Baker Hopes to Pull Inside Job

Carlos Baker long ago proved he can perform in traffic, but lately opponents have successfully conspired to put him in a jam.

Baker, a Nevada Las Vegas junior, already is closing in on the school’s career receptions record.

A running back and defensive back at Burbank High, Baker was known more for his play in the secondary before joining UNLV. He had 19 interceptions in high school.

But once he suited up for the Rebels, Baker quickly became adept at running pass routes over the middle and finding the seams of defenses.

The 5-foot-10, 195-pound flanker has 118 career receptions, 38 behind Henry Bailey, UNLV’s all-time leader.

Baker was the Rebels’ offensive player of the year last season. He ranked 19th in the nation with 5.9 receptions per game, finishing with 71 catches for 887 yards and seven touchdowns.

Success has made Baker a defensive focal point in a Rebel passing attack that ranked ninth in the nation last season.

He has only 10 receptions for 150 yards this season, but he hopes to break out tonight when UNLV (2-2) plays USC (1-2) at the Coliseum.

“I’m just going to be patient and the catches are going to come,” Baker said. “I think USC’s a good team to do it against because they lock up on the outside receivers and leave the inside guys a lot of [space].”

Baker’s ability to catch the ball in close company sets him apart, Rebel Coach Jeff Horton said.

“Carlos is our tough guy; he works over the middle and he takes a pounding,” Horton said. “He’s not a blazer in terms of speed but he runs disciplined routes and he understands the system well.”

Led by sophomore quarterback Jon Denton, who set 10 national freshman passing records last season, UNLV’s attack takes what opponents concede.

These days, almost no one is giving Baker a chance to catch the ball. But there’s a trade-off--the Rebels are winning. Last season, Baker was a frequent target on a 1-11 team.

“We perfected how to lose,” Baker said. “I’d come out of a game with 10 catches but it didn’t matter. This year it’s the opposite because I might only have the opportunity for two catches, but we win.”

UNLV has little to lose tonight in the underdog role.

“I’ve told Carlos and the team that you don’t need to be Superman, you just need to make plays at your level,” Horton said. “As long as they have the lights on and they’re keeping score, we’re going to play to win.”

Baker is among 54 Californians on the Rebels’ 95-man roster. He will have about 30 friends and family members cheering for him against the program that produced Charles White and Mark Carrier, two of his childhood heroes.

“We played at Tennessee last year and got used to the crowd noise and the whole big-time experience,” Baker said. “The Coliseum’s going to be new, but we have to get over being big-eyed after the first play. The crowd isn’t going to be on the field with us.”

Good thing.

Baker’s got enough traffic to deal with.

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In the Game

Other Valley players on the Nevada Las Vegas team

* Right guard Mike Reily of Burbank, a junior who has started in 26 of his 27 career games.

* Senior linebacker Justin Simo of Newbury Park, a co-starter at middle linebacker who has made 25 tackles in four games.

* Junior backup quarterback Kevin Crook of Westlake.

* Reserve receiver Jason Toohey of Newbury Park, a senior who has four catches for 42 yards.