in passes defended.
Baker starts this season in rarified air once again. He’s a preseason All-American from outlets like Athlon Sports, the Bluebloods and Phil Steele. And returns to the Aeneas Williams watch list and he’s on the preseason watch list for the Buck Buchanan Award (given to the top FCS defensive player).
NC Central will open the season against a school from Baker’s hometown, the Winston-Salem State Rams, on Sept. 2. Baker and the Eagles will appear on a more national stage later in September, playing at UCLA and facing off against Mississippi Valley State in the Circle City Classic in Indianapolis.
More HBCU Headlines From NC Football News
- Adrian Jones Takes Helm at Elizabeth City State: Can He Rebuild the Vikings?
Former Shaw Bears coach replaces Marcus Hilliard after three challenging seasons - Shawn Gibbs Era Begins at North Carolina A&T; Aggies Unveil 2025 Schedule
New chapter of A&T football will start Aug. 30 at Tennessee State - Wingate’s Marquise Fleming Repeats as D2 All-American; Four NC Players Honored
JCSU’s Benari Black also first-team; Catawba’s LJ Turner and UNCP’s Jo Hayes make second-team - Belichick-To-UNC Caps Latest Round of Coaching Hires Across North Carolina
ECU, Charlotte, App State, NC A&T find new head coaches; Davidson, Shaw, Elizabeth City State searches continue - LOOKING AHEAD! Early peek at 2025 NC college football schedule
Charlotte-App State, ECU-NC State to meet on Labor Day weekend
