#81 – Dallas Baker, WR (2002-06)
Dallas Leon Baker of New Smyrna Beach, Florida played wideout under Ron Zook from 2002-2006. Interestingly enough, Dallas’ career spans three coaches. He was recruited by Steve Spurrier and signed onto Spurrier’s lastrecruiting class in 2001, but was relegated to a prep school for a year due toNCAA academic eligibility rules. By the time he returned to Gainesville to play football, Ron Zook had taken over the team. Under Urban Meyer, Dallas exploded as a playmaker by doubling his high mark in receptions in a year with 56. Dallas improved his grades enough to regain the year of NCAA eligibility he lost in 2001-2002 and became team captain, where he posted career highs for receptions (60), receiving yards (920), and receiving touchdowns (10) on his way to an All-SEC selection. Dallas helped the mighty Gators return to SEC championship glory by helping them defeat Arkansas in Urban Meyer’s first SEC championship (after a six year drought), and Meyer’s first national championship–this time over Ohio State. Dallas Baker the Touchdown Maker finally made the grade and earned a bachelor’s degree in health and human performance 2006.
