After missing almost two complete seasons due to various knee injuries, North Carolina State running back Toney Baker was granted a sixth year of eligibility by the ever-benevolent NCAA.
Instead of taking advantage of that extra year, Baker will instead move on to the NFL.
Baker, who graduated from school last month, made the announcement via a press release.
“After talking to my family, my coaches and doing a lot of praying, I’ve decided that it’s time for me to pursue playing football at the next level,” Baker said in a statement released by the school. “It was a tough decision because I have loved my time at NC State and have really enjoyed playing for Coach O’Brien. But after weighing all my options, I think this is the right move for me at this time in my life.”
Head coach Tom O’Brien said he supported Baker’s decision and wished the back the best.
“We support Toney in this decision and wish him great success,” O’Brien said in his own statement. “He has been and will continue to be a great representative of NC State University and our football program.”
Baker finished his Wolfpack career with 2,045 yards, the 11th-highest total in school history. He led the Wolfpack this season with 773 yards.