By Bob Sutton
Special to The Alamance News
Defensive back Khalil Baker has a different perspective on Elon’s visit to North Carolina Central on Saturday night.
Now with the Phoenix, he’s a former N.C. Central player who transferred to Elon during the offseason.
“It’s going to be exciting for me,” Baker said. “No bad blood, no grudges. Of course, when you get on the field, it may not seem that way.”
The non-conference game is set for 6:00 p.m. at O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium in Durham.
Baker switched teams, but holds valued relationships with the Eagles. He said he has been in touch this week with N.C. Central defensive back Kole Jones.
Yet Baker is hoping his presence pays off for Elon.
“I was a big part of (N.C. Central’s) defense,” he said. “I understand how their offense works. It’s going to feel like a spring game for me.”
Elon coach Tony Trisciani said the addition of Baker, who made a team-high 10 tackles in the opener against Duke, has provided a boost to a solid defensive backfield. Certainly, this matchup is interesting regarding the redshirt senior.
“For Khalil, I’m sure there’s a lot more going on in his world and in his head as he prepares for the game,” Trisciani said. “Khalil is a mature football player. He’s talented. He’s grounded. His head is going to be in the right place. If his emotions can be contagious around our team as we prepare for this game, that will only help us.”
Baker said selecting Elon from the transfer portal came in part because of a connection with defensive coordinator Dovonte Edwards, who was at N.C. Central during his recruitment out of East Forsyth, and the benefit of playing alongside All-American safety Caleb Curtain.
The timing of this game works out.
“I like that it’s early,” Baker said. “I can go ahead and get them out of the way.”
N.C. Central opened the season Sunday by defeating Alabama State 31-24 in the Orange Blossom Classic at Miami Gardens, Florida. The Eagles collected 11 tackles for losses in that game.
Elon was ambushed by Duke’s defense in last Friday’s 26-3 loss in Durham.
The Phoenix is expecting smoother offense.
“It was a good learning experience,” tight end Cody Hardy said. “Going against what might be some bigger guys and learning how to deal with that. … Hopefully, we’ll get the wheels rolling, keep them rolling and see what we can do with it.”
Elon has won five of six all-time meetings with the Eagles in Durham, but N.C. Central upended the host Phoenix 34-23 last year.
Trisciani has never been to N.C. Central.
“From what I hear, it’s going to be a fun place to play,” he said.
Baker is the only current Elon player having competed in a game at N.C. Central.
“It’s going to be hectic crowd,” he said. “They’re going to come out. The stadium, for sure, is going to be rocking.”
