Jacksonville State University Athletics

Jesse Baker was a major reason Jacksonville State University advanced to the 1977 NCAA playoffs for the first time in history and came within a win of the Division II national championship. A rugged 6-foot-5, 245-pound defensive end with halfback speed, Baker led a defense that created game-turning big plays for an offense that needed little help that year. The former Rockdale County High School (Conyers, Georgia) star, who helped the Gamecocks go undefeated in conference play in 1977-78, was named Associated Press Little All-America twice. He was voted Most Valuable Defensive Player in JSU’s victory over North Dakota State in the Grantland Rice Bowl; the second round game of the NCAA playoffs.  

Baker was the envy of pro scouts by the time he completed his eligibility in 1978, and was drafted in the second round with the 50th overall pick by the Houston Oilers in the 1979 NFL Draft. He played nine years for the Oilers and one for the Dallas Cowboys before calling it a career. He made the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 1979 after 15.5 sack and a defensive fumble return for touchdown. A starter by the 1982 season, Baker would go on to start 57-straight games. He finished his pro career with 67 sacks and five fumble recoveries. 

Baker passed away in 1999 at the age of 41.