Indy DE Picks Notre Dame

Indianapolis (Bishop Chatard) All-American Ryan Baker ended his recruitment this week by giving Tyrone Willingham his verbal commitment.

Ryan Baker, a 6-foot-6, 240-pound defensive end from Bishop Chatard was one of the most recruited prospects in the Midwest in 2003.

Baker was a four-year varsity starter for Chatard, was named all-state the past two seasons and also led his team to back-to-back state titles.

Ryan played tight end in the Army All-American Bowl earlier this month and he had scholarship offers from schools in each of the “BCS” conferences.

He could have played his college football in any part of the country if he chose to do so but he’ll only have to drive 3.5 hours north of Indianapolis to South Bend where he’ll call Notre Dame home for the next four years.

“It was the toughest decision I’ve ever had to make.” Ryan Baker said. “I became close to the coaches at Purdue. It was very tough leaving those guys. Purdue came in a close second by a few points.

“Notre Dame had the best combination of athletics and academics. A Notre Dame degree opens a lot of doors.”

Ryan Baker is a super get for the Irish. He’s a gamer who doesn’t take a down off. The Notre Dame fans will love Ryan’s motor and relentlessness. He’s a very good edge rusher, has a huge wing span and uses his hands well.

The recruiting process for 17-year old young men and their families can be fun at first but can also get hectic after a while. In all my years covering recruiting I’ve only had one other family (T.J. Duckett) who I felt handled this process as well as Ryan Baker.

I personally would like to thank the Baker Family for their support and understanding that we had jobs to do and for making Ryan available to us. Ryan best of luck to you as you begin the next chapter of you life at Notre Dame, I’m sure you’ll make everyone who knows you proud.

Subscribers of TheInsiders.com can see an article about Ryan Baker’s accomplishments on page. 28 of pre-season Recruiting Magazine.