Russellville High School senior Neyland Baker was celebrated by friends and family, teammates and coaches at a signing ceremony held at the Russellville Field House on Monday afternoon. The Golden Tiger offensive lineman signed with the University of North Alabama football program on National Signing Day on December 4th, taking the official step towards a long-time goal.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to play football at the next level,” Baker told the Franklin Free Press. “I only started playing football in the seventh grade, but this is pretty special. I’ve always enjoyed playing the sport, and my dream is coming true.”
Baker, a 2024 FFP All-Franklin County First Team selection, is fresh off an appearance in the AHSAA North-South All-Star Football Game in Mobile, where he helped the North All-Stars defeat the South All-Stars 45-24. In his final season with Russellville Baker was also a Class 5A All-Region 7 First Team offensive lineman, helping pave the way for a Russellville ground game that totaled over 3,100 yards rushing and tallied 41 touchdowns. Baker never allowed a sack in 2024 and he graded 93 percent for the year.
Baker credits his achievements in the game to his work ethic, and he believes that will prove to be a great asset for him when he makes the jump to Division I football.
“I bring a certain attitude to the table, I think. I’m gonna keep my nose on the grindstone and go to work everyday and go to war for my teammates,” Baker said. “I think if you ask anybody, they know I’m the hardest worker. I’m not a very vocal guy, but you can tell by my actions how hard I work and doing what I’m supposed to.”
Russellville head coach Dustin Goodwin concurs:
“(It’s) his work ethic. It doesn’t matter what he’s doing, he’s going to work really hard to be the best he can be,” Goodwin said.
Taking the leap from prep ball to the college ranks can be quite a challenge for players, but on the Russellville coaching staff Baker had a RHS alum and former Division I offensive lineman to mentor him. That apprenticeship , Baker believes, will aid him tremendously at UNA.
“Every single bit of coaching I’ve gotten from Austin Stidham (will help),” Baker said. “You know, he played college ball at Troy—he played for four years and was there for six. He’s very knowledgeable about the game. He’s taught me just about anything and everything that I need to know, so that’ll help me on the way to the next level.”
Baker, who currently plans to study business at UNA, still has his final spring semester at Russellville High School to look forward to, but when he does make the move to Florence next fall his expectations will be a lot of other new college students and athletes.
“I’m looking forward to meeting new friends, obviously,” he said. “I’m looking forward to traveling and meeting new people, and I’m looking forward to fulfilling my dream of playing college football.”
Baker and the Lions will travel to face Western Kentucky in UNA’s 2025 season opener on August 25th.
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