Elliot Baker to Alabama: Crimson Tide Land 4-Star OT Prospect

The Alabama Crimson Tide added some depth to their future offensive line Monday night. 

Offensive tackle Elliot Baker—a 4-star prospect in the 2017 class, per 247Sports’ composite rankings—took to Twitter to announce his decision to commit to Alabama:

The 6’7” 295-pounder played for City College of San Francisco and is the No. 2-ranked junior college recruit in the nation, the No. 2-ranked junior college offensive tackle and the No. 1-ranked junior college prospect in the state of California for the 2017 class.

Hank South of 247Sports reported that Baker decided to join the Crimson Tide while he was on campus for the program’s summer camp.

Baker described why Alabama was his favorite over the likes of Georgia, Oregon and others during the recruiting process, per South: “Besides the winning tradition and the titles, the fact that they’ve been proven to send guys to the NFL. They give their guys the most opportunity and exposure. When you play there, people are going to know who you are. That helps with the NFL.”

Bruce Feldman of Fox Sports thought the defending champions landed a “big pick-up,” noting that “some college coaches see this guy as the nation’s top JC OT.”

Hudl shared some of the highlights that helped Baker earn that distinction:

Drew Champlin of AL.com pointed out that Baker “fills a big need at offensive tackle,” as Cam Robinson probably won’t be on the team for the 2017 campaign because he is a highly regarded NFL prospect.

The Crimson Tide also dismissed offensive tackle Charles Baldwin earlier in the offseason, and Robinson is dealing with legal problems.

Robinson was arrested in May “on possession of narcotics” and for “possessing a handgun in the presence of narcotics,” per Michael Casagrande of AL.com. Casagrande noted Robinson “was also charged with felony illegal possession of stolen firearms.”

With Robinson’s immediate future in doubt and Baldwin no longer around the program, there will likely be an opportunity for Baker to play his way into the rotation and potentially fulfill his NFL aspirations.

He has the size to power his way through defensive linemen and create holes for Alabama’s rushing attack, which finished ninth in the nation in total rushing attempts last season. Baker fits into Alabama’s physical style of football and will have a chance to prove as much in 2017.