Clinton Athletes in College: Desmyn Baker

By Datti Jinkiri

Desmyn Baker (Courtesy of Rice University Athletics)

A popular sports saying is “offense sells tickets, while defense wins championships”. Clinton High School graduate Desmyn Baker would probably agree with this statement.

Baker was a two-way player in high school. He was a MAC Class 6A All-State selection at both receiver and linebacker, plus he featured in the Mississippi/Alabama All-Star Game. However, it was the linebacker position that he pursued at the next level.

That decision has looked to be the correct one, as Baker finished a solid two-year career at Northwest Mississippi Community College. He tallied 64 total tackles, six tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries, an interception, and a blocked kick during his time in Senatobia. He was also a key defensive component of the 2020 MACCC Championship-winning Rangers team.

At the conclusion of his sophomore season, Baker earned a plethora of individual honors. He was named All-MACCC North Division Defensive Back MVP and earned spots on the Mississippi Gridiron MACCC All-Gridiron Team and JCGridiron.com Fall All-America Team.

Baker showcased his ability on the biggest stage, most notably in the 2020 MACCC Championship Game against Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. He led the team in tackles for the second time that season, racking up eight total stops in the Rangers’ 40-13 title-clinching victory.

Baker’s hard work culminated with a move to a Division I program, as he was the first Ranger football player from the 2020 team to sign to the next level. He signed with Rice University, a team that plays in Conference USA. The Owls finished with a 2-3 record in a shortened season last year, but their defense ranked twelfth in points allowed per game. Baker spent spring practice with the team, so he will have a great opportunity to contribute to the defense right away in this upcoming season.