BU’s Termaine Baker: Small in Size, but Big in Strength and Character
Termaine Baker is arguably one of the best players on Bluefield University’s football team, and he has the accolades to prove it.
In his first year of college football, the offensive lineman from Norfolk, VA, was named Mid-South Conference Freshman of the Year, Second Team All-Mid-South Conference, and to the Virginia Sports Information Directors’ All-State Team.
“Termaine is a tremendous offensive lineman,” said Rams head coach Dewey Lusk. “He is usually the smallest lineman on the field, but don’t let that fool you, because he is normally one of the strongest and quickest linemen on the field. Last year before one of our games, the opposing head coach of one of the top teams we play asked me, ‘Who is number 69? That kid can play.'”
Before college and during his high school career, Baker was named First Team All-Tidewater Conference, First Team All-State, and First Team All-Region.
“Termaine is a very valuable member of our team,” Coach Lusk said. “Affectionately called ‘T-Bake’ by his teammates, he has earned their trust and respect. He did so well last year being lighter in weight that the offensive lineman all wanted to slim down so they could move as well as T-Bake.”
In addition to the individual accolades, Baker is no stranger to winning. Going back as far as middle school, he helped his team win the eighth grade championship, and then later during his senior year in high school he was a vital part of his team winning the state championship.
“He is a leader on our team on and off the field,” Coach Lusk said. “We have him for three more years, and I am glad he is on our team.”
The sport of football actually seems to run in Baker’s genes. When asked what his inspiration to play football was he replied, “Both of my brothers played and won rings, so I thought it would be cool if I had one, too.”
Baker added that he would love to win a championship ring with Bluefield and that he hopes to earn First Team All-American honors before he graduates.
In his free time he likes hanging out with friends, working out, playing video games, and traveling. In fact, he likes traveling so much that he said if football doesn’t work out in his future, then he would like to be a merchant seaman. If that doesn’t pan out, he wants to be a professional welder so he can “stack his money up.”
“Termaine is without a doubt a great player,” Coach Lusk said. “However, he is an even better person. He is always on time and doing the right thing. He has a tremendous work ethic and a desire to be the best he can be every day. In short, he is a person that cares and possesses high character.”