Did you know? His name is Bishard but when he was born his mother thought he looked just lika a Buddha doll, so his name is effectively Budda now (he doesn't like to be called Bishard).
Budda Baker was a champion sprinter in high school. As a senior, he collected 1st place in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay, as well as 2nd in the long jump in the State Championship meet. He was a 2 time 100m champion having won the race as a junior also.
He played 3 years of varsity ball and was the best player on a team that was undefeated every year (14-0) as he led his team to 3 consecutive state football championships. He played safety, running back, and returned kicks and punts as a senior earning the Seattle Times state male athlete of the year award, while bringing home several other hornors such as King Co. defensive player of the year, punt and kick returner of the year, Max Preps and Parade all American.
Budda Baker committed to Oregon before switching to in-state Washington on the eve of signing day in order to be closer to his sick mother. Washington coach Chris Peterson also played a big part in recruiting Baker by telling Budda he was going to build his defense around Budda. Budda wanted to play for a winner but he made a sacrifice to be closer to home and signed to play for Washington.
Peterson made good on his promise to build his defense around Baker. Budda was coached by Jimmy Lake, who was a Buccaneer DB coach under Gruden and Morris. As a junior, Budda was thrust into the role that Ronde Barber used to play in the Bucs defense, studying many hours of Ronde Barbers game film. That is why he looks like Ronde Barber on film. This payed off big time for the Huskies as Baker led the team in tackles and Washington had their best record in years (12-2) and were one of only four teams who made the college football playoffs. Despite losing to Alabama in the 1st round, Baker had a great game putting up 6 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 PBU and 1 sack in his final college game.
