- Name: Jay Todd Baker
- Position: Punter/Kickoff specialist
- College: Southern Arkansas University
- Height: 6’4
- Weight: 210
- Twitter: JayToddBaker1
- Instagram: jt_baker13
What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2027 NFL Draft?
What makes me a top prospect going into this 2027 draft is my ability to able to adapt to an ever changing environment, my consistency placing the ball where it needs to be, and my drive to want to achieve the best version of myself everyday.
Tell me about a time you faced adversity and how you responded?
I have always had adversity through my career whether it was Covid, technique changes, or waiting for my time to shine. Recently the biggest adversity I’ve faced is recovering from an ACL tear last season after having a stand out year to pushing through this year in a short amount of time to be ready for my last season. My response has stayed the same through it all, put your head down and grind to control what I can control. It has always been to play fast and hit everything I do hard.
What are your hobbies outside of football?
I like to stay active by playing other sports like basketball, volleyball, and pickleball. I do like to workout and run on my free time as well. Other hobbies consist of hanging with friends and playing cards.
What role do you see yourself playing at the next level?
A role I see myself at the next level is my role now really just trying to be the best team player and competitive I can be each and every day.
If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?
I would donate to the Breast Cancer Foundation for the support to better advancements and research for future patients and people. My mother passed away with breast cancer when I was 7, so I want to be able to help in that way so people don’t have to experience loss of a family member from that disease.
How do you handle coaching, especially criticism or being corrected repeatedly?
I think being coachable is the biggest thing being an athlete trying to chase each level of sports. I am very coachable and take criticism well because it is there a reason and outside experiences, perspectives, and knowledge is always helpful taking that in each aspect of my game or life.
Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?
There are so many guys on the team that are underrated but the one I’m partial to is my deep snapper Caleb Phillips. That man is the hardest worker you will meet who has mastered his craft into one of the best snappers I’ve ever met. He is pinpoint accurate and powerful with each snap and I know that will take him far.
If you could have dinner with three people, dead or alive, who would it be and why did you choose them?
Pat Mcafee, Kobe Bryant, and Shane Gillis. Pat because our punting styles and I think personality wise we are similar individuals. Kobe for his thoughts on the love, mentality, and toughness of the game. Shane because he is a chill and funny comedy that I know he will make me laugh.
If you were benched tomorrow, what would be the most likely reason?
It would be based on performance whether or not my knee was bothering me during season still recovering from an ACL tear.
Walk me through your typical pre-game routine?
Night before I will go through recover with ice and heat on my knees and hamstrings. Waking up going straight into a morning stretch with music playing in the background of my speaker system. Couple hours before the game I tape both my wrist and write the same messages on each side. The left side is who I kick for and right side is everything I have been taught mentally during games. I check the kickoff spots on the 35 yard line to see if my plant is good there or if there are any holes. Go out and warm up for punt then kickoff. Before running out for the start of the game headset on listening to music with eyes closed and a prayer before on the 10 yard line before the game starts.
What is your favorite snack food?
Not a big snack guy but I do like to eat Cheeto puffs and uncrustables.
What scheme do you feel you fit the best in?
I am good with traditional punt going directional right and left but I am very adaptive and can fit other schemes like Aussie roll out with rugby.
What is your degree in?
Bachelors of Exercise Science
What would be the first thing you buy with your first NFL check?
A truck if I haven’t already. Either a Ford or a GMC
Describe a time in a game where you feel you made a mistake, and explain how you bounced back?
Second game of last year where I had a punt blocked and I thought it was my fault. After that moment I made sure to have a chip on my shoulder that I would control everything I could on the punt even if the block wasn’t on me. I want my skill to rise above other mistakes that might take place.
Name three songs, we can expect on your playlist?
Save me by Chief Keef, Animal I Have Become by Three Days Grace, and No Sleep Till Brooklyn by the beastie boys
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