Reebok Top 25 Most Dynamic Athletes: Bishard 'Budda' Baker

The state of Washington has been home to a number of highly accomplished multi-sport athletes through the years, from Gene Conley and Ryne Sandberg to Nate Robinson and Jake Locker.

However, the 2013 sports season in Washington will feature a number of impressive two-sport standouts, led by Bellevue (Wash.) sensation Bishard "Budda" Baker.

The 5-foot-9, 175-pound member of the Class of 2014 has been a name that football recruiting and track fans alike have been well aware of for some time.

See our special Bishard "Budda" Baker photo gallery

Baker lines up all over the field for the Wolverines’ football squad, ranked No. 18 in the nation, and he’s equally versatile for the track team, having run the 100-meter dash, the 200 and 400  in addition to competing in the long jump.



See all the Reebok Dynamic Athletes
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Hometown: Bellevue, Wash.


School: Bellevue High School (enrollment 1,136)


Class: 2014


Sports: Football (running back, defensive back, kick returner), track and field (100, 200, 400, long jump, relays)


College plans: Baker is one of the nation’s most highly regarded football recruits, checking in at No. 64 in the Top247. According to the 247Sports Crystal Ball, it’s an Oregon-Washington battle for his services, though he has offers from nearly every Pac-12 school as well as Notre Dame.


Favorite athlete: Ed Reed, Baltimore Ravens safety. “People tell me I play like him. I just love watching him play because he can get a pick any time.”




Coach speak: “In my opinion, Budda is the best all-around athlete to come out of Bellevue and arguably the state in the last decade-plus,” Bellevue football assistant coach Matt Razore.{PAGEBREAK}

Bellevue assistant coach Matt Razore heaps high praise on Baker.

“I believe he has the chance to be one of the best college football players in the coming years. With good health and strong faith, he will one day play on Sundays,” Razore said.

As if Baker’s reputation on the football field was not impressive enough based on his role in leading Bellevue to two consecutive titles in football, Baker’s performance at The Opening raised his profile on the national level even more.

At both receiver and defensive back, Baker was electric, making big play after big play against the nation’s elite players, further bolstering an already impressive football resume, highlighted by the following:

- Sophomore starter on undefeated state championship team

- MaxPreps Sophomore All-American in 2011



- 2011 All-State Selection

- MaxPreps Junior All-American in 2012

- Ranked No. 64 in the 247Sports Top247 for the Class of 2014

- More than a dozen scholarship offers{PAGEBREAK}

Baker would have a future in track and field if he chose not to pursue football at the next level.

As a sophomore, he stepped up to the varsity team and helped Bellevue capture several gold medals.

With another year of track remaining, he has a chance to improve on his already-impressive personal bests.



- Ran 10.77 seconds in the 100 meters as a junior, capturing a Class 3A state title.

- Finished fifth in the Class 3A 200 meters final as a sophomore, recording a time of 22.3.

- Helped Bellevue capture state titles in the 4x100 and the 4x400 in both his sophomore and junior seasons.

- Finished third in the state long jump finals, registering a jump of 22 feet, 8 1/4 inches.
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