Toney Baker: Uncut Interview

Q: Going back to last year you had a procedure, can you talk about that?

Toney Baker: Yeah, well, in 2007 I was injured in October and the next camp they had to go in and clean out some cartilage because it over grew and trim it down. So that put me out for that season.

Q: Did the doctors really think that just cleaning out your cartilage would put you out as long as it did?

Toney Baker: You know I had to rebuild every thing and get my leg strong again, and that stuff takes time so you know it took time for my quad to get up to strength and you know, we just had to play it smart.

Q: How have you been able to stay motivated after continuously getting bad news. What has motivated you to keep coming back?

Toney Baker: Well, you know when you're away that long, you really find out how much you love the game of football. Really, the main thing for me was setting small goals and after reaching those goals it gets you motivated to keep on going, getting back into playing shape.

Q: What was the main things you worked on this off-season to get back into shape?

Toney Baker: Really, just dedicating my life to the strength and training programs, and I'd say that's pretty much it. That, and catching balls and getting used to the football again and just working my way back slowly.

Q: So how is the leg feeling now?

Toney Baker: Man, I feel fantastic. I feel like Toney Baker, which is great. I'm running with a lot of power and i just feel great...I think that I'm 100% and I think Coach O'Brien would tell you the same thing.

Q: What are your expectations for yourself and for the team?

Toney Baker: For the team, I have high expectations, but for myself, I just want to put myself in the best position, body and mind wise, to help this team. Whatever happens from there, happens, but you know I expect this team to take it one day at a time and one game at a time.

Q: Can you talk about Taylor Gentry (FB), and how he's emerged and earned a scholarship, and leading the way for you guys?

Toney Baker: I tell you what...he's a monster. He's put on some weight and he's just a great blocker, great at pass protection, run protection, I have all my faith in Taylor, he's going to be my lead guy.

Q: Do you feel as if you need to prove yourself all over again?

Toney Baker: I think you have to every year, you know, whether you're injured or not. That is the thing with this program, no matter what you do, you have to come in and earn your spot and prove yourself.

Q: How is your relationship with Jamelle Eugene? Do you guys really push each other, seeing as you are both fighting for the same position?

Toney Baker: Oh yeah. All the backs . We all push each other you know, we all want each other to succeed. We're also trying to push the young guys because we know that they're going to be the future of this program, so we really help each other out.

Q: With two very capable running backs, and an extremely mobile quarterback, what are the chances we might see a few "Wildcat" sets?

Toney Baker: Haha, I have no idea. You'll have to ask Coach O'Brian or Coach Bible about that, but I certainly wouldn't mind doing it.