Bellevue Wolverines 2014 graduate Budda Baker is thriving in the world of collegiate football with the University of Washington Huskies football program.

Baker, who is in his second season starting at safety with the Huskies, registered eight tackles and one pass breakup in the Huskies landmark 17-12 win against the USC Trojans on Oct. 8 in Los Angeles. The game, which was featured on a ESPN Thursday night telecast, was the kind of triumph that could undoubtedly have positive repercussions for not only this season, but beyond for second year head coach Chris Peterson and the entire program.

“It was a very big win for us. They are a great team and were ranked 17th in the country,” Baker said via a phone interview on Oct. 13.

Baker said it felt good to get back on the field after missing the Sept. 26 contest against California due to an ankle injury. The difference between having Baker in the game against USC and not having him against California was evident to Huskies fans across the Pacific Northwest region. The Bellevue 2014 graduate is simply a difference maker and it showed against the Trojans.

“It was real nice to get back on the field. The trainers did a great job and got my ankle good enough to play. It was a matter of getting my strength back,” he said.

The Huskies (3-2) will host their arch-rival, the Oregon Ducks at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 17 at Husky Stadium in Seattle. Most Huskies I fan know consider Oregon to be an even bigger rival than the Washington State Cougars in Pullman. However, Baker said they look at every game the same no matter who they are facing.

“For us, every game is the same. We take each game one at a time. The next one is Oregon and after this game it will be Stanford and after that game it will be whoever is next,” Baker said.

The sophomore starter said covering is probably his best attribute as a defensive back but he also relishes the role of tackling ball-carriers as well.

“I take a lot of pride in making tackles. Even though I have a small structure and a small frame, I still try to ramp up and get the ballcarrier down,” he said. “My goal this year is to keep getting better each day. Especially for the DB’s (defensive backs). You can only control what you can control.”

Baker said playing close to home is a dream come true.

“I go home and visit my mom on the weekends when I can. I know even though its still just a bridge away (520 bridge) she still really misses me,” he said.

Shaun Scott: 425-453-5045; sscott@bellevuereporter.com