Jungle Kats Sign Quarterback Brian Baker
January 22, 2007 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Cincinnati Jungle Kats News Release
CINCINNATI, Ohio - The Cincinnati Jungle Kats of af2, have announced the signing of quarterback Brian Baker. The 6-5, 250 lbs. signal caller threw for 2250 yards in nine games with the Everett Hawks (af2) last season. Baker's 250 yard per game average with Everett was the eight-highest per game average in af2 last season and his passing efficiency of 112.2 was the league's ninth-best.
Baker had numerous highlights last season, after being acquired from South Georgia early in the season. He completed 26 of 36 passes for 392 yards and ten touchdowns in a 69-68 loss at Spokane on July 22. Baker's eight touchdown throws and 353 passing yards were nearly enough to upend Green Bay, in a narrow 55-52 loss. His first game as starting quarterback in Everett resulted in three fourth quarter touchdown throws and rallied the Hawks from a 40-21 deficit at the start of the fourth quarter and rallied the club to a 41-40 triumph.
"Brian Baker is an experienced guy who has done the work to make himself successful," Jungle Kats Head Coach Tony Missick said. "With his size and skill, he is capable of doing great things for us."
The second-year af2 pro played collegiately at Austin Peay State University, starting for four years with the Governors. Baker holds the school career records for completions (488), attempts (838), completion percentage (.582), passing yards (5587), passing touchdowns (48) and passing efficiency (125.0). Baker also set single game records for completions (40), attempts (59), passing yards (438) and passing touchdowns (five). In 2001, he was selected second-team All-Pioneer Football League at quarterback and was an All-Academic team selection that same season. A holder of ten records at Austin Peay, Baker was a 1999 Honorable Mention Don Hansen Football Weekly Non-Scholarship All-American.
"I'm really excited about the opportunity to play for Coach Missick in Cincinnati," Baker said. "Things were really clicking on offense at the end of the year in Everett and I'm looking forward to being a part of this new team."
Baker broke his leg in his final collegiate game in 2001 and spent the next two seasons completing rehabilitation to get back in the game. He spent the 2004 campaign with Cape Fear and played 2005 between Quad City and Green Bay and spent time in the American Indoor Football League (AIFL) with Fayetteville. He started 2006 with South Georgia before being traded to Everett.
Season ticket applications are now being accepted for the 2007 Cincinnati Jungle Kats season. Season tickets can be purchased for as little as $80. The season opens on Saturday, March 31, when the Quad City Steamers roll in to town for a 7:30pm tilt. Call the Jungle Kats ticket department at 513-381-TURF for the details.
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